The Lord gave Bishop Butch Deer the theme and emphasis “Raising the Standard” for the Ephesians 4 Network (E4N) Quadrennial Conference and additional activities at Compassion Church in Toledo, Ohio, the occurred July 12-July 15.
The Ephesian 4 Network gathering began on Wednesday with a special service and guest speaker, Pastor Mike Brewer. Bishop Deer also honored several long-term and distinguished ministers and leaders of E4N and were honored and celebrated by the conference family for their over 200 years of service.
Rev. Mike Brewer who has accomplished 45 years of pastoral service and conference leadership. Pastor Brewer has been a part of the IPHC for 77 years.
Rev. Macario Bernal who has been a part of the IPHC for 60 years.
Rev. Gene Kennett who has been a part of the IPHC for 67 years.
On Thursday, World Missions was a primary emphasis. The conference was served and trained by Rev. Van Bloss who, along with his wife, are IPHC missionaries, on the vital subject of “multiply mission in HIS Church.” The Blosses proved to be a vital part of the days together that E4N experienced.
Rev. Trammel represented World Mission Ministries during the Thursday evening worship service as guest speaker and delivered a tremendous transformational message on information, celebration, and challenge to E4N to increase their efforts to reach to world.
The activities and opportunities continued Friday with training by Pastors Bill Rose and Jay Teal on “Small Churches can make a Big Difference.” The practical and applicable teaching was eagerly received, and plans are in motion for the conference to further this training in the near future.
On Friday afternoon, Bishop Ray Boggs was the guest instructor and provided several sessions on the “Test and Trails of Leadership” focusing on balanced biblical insights and personal experience to speak into the life and leadership of everyone present. Bishop Boggs and Mrs. Allison’s attendance and participation provided a great level of encouragement and support to Bishop and Mrs. Deer at the E4N Conference.
On Saturday, over 100 delegates gathered to participate in the Ephesians 4 Network Quadrennial Conference and voted to implement the three-term limit for conference leadership.
There were multiple ministry reports and updates.
Bishop Deer presented an encouraging visionary State of the Conference report emphasizing training and equipping pastors and local churches, increased expansion, and multiplication with a determination to provide quality care for pastors and ministers and to generate healthy and helpful relationships. The E4N Conference covers geographical portions of nine states. Bishop Deer declared that the conference has the greatest potential of growth of any conference in the IPHC.
We were privileged to ordain 11 ministers and present 6 with minister’s licenses. This level of credentialing is an obvious sign of health and growth:
Ordained Licensed
| Miguel Arreola | Gracie Esquirel |
| Tamar Perez | Geralda Valadez |
| Mimi Leija | Robert Louis Cunningham Jr. |
| Christian Suzanne Graham | William Prince Hamilton |
| James Eric Smith | Barbra J. Crease |
| Donna M. Robshaw | Ricardo Martinez |
| Joann Macksyn | |
| Romualdo Salas | |
| Isaac Pennyman | |
| John Loewen | |
| Raquell Medrano |
The following were selected to serve as the Conference Executive Council. The strong majority were elected by acclimation:
Conference Superintendent Butch Deer
Assistant Superintendent Rob Clegg
Secretary-Treasurer Macario Bernal
Council member Chaz Boes
Council member Gene Kennett
Council member Dan Cunningham
Council member Goeff Wayne
The Ephesians 4 Network Executive Council
Several statements were made with consistency that described the spirit and attitude of the day and future of Ephesians 4 Network:
…the sky is the limit…
…the best is yet to come…
…it’s a new day…
We celebrate and agree with these declarations.
It was a great day for E4N.
Praise God.
Grace & Peace,
Garry Bryant
Presiding Officer
