By Bishop J. Talmadge Gardner
I was honored to serve Bishop Brad & Susan Reynolds and the members of the Ephesians 4 Network (E4N) as their presiding officer, on Saturday, July 15, 2017. This was E4N’s 16th annual conference gathering.
The conference convened on the campgrounds of the International Pentecostal Church of Christ (IPCC), in London, Ohio—about a 45-minute drive from Columbus, Ohio, home of the Ohio State Buckeyes. Bishop Reynolds established a relationship with their former general superintendent, Bishop Clyde Hughes, several years ago, that has resulted in a fruitful ministry partnership. Bishop Hughes has attended several IPHC General Conferences through the years as a Fraternal Guest and was a strong supporter of Bishop Leggett when he served as chairman of the Pentecostal Charismatic Churches of North America (PCCNA) and Pentecostal World Conference (PWC). General Superintendent Shannon and Stephanie Truelove currently lead the IPCC.
Preceding the Conference session, E4N celebrated its annual camp meeting from July 12-14. The camp meeting started with a Family Fun Night on Wednesday, July 12th that featured the JJ Weeks Band. I was privileged to host a World Missions Ministries Global Outreach Rally and meal for E4N. It was a beneficial opportunity. And then on Thursday evening, Pastor Ryan Dotson preached. Pastor Dotson pastors Lighthouse World Outreach Center in Winchester, Kentucky. He is a good preacher and exceptionally personable. FARO, a worship team from one of E4N’s Hispanic churches, lead our corporate worship. On Friday, July 14, Dr. Christopher Bowen provided training for E4N pastors. Dr. Bowen is the founder of Living Faith International Ministries in Forest Park, Georgia. Dr. Bowen has written 11 books and his newest release is entitled, “Beyond Five Star Quality.” That evening, Mark Sarver, senior pastor of Church on the Rock in Berea, Kentucky, preached the concluding camp meeting service. A special time of prayer was held around the altar following his message.
Bishop Reynolds began his report by honoring the members of E4N’s Administrative Council and his family. In conferences that cannot afford the services of an administrative team, the Administrative Council and family members play a vital role in serving and carrying the load. Bishop Reynolds noted the outstanding service of Rev. Butch Deer, E4N’s Discipleship Ministries Director, and Rev. Gene Kennett, Conference Missions Director. Bishop Reynolds also celebrated the success of the conference’s local schools of ministry and their impact. These schools of ministry are starting to produce an internal stream of ministerial candidates, as evidenced by the large number of people approved for the Local Church Minster’s Certificate (the highest number in the history of the conference). E4N is also a very diverse conference and Bishop Reynolds challenged attendees to embrace and celebrate their diversity.
Clergy credentials were issued as follows:
Ordination (3) –
- Rev. Severo Medina
- Rev. Jesus Salas
- Rev. Keith Coen
Minister’s License (2) –
- Rev. Martha Reyes
- Rev. Olga Gonzalez
Local Church Minister’s Certificate (26)
- Rev. Brenda Baker
- Rev. Clarissa Baker
- Rev. Terry Baker, Sr.
- Rev. Dorothy Cooley
- Rev. Judith Crosby
- Rev. Jose Espinoza
- Rev. Monica Hernandez
- Rev. Cynthia Johnson
- Rev. David Medina Mata
- Rev. Ana Medina
- Rev. Miriam Medina
- Rev. Javier Mendez
- Rev. Marisol Martinez de Mendez
- Rev. Jose Morales
- Rev. Nadia Morales
- Rev. Valerie Ramirez
- Rev. Gerson Reyes
- Rev. Keren Reyes
- Rev. Antonio Romero
- Rev. Maria Leonarda Romero
- Rev. Adriana Salas
- Rev. Sonia Sanchez
- Rev. Willie Scott
- Rev. Sonia Weber
- Rev. Tyson Weber
- Rev. Brian Zamora
It was an honor as the presiding officer to recognize the following conference attendees and guests:
o Rev. Mike Brewer, former conference superintendent of the Great Lakes Conference & General Board of Administration member. The churches in the former Great Lakes Conference played an integral role in the formation of E4N in 2001. I have always admired Rev. Brewer for his spiritual sensitivity and vision in giving up his leadership role as conference superintendent to lead the Great Lakes Conference in becoming part of birthing something much larger than themselves.
o Rev. Rob Clegg, member of the 28th General Conference Bylaws Committee
o Rev. Gene Kennett, WMMD Conference Missions Director
o Rev. Butch Deer, Conference Discipleship Ministries Director
o Presiding Bishop Moses and Dora Kumar, general superintendent of the PHC in South India. Bishop Kumar and his wife were accompanied by their daughter, Donna, and son-in-law, Tracy, who currently live in Columbus, Ohio. I was privileged to be able to introduce Bishop Kumar and invited him to greet the conference (which was the first US conference he has been able to attend). As he came to the podium the conference honored this humble man of God with a standing ovation.
E4N is very intentional about networking and recruiting like-minded non-denominational churches and pastors. They are also prioritizing planting new churches and revitalizing existing churches. The addition that they are experiencing through the growth and multiplication of their local churches and schools of ministry is providing a more balanced growth trajectory, which has Bishop Reynolds very optimistic about their future.
I honor Bishop Reynolds and his family for their service to the Lord and the IPHC in E4N. E4N covers an expansive geography with churches in eight states—Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan. What tremendous Kingdom potential.
