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News

Heartland Quadrennial Conference 2023

Garry Bryant

 

The Heartland Conference delegates, family and friends came together Friday, April 28th and Saturday 29th for their 2023 Quadrennial Conference.

The Conference leadership chose to dedicate the Friday evening gathering to those who would be receiving Minister’s License and Ordination.  This proved to be a wonderful time of worship, word, and impartation.  Those receiving credentials were challenged and affirmed as the conference leadership and delegation covered them in prayer, faith, and encouragement.  Bishop Stuart Sherrill commented that this was their first time using Friday for credentialing, and I believe it may become a pattern.  It was enjoyed by all.

Licensees

Left to Right: Woody Burpo, Justin Blakenship, Hallie Brown (Secretary\Treasurer), Stuart Sherrill (Superintendent), Terry Lowder (Assistant Superintendent), Daniel Ice, and John Leggett.

 

  • Ronald King
  • Melvin Pereira
  • Maria Velasquez
  • Jack Wellman
  • Adam Hope
  • Judah Whitman

Ordained

  • Roger Lanza
  • Robin Rodas
  • CherieAlvarado
  • Beau Davis
  • Brian Nix
  • Joe Scott
  • Timothy Patterson
  • Betsy Hope
  • Jeffrey Oeder
  • Kimberly Oeder
  • Corbin Austin
  • Rodrigo Rivas

Saturday was a day filled with quadrennial business, promotion, and election of leadership.

The Heartland Conference was introduced to the IPHC Quadrennium Emphasis – ARISE to Mission.  There was a strong reception and agreement to the renewed commitment to the Great Commandment and Great Commission.

Bishop Stuart Sherrill presented the State of the Conference Report which included the elements of Mission, Vision, Strategies, Recognition, Finances, and Statistics. His report also provided a validation of alignment to ARISE 2033 and a healthy emphasis on prayer, unity, and growth.  

Regarding the statute of limitations, the conference chose, with an overwhelming majority, the three-term limit.

The following Conference Executive Council was elected:

– Stuart Sherrill​​Bishop Superintendent
– Terry Lowder​​Assistant Superintendent
– Hallie Brown​​Secretary\Treasurer
– Justin Blankenship​Executive Councilmember
– Daniel Ice​​Executive Councilmember
– John Leggett​​Executive Councilmember
– Woody Burpo​​Executive Councilmember

One of the significant policy decisions was the approval of a Nominating Committee which will serve the next Quadrennial Conference.

There were quality reports and promotions made throughout the day by various conference leaders and other ministry personnel.  

– Terry Lowder ​​​Assistant Superintendent
– Hallie Brown ​​​Discipleship Ministries Director
– Jimmy Bennett ​​Men’s Ministries Director
– Richard Goad​​​Encore Ministries Director
– Esther Nix​​​Extension Loan Fund
– Keisha Gordon​​Southwestern Christian University
– Brian Nix​​​People to People\World Missions Ministries
– Jeff & Kimberly Oeder​World Missions Missionaries
– Ben & Desi West​​World Missions Missionaries
– Raeha Butler​​​World Missions Missionary

There was a motion approved for the Heartland Conference to extend their honor and congratulations to their Oklahoma sister conference, New Horizons, for their 100-year anniversary celebration.

Pastors Marty and Cherie Alvarado, whose church facility recently suffered a 3-alarm fire andwas a total loss, were recognized during a time of sharing, corporate prayer, and support.  The conference has and will continue to rally to this need.

There were many special times of prayer, celebration, declaration, and commitments.

We concluded the day by officially installing Bishop Stuart Sherrill and his Council with their spouses joining them.  There was a gathering of the conference pastors and delegation around their leaders for a time of prayer and unity.  It was a great day for the Heartlands!

Grace & Peace,

Bishop Garry Bryant

Presiding Officer