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Dr. Thomas E. Armiger
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Highlights and Reflections of Eastern Area 2009 District Conferences
While flying home from the last of my district conferences this past week, I once again praised my Lord Jesus for giving me strength and safety as I flew and drove throughout the Eastern United States during the months of June and July. I must thank Him and the leaders of each of the 11 districts for what I witnessed and heard at each district conference: Wesleyans who demonstrate through action a passion for serving our Lord through the ministries of The Wesleyan Church; a love for each other within the body; a God-inspired desire to tell the good news of Christ’s saving and sanctifying work accomplished at Calvary; a willingness to heed Christ’s command to go into all the world and make disciples; and to humbly accept Christ’s teaching that whatever we do for “the least the these,” we are doing such for Christ Himself!
I must also thank the Lord for protecting our home and two sons, Jonathan and Jeremy, who again lived at home and worked throughout the summer. Jon will begin his second year of law school later this month at Indiana University Mauer School of Law in Bloomington. Jeremy will be a junior at IWU this fall, where he is majoring in Christian Ministries and Religion and Philosophy as well as minoring in Biblical Literature. Our oldest son, Josh, continues serving in management at the Sam’s Club in Lafayette, IN.
Of course, Vangie and I are disappointed that she was able to attend only four of the eleven conferences this summer. During the Chesapeake Conference in late June, she came down with a case of shingles, of which she is mostly recovered though still experiencing lingering pain; thankfully, the treatment for this pain allows her to function normally once again, and if this relief continues, she will resume her teaching duties at Heritage Christian School next week. Vangie wishes to thank each of you for your continued prayers for her full recovery from shingles and its resulting neuropathic pain, which with the Lord’s healing touch will end sooner rather than late.
We love each of the district superintendents and spouses of the Eastern Area as well as all those who faithfully serve alongside each district leader to accomplish the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment! I also want to thank each district for the wonderful lodging accommodations, great meals, goodie bags, and above all your acceptance of us into your backyards as we play and work together to help build the kingdom of God through The Wesleyan Church!
Tom Armiger
Below, I am sharing a few highlights and reflections of the 2009 district conferences:
Penn-Jersey June 10 and 11, 2009
District Superintendent Harry Wood and wife Alice
Location – Christ Wesleyan Church, Milton, PA, Pastor Arlie Davis
This multi-cultural district encompasses churches in New York City, roughly half of Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Conference began with a district family celebration banquet, during which Dr. Wood presented many awards, including one to Bruce and Doreen Shannon, lay persons of the year from Bethany Wesleyan Church in Cherryville, PA. As founders of the compassionate ministry “Through These Hands,” the Shannons operate a very successful ministry of distributing medical supplies to hospitals and clinics around the world.
A celebration rally followed the banquet, during which cardboard testimonies were shared by the people of Christ Wesleyan as the congregation sang "We will remember the day I was saved." Dr. Wood then preached a stirring message, reminding us that “though these are difficult times, this is not the only time that times have been difficult." Using the lives of Biblical men and women to illustrate his point, he boldly claimed that "God does some of his best work in the worst of times."
In sharing the work of the district’s 74 churches, DS Woods highlighted the goals of the district’s strategic plan, Mission 20/10, established in year 2000. The most notable achievement to date is the reporting of 12,964 conversions, already surpassing the goal of 7,000 converts by 2010. A second notable achievement is the planting of 30 churches over 10 years, 17 in Penn-Jersey and 13 overseas, including the establishment of Venezuela as a fully established mission field in 2002.
We rejoice with Dr. Wood and the Penn-Jersey District in realizing the highest morning attendance and highest church membership in the history of the district this last conference year. It will be my privilege to ordain seven persons during the ordination service scheduled for this fall. Special thanks go to Pastor Arlie Davis and the people of Christ Wesleyan who hosted the Penn-Jersey rally and conference. The Wesleyan Church is indebted to you and your servant hearts for serving us in this manner<./em>
Western Pennsylvania June 14 and 15, 2009
District Superintendent Randy Swink and wife Gayle
Location – Hyde Wesleyan Church, Clearfield, PA, Pastor Bob Croft
Western PA’s conference activities began with a mission rally featuring the message of Dr. Jim Lo and the presentations of the district’s involvement in global missions. The following day began with the inspiring report of DS Swink as he challenged the delegates to continue their support of the district’s passion to be a Missional Multiplication Movement. Energy and enthusiasm for the Lord’s work in Western PA and around the globe permeated the conference from beginning to end.
As a district of 28 churches, the Western PA experienced a minor loss of morning worship attendees but experienced a gain in the number of converts over the last year. We applaud the planting of a new church this past year as well as the ongoing church planting thrust of the Western PA district. We also rejoice with the district in the ordination this fall of three persons and the commissioning of one special worker. Special thanks is extended to the pastor and people of Hyde Wesleyan Church for hosting the district’s missions rally and conference. Thank you for your servant hearts!
Central New York June 20, 2009
District Superintendent Wayne Wager
Location – Grace Lee Memorial Church, Beavers Dam, NY, Pastor Matthew Pickering
The Central New York Conference convened in the beautiful newly built sanctuary of Grace Lee Memorial Church. The delegates’ love, appreciation, and support of DS Wager were shown at various times and by various means throughout the conference, each time expressing their deep sympathy for DS Wager’s loss of his wife Pat this past year after her long battle with cancer. An extended standing ovation after DS Wager’s yearly report expressed their admiration of his continued and dedicated leadership despite his personal pain and loss.
The conference delegates rejoiced in the planting of four churches over the last five years and the increase of morning worship attendance from 5,636 to 7,889 in less than ten years. Of the district’s 50 churches, 14 churches grew more than 5%, and seven of those grew more than 10% in their morning worship attendance this past conference year. The Karen work established last year continues to expand with the conference voting with affirmation to establish a Burmese Bible school within the district. The number of conversions reported was 558; an increase in the number of baptisms over last year was also reported with praise. Seven ordinands will be ordained during the ordination service to be held in the fall. Special gratitude is extended to the pastor and people of Beavers Dam Church for graciously hosting the 2009 Central New York District Conference.
North Carolina West June 22-24, 2009
District Superintendent Jerry Lumston and wife Jean Ellen
Location – Metro Conference center in Hickory, North Carolina
The Metro Conference center in Hickory, North Carolina, came alive during the rally held the evening prior to conference proceedings the next day. Dynamic praise and worship was led by Shady Grove Wesleyan’s worship team and band, and Spirit-filled preaching was heard by rally speaker, Dr. H.C. Wilson.
Conference convened the following morning, with DS Lumston giving his first annual report since his election last summer. In this excellent report, Lumston reported significant growth in several areas during this past year in its 102 churches: the worship attendance increased from 8,865 to 8,948; the number of conversions increased from 579 to 739; covenant members now stand at 10,062. Nine men and women were ordained into The Wesleyan Church ministry during the ordination service Tuesday evening. On a personal note, I was privileged to ordain Mark Tolan, the husband of my niece, the former Erin Woodbury. Mark is the son of Southern Wesleyan University’s missionaries in residence, Dave and Donna Tolan.
I thank the Lord for pouring His Spirit upon the North Carolina West District as it strives to fulfill its commitment to a renewed vision with renewed vigor!
Chesapeake June 28 and 29, 2009
District Superintendent Stan Hoover and wife Debbie
Location – Emmanuel Wesleyan Church in Salisbury, MD, Pastor John Bunting
An inspiring Sunday evening rally launched the 2009 conference of the Chesapeake district, highlighting the district’s commitment to the Great Commission through ministries of evangelism and compassion in local churches, individual neighborhoods, and countries around the world. The commitment to these three targets was shared through video, music, and three special speakers. During this service, DS Hoover presented several special awards. Following the service, the conference joined the Hoovers and their two sons and families in celebrating Stan and Debbie’s 40th wedding anniversary.
DS Hoover targeted several growth indicators in his district superintendent’s report following the convening of conference Monday morning. Over the last ten years, the district has experienced a 62% growth in Sunday morning worship attendance, growing from 6,000 to over 9,602. This last year alone saw a growth from 9,418 to 9,602 in number of attendees. This last year also saw growth of conversions from 1,205 to 1,415. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness!
The Chesapeake District is made up of people in 66 established churches and two church plants, both begun in the last year under the auspices of mother church LaPlata and its pastor Mike Hilson. Both church plants are averaging around 200 in weekly attendance! Leaders of this district are also firmly committed to target and train leaders for the kingdom; this commitment was illustrated by the ordination of five persons and the commissioning of one person. Thank you, Pastor Bunting and the excellent staff and people of Emmanuel Wesleyan in Salisbury, MD, for hosting conference in 2009! Your hospitality is greatly appreciated!
Central Canada July 3 and 4, 2009
District Superintendent Donald Hodgins and wife Diana
Location – Silver Lake Camp in Ontario, Canada
Held on the campgrounds of Silver Lake Camp in beautiful Ontario, Canada, the conference was once again upbeat and enthusiastic under the leadership of district superintendent Don Hodgins and his leadership team. Hodgins’s leadership is recognized and greatly appreciated as illustrated by the strong support afforded him during his renewal of call by the District Board of Administration and District Conference. DS Hodgins introduced teaching sessions taught by different pastors throughout conference; these sessions highlighted the “eight characteristics of healthy churches” as coined by Natural Church Development.
Central Canada has much for which to thank the Lord: Its 48 churches have increased in total membership by 70, from 2,203 in 2008 to 2,273 in 2009; conversions increased from 167 to 227; and of the 11 districts in the Eastern Area, it was one of only two districts to pay 100% of its United Stewardship Fund assessment. Thank you, Central Canada for your faithfulness in difficult financial times. Along with planting two new churches this year, Central Canada also ordained three persons during the ordination service.
Due to the district’s commitment to plant churches and see Wesleyan Church growth in Canada, DS Hodgins shared his vision for such when giving his report: “Canada needs a renewed effort to be made by the Wesleyan Church to reach the people of Canada. This new strategy by The Wesleyan Church must include the creation of new districts with new leaders who have a God-given calling to those areas. In the case of the Central Canada District, it is very clear that the district must be broken down so as to provide a more concentrated approach to reaching the people of Quebec and Ontario and now western Canada.” Praise the Lord for working among the Wesleyans of central Canada.
Atlantic July 9-11, 2009
District Superintendent David LeRoy and wife Joanne
Location – Beulah Camp in New Brunswick, Canada
The Atlantic District is privileged to minister to people living in the Canadian Maritime provinces of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Labrador, some of the most scenic geography in the world. The district’s historic camp and conference center, Beulah, lies next to St. John’s River in the province of New Brunswick. A wonderful spirit of Christ radiated throughout the conference, which was held during Beulah Camp under the ministry of camp speakers Jim Lo and Steve Wingfield.
DS Dave LeRoy began the 121st conference with his report, which highlighted the theme “Catch men. Bear fruit.” Many of the Atlantic District’s 63 churches have seen pastoral transition during the last three years: 36 in the last three; 27 in the last two; and 18 in the last year. Despite the chaos that change can brings, or perhaps because of the excitement that change brings, the Atlantic District experienced a small growth in primary worship service, from 9,079 to 9,106. Giving to global evangelization reached $1,129,404, and the district’s USF income reached an all-time high of 93.1%. DS LeRoy reminded the conference that winning souls and making disciples remains the primary task of the church. During the conference, DS LeRoy received an extended call with a 95% vote.
Moncton Wesleyan Church broke the 2,000 barrier this year with an average primary worship attendance of 2,016 under the leadership of Pastor Laurel Buckingham. This is the first church in the history of the Atlantic District to break the 2,000 barrier! Congratulations to Moncton Wesleyan and the Atlantic District for this significant milestone. Another important tradition of the Atlantic District is the ordaining of persons to ministry; the tradition continued this year as five persons became ordained ministers in The Wesleyan Church.
Shenandoah July 13 and 14, 2009
District Superintendent Greg Reynolds and wife Becky
Location – Parkway Wesleyan Church in Roanoke, Pastor John Ott
It was great to be back in the Shenandoah District, which includes the states of Virginia and West Virginia. The Praise Gathering began Saturday evening with a concert by the Talleys followed by Sunday through Tuesday night rallies featuring guest speaker David A. Leeder, Nazarene pastor originally from England.
Conference convened Monday morning with DS Reynolds’s report highlighting several dashboard indicators, indicating a 5% growth in primary worship attendance over the last eight years. This past year, the district grew from 5,947 to 6,096. The average number saved grew from 720 to 903 during the same time. The number of baptisms in the district’s 71 churches increased from 257 to 307. Two persons were ordained during the ordination service and one church was planted in Chesapeake, Virginia.
During the conference, DS Reynolds received an extended call with a 93% vote. Since my ministerial membership is in this district, I am proud to call Greg Reynolds my district superintendent and to have the privilege to vote. Under Becky Reynolds’s leadership, the spouses of ministers in the district enjoyed a delicious luncheon on the Monday of conference. Thank you, Becky! Pastor John Ott and the gracious staff and people of Parkway Wesleyan are to be commended for their servant hearts in hosting the district activities during these days.
North Carolina East July 15 and 16, 2009
District Superintendent Dan LeRoy and wife Cynthia
Location – newhope Church in Durham, Dr. Benji Kelley, pastor
What a joy to attend the North Carolina East Conference at the brand new facility of newhope Church. From beginning to end, the pastoral staff and dedicated core of volunteers did a superb job of hosting the conference on this beautiful 36-acre campus, to which the church moved in March. A beautiful spirit of praise to the Lord and celebration of His faithfulness permeated the conference.
DS Dan LeRoy shared an excellent report entitled “Wouldn’t It Be Great?” reporting on six strategic initiatives: 1) Conversion growth – the district’s 75 churches saw conversions increase from 926 last year to 1,339 this year; the number of baptisms increased from 326 to 641; 2) Conserving our holiness heritage-emphasizing the identity of the district and denomination; 3) Connecting as a district family – primary worship attendance grew from 8,803 to 9,340 with a Easter high attendance of 12, 149; 4) Connecting with our churches down east and 5) Commitment to plant new churches – the Evangelism and Church Growth Board under the leadership of Ernest Mullins has targeted eastern NC communities for church plants; three church plants were launched this year in this targeted area; and 6) Commitment to healthy churches – leading a refocusing effort and intentionally placing interim pastors in needy churches. Special thanks are extended to Pastor Benji Kelley, the pastoral staff, and core of volunteers of newhope Church for hosting the camp and conference for North Carolina East District!
Eastern New York/New England July 22 and 23, 2009
District Superintendent Paul James and wife Susan
Location – West Glens Falls, NY, Fire Hall
Clearly surprising and delighting the conference gathered in West Glens Falls, DS Paul James delivered his first report as district superintendent of the Eastern New York/New England district dressed in army fatigues. Sounding the battle cry, he stated the district’s present reality of decline in several areas, clearly defined the mission and how it will be measured, and launched a five-year strategic plan. James believes the mission will best be accomplished by addressing four focused areas: 1) Teambuilding; 2) Leadership Development; 3) Resourcing ministry; and 4) Reaching the summit of church multiplication. This five-year plan will be measured using four dashboard indicators: primary worship attendance; new converts; baptisms; and tithes and offerings.
The district’s 48 churches reported the following statistics: 253 conversions, a primary worship attendance of 2,665; and 1,881 members. Two persons were ordained into Wesleyan Church ministry during the ordination service. In keeping with the battle plan, James launched a vision fund to raise funds for church planting. The district also sponsored a one-day training session on Thursday with Nelson Searcy honing in on church evangelism and assimilation. As DS James laid out the mission and battle plan for the ENY/NE district, the sense of enthusiasm and excitement felt by these great soldiers was evident. May the Lord’s richest blessing be on this district! A big thank you goes to Rev. Dean Brown and the wonderful people of Glen Falls Wesleyan for hosting the conference, ordination service, and training day!
Western New York July 24, 2009
District Superintendent Neil Koppen and wife Lin
Location – Hamburg Wesleyan Church, Hamburg, NY, Pastor Greg McClain
It was an honor to once again lead the Western New York District Conference and worship in the outstanding Hamburg Wesleyan Church, a beautiful complex located in a suburb of Buffalo, NY. After hearing the State of the Church address, the conference was blessed by participation in a time of worship and observation of communion.
DS Neil Koppen then gave an excellent report, clearly addressing some of the district’s declines and challenging the delegates to return to the priority of reaching the lost. Later in the conference, Koppen expanded on DBA initiatives to assist churches and pastors to better fulfill the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment. The district’s 34 churches reported 927 conversions with 190 baptisms, a worship attendance of 8,031, and a total membership of 3,321. Four persons will be ordained into Wesleyan Church ministry during the ordination service scheduled for this fall.
Western New York district actively involves itself in community and world missions: 204 persons participated in short term mission trips; giving to Global Partners increased by 8% over last year’s giving; and the conference heard an inspiring report of The Urban Task Force, which assists the district’s inner-city and community development ministries.
Thank you, Hamburg Wesleyan pastor, staff, and people for hosting district conference again this year in your wonderful sanctuary and fellowship facility!