The Fall 2006 meeting of the Ohio Association of Conservative Congregational Christian Churches was held October 14, 2006 at Christ Memorial Church, Robertsville, Ohio, Rev.Jeff Lord, Pastor.
Persons in attendance: Marshall Pierson, Pilgrim Fellowship, Bellefontaine OH; David Lippert, Emmanuel Reformed Church, Marion OH; David Brand, Advocate Enterprise, Howard OH; Carlos Acosta and Timothy Prince, Wildwood Chapel, East Canton OH; Franklin Shannon, Cooperative International Studies, Ravenna OH; Ted Wahl and Jeff Lord, Christ Memorial Church, Robertsville OH; Tom Maurer, St John’s United Church of Christ, Kenton OH; Rae Maurer, First United Church of Christ, Marion OH; Paul Wells and Rod Edwards, Parkman Congregational Church, Parkman OH; Phil Ross, Marietta OH; L. David Dake, First Congregational Church, Lodi OH; Peter Parry, Jones Rd Congregational Church, Cleveland OH; Steve Carmany, United Church of Huntington, Huntington OH; John Hood, Howard OH.
Worship: Rev. Jeff Lord, utilizing Acts 6:1-6, made the morning presentation concerning the marks of a healthy church. Applying the text to contemporary situations, Jeff highlighted several items,including: identifying and defining problems; setting priorities; choosing persons of integrity; giving sufficient weight to prayer and ministry of the Word. Jeff also pointed out that healthy pastors facilitate health in churches, and that healthy churches are marked by people getting saved routinely and by term limits for office holders. Thank you, Jeff, for a very helpful presentation!
Following the morning session was a wonderful lunch provided by the ladies of Christ Memorial Church. Thank you very much!
Afternoon session topics included: reasons for the existence of the Ohio association;
- why the paper concerning Bible translations was defeated at the 2006 national meeting of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference;
- how to stimulate Ohio minister and church delegate attendance at regional meetings;
- ways to strengthen bonds within Ohio; the ever-present danger of relinquishing congregational decentralization and process in favor of centralized, hierarchical structures which may impair the congregational way among the churches;
- the meaning of “authority” in congregationalism, historically understood.
Motion Carried: that the Ohio Association review in the coming months the defeated paper concerning Bible translations and then determine whether the Ohio Association should adopt the paper as a position paper for Ohio Association purposes.
Ohio Association Constitution: Rev. Phil Ross will ascertain the feasibility of posting the constitution on the Ohio Association web site.
Cooperative International Studies: Franklin Shannon advised that the Russian work is drawing to a close, with an extant body of theological literature to be entrusted to the seminary grads to in turn use for instruction of future students via external studies programs; Franklin also disclosed that C.I.S. is being invited by 8 churches in Jamaica to establish among them a training program for aspiring pastors; opportunities also exist in Ukraine, which are yet to be utilized.
Election of Officers: the following individuals were elected for a 12 month term of service: Moderator: Dr. John Hood; Vice Moderator: Rev. L. David Dake; Treasurer: Rev. David Lippert; Secretary: Dr. Marshall Pierson.
Alternative Basic Ministerial Education (ABME): Mr. Ted Wahl, under the mentorship of Rev. Jeff Lord of Christ Memorial Church, was interviewed by the Executive Committee and others in attendance concerning his progress and identified areas for further development. The interview concluded with several of the ministers in attendance volunteering to be available to Mr. Wahl as resource persons in cooperation with Rev. Lord. It is anticipated that the program of academic and practical training will approximate a basic Bible college education. It is anticipated that a Certificate of Completion will be awarded under the auspices of the Ohio Association upon the demonstration of competencies in each of eight identified areas deemed necessary for basic preparation for parish ministry. This program is intended to provide a viable educational and practical training alternative to Bible college or seminary for the older, non-traditional student who is gainfully employed in order to support a family. Please be in prayer support for Ted as he seeks to answer the Lord’s call upon his life via parish or other professional ministry.
Submitted by:
Marshall Pierson, Secretary
10/15/06