General Conference | July 26-29, 2022 | Black Mountain, NC Plans continue for the EMC General Conference 2022 at Ridgecrest Conference Center Please meet Ed Stetzer, Ph.D., one of the featured speakers for General Conference 2022. Dr. Stetzer serves as the Dean of the School of Mission, Ministry, and Leadership at Wheaton College, and as Executive Director of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center. He has planted, revitalized, and pastored churches, trained pastors and church planters on six continents, has earned two master’s degrees and two doctorates, and has written hundreds of articles and a dozen books. He is Regional Director for Lausanne North America and publishes research through Mission Group. He is a contributing editor for Christianity Today, a columnist for Outreach Magazine, and is frequently cited in, interviewed by, and writes for news outlets such as USAToday and CNN. He is the Founding Editor of The Gospel Project, a curriculum used by more than 1.7 million individuals each week for Bible study. His national radio show, Ed Stetzer Live, airs Saturdays. He also serves as Visiting Professor of Research and Missiology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Visiting Research Professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and has taught at many other colleges and seminaries. He serves as teaching pastor at Highpoint Church located in Naperville, IL. Dr. Stetzer will be teaching and preaching during two General Conference sessions. Children’s & Youth Ministry Update: In the September Kerusso, Dan and Shan Rose with DEEP Ministries (Discipling Encouraging Equipping Partnering) were introduced and announced as the leaders of Kid’s Kamp for Nursery and Children’s Ministry. They will not only be leading Kid’s Kamp, they will also be providing all the workers needed. Youth activity plans are also under way for General Conference 2022. Jonathan Moore, Director of Student Ministries and Worship Leader at St. Luke’s UMC in Columbus, GA has agreed to take on the role of Youth Leader for GC2022. Be watching for further details in the very near future. For families planning to attend General Conference 2022, it is important to note there will be a one-time activity fee for Kid’s Kamp (which will be offered during business and plenary sessions as well as during the worship services), and for youth events. The Children’s/Youth Activity Fee ($15 per child/youth | $45 family max.) will be payable in addition to the EMC General Conference registration ($45 per adult) once that process opens. While waiting for GC2022 registration to open, you can plan ahead and reserve your room and meal ticket with Ridgecrest by clicking here GC2022 Ridgecrest Reservation or by calling their reservation line at 800-588-7222. If you need to reserve multiple rooms, it will be best to call the reservation line and they will be happy to help you.
Keep watching the Kerusso and your email Inbox for further information and details regarding GC2022.
The Kerusso – November | 2021
Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”
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Announcing the EMC Youth Leadership Initiative Submitted by Brian Gordon, Board of Youth & Children’s Ministries, Chairman
It is impossible to overstate the value of connectedness. This is true within the local church, and it is true in a denomination. A body is unhealthy, and even dies, when its parts are disconnected. A local church is strong when its members are connected, working together, sharing goals, and doing life together. A denomination is strong when churches are connected, working together, sharing goals, and lifting one another up. Whether your church is small or large the product of our connectedness is the greater impact we have for the kingdom when we work together for a common goal. The General Board of Youth and Children’s Ministries is excited to announce a new initiative that will help our EMC churches work together to raise up the next generation of local and denominational leaders. The EMC Youth Leadership Initiative exists to help identify and assist in the development of EMC youth who exhibit leadership potential or who express a call to ministry. We want to work with our churches to develop youth who show leadership potential in three ways. Leadership Initiative: Youth who apply and are accepted into the Leadership Initiative will be invited to a series of leadership training events held within the framework and schedule of other EMC events (youth camps, retreats, EMC Journey meetings, General Conference, etc…). Youth participating in the Leadership Initiative would not just be trained to lead, but would also be given opportunities to lead. Next Gen Pastors Initiative: Not all who show leadership potential are called to pastor, but for those who are called we want to help foster and develop that call. Youth in the Next Gen Pastors Initiative would participate in Leadership Initiative events, but we would also make sure those youth are on the radar of our conference superintendents. We have just begun discussions with the Board of Ministerial Education in which a youth in the Next Gen Pastors Initiative could potentially dual enroll in a local community college and the Haggard School of Ministry. We will also be working with approved Christian Colleges to insure a presence at camps and youth events. Youth Ambassadors Initiative: Youth are not just tomorrow’s leaders. The Youth Ambassadors Initiative aims to give youth representation and a voice in setting the direction of EMC Youth programs and activities. We request that every church identify youth who exhibit leadership potential and encourage them to apply for the Youth Leadership Initiative. One youth from each region will be chosen to act as youth ambassador. Those youth will be asked to participate in our board meetings. Youth ambassadors will also be given responsibilities at General Conferences and Journeys. Who can participate in the Youth Leadership Initiative? Any qualifying EMC youth (as a part of an EMC church or church being pastored by an EMC pastor). How old do you have to be to participate? We did not specify an age. If they are qualified then we want to come alongside you and him/her.
The application will be available online soon. Pastors, youth pastors, youth leaders, please consider participating by recommending your youth. We believe this could help us develop a whole new generation of EMC leaders.
The Kerusso - November | 2021
Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”
The Kerusso - November | 2021
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Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”
Brought to You Courtesy of the EMC Department of Stewardship Did you know that as a part of your EMC Conference Support, the Department of Stewardship stands ready to help you and your congregation with Estate Planning and the writing of your will? Butch Hayes, Department of Stewardship Head, is prepared to travel to your church and help you plan ahead and get your affairs in proper order. If you would like to offer this complimentary opportunity to your congregation, contact Butch for more information and to schedule an appointment. Call: 812-564-1000 or Email: b_dhayes@hotmail.com “Estate planning is an excellent program that the EMC offers. We, First EMC of Kannapolis, NC, had Butch Hayes come from Headquarters and help quite a few in our congregation to get their estate in order. The church was so blessed to have this done and Butch Hayes was so kind and helpful to everyone. And guess what?, it was done free. I recommend this wonderful ministry for every church family in the EMC.” In Christ, Rev. Alan D. Woodie
The Raeford EMC family was truly honored and blessed to have brother Butch Hayes come down from Headquarters on behalf of the Evangelical Methodist Wills and Estate planning program. Our church had an overwhelming turn out. We also used this program as an outreach opportunity where we invited people outside the church to come. It is true what Hebrews 9:27 says, “It is appointed for men to die once and after this the judgment.” Death is coming to us all and we must prepare for that on this side and think of others, especially our family. I would encourage any pastor and church family to invite brother Butch Hayes to come and set up your Wills and Estate… it’s always good to be prepared! In Christ - Pastor Roger Burns
General Board of World Missions - November Missions Offering Submitted by, Rev. Bill Walker, GBWM Chairman November is when our hearts turn toward Thanksgiving in appreciation of all that God has done for us this year. It has been a tumultuous year for many of our EMC brothers and sisters around the world. COVID, as you know, has wreaked havoc on the global economy. Nevertheless, our EMC brothers and sisters continue to work diligently in the kingdom of God. EMC pastors and laity in Mexico, Myanmar, the Philippines, Africa, Europe, and Canada are moving forward. Rather than let their circumstances defeat them, they stand in the power of our risen Lord Jesus and are advancing His Kingdom! This year, we have a wonderful dimension for the November Missions Offering. An anonymous donor has pledged to match the first $15,000 given!! This is a perfect opportunity to make your best gift ever because it will have a double effect!! Collectively, we EMC’ers give between $10,000 and $15,000 each November. This is the year to dig deep and go all out!! Your matched financial gift will be used for theological education and crisis relief in Myanmar, church planting in Mexico, evangelism in Asia Pacific, Africa, and Europe, and much more. You may send your gift directly to EMC Headquarters (PO BOX 17070 Indianapolis, IN 46217) or give through your local church. The denominational website (www.emchurch.org) offers you a way to give online (use item #18).
Thank you in advance for your generous and sacrificial giving to the work of the Lord around the world.
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Christ Church EMC Welcomes a New Pastor Submitted by USA Conference Superintendent Brian Hammond Rev. Tony Meads received an unanimous call to become the new pastor of Christ Church EMC located in Chesapeake, VA. He and his wife, Julie, have recently moved from Shelbyville, IN, to settle into their new role of leading this great church family. Tony and Julie are originally from the Elizabeth City, NC area, not far from their new church assignment. They met at church and were married in 1999. They both served at Elizabeth City EMC under Rev. Max Edwards until Tony became the pastor of Shelbyville EMC in 2014. They are glad that the Lord has graciously allowed them to serve now, closer to family. Tony's favorite saying that he and Julie live by is, "There's no better place to be than right where the Lord wants you to be!" Anyone who knows Tony and Julie understand what a special pastoral couple they are. They long to see people know the Jesus they know and love. There is no doubt that Christ Church EMC will experience new life and growth under their leadership. Will you join us in praying for them and Christ Church EMC?
Old Richmond EMC Celebrates 75 Years Submitted by Linda Weaver, Old Richmond EMC Church Historian On Sunday, September 26, 2021, Old Richmond EMC celebrated 75 years of ministry in Tobaccoville, NC. It was also the annual “Homecoming” Sunday. All in attendance came to worship, remember, celebrate, and fellowship. The celebration began with coffee and doughnuts in the Coffee Shop followed by a wonderful time of sharing the history of the church and special memories. The sharing spanned from the beginning of OREMC and elaborated on how God has blessed us through the years. OREMC began with fifteen charter members. There have been 15 pastors and 13 OREMC men called into the ministry over the years. Many others shared their special memories of growing up in and/or attending OREMC. Promptly at 11 AM, Ruby Dean Wood rang the newly hung original church bell in the recently constructed bell tower. Her husband, Bob Wood, had been bell ringer for many years before his passing. The celebration continued with the Worship Service in the sanctuary beginning with special music by the choir. We were privileged to have former pastor Dr. Harold Brown share a meaningful message reminding us that what God calls us to do, He enables us to do. Dr. Steve Wood, who grew up attending OREMC, also shared a wonderful inspirational message through word and song. A catered BBQ lunch rounded out the day as The Barger Sisters sang in wonderful harmony of God’s blessings. It was a wonderful day of reminiscing and fellowship. We are blessed to be a part of such a loving body of believers at OREMC.
A heartfelt “thank you” to all who made this day one of special celebration and memories.
The Kerusso – November | 2021
Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”