{"id":1380,"date":"2017-06-29T15:34:52","date_gmt":"2017-06-29T15:34:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/gso\/?p=1380"},"modified":"2017-06-28T22:41:23","modified_gmt":"2017-06-28T22:41:23","slug":"2017-appalachian-annual-conference-report","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/gso\/2017\/06\/29\/2017-appalachian-annual-conference-report\/","title":{"rendered":"2017 Appalachian Annual Conference Report"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Bishop D. Chris Thompson<\/strong><\/p>\n

It was my privilege and a special blessing to preside over the 2017 Annual Conference of the Appalachian Conference on June 17, 2017.\u00a0 The conference was held at the conference campground in Dublin, Virginia.\u00a0 The facility is great and has been upgraded extensively over the last two years.\u00a0 A new dining\/training center has been built.\u00a0 It is beautiful.<\/p>\n

Betty was able to attend with me.\u00a0 This is her home conference (Salem Church).\u00a0 She was thrilled.\u00a0 We were able to arrive on our anniversary, which was Thursday.\u00a0 We were able to enjoy and be blessed by the preaching of Demetrius Miles (Acts2Day), Dr. Ryan Jackson (The Capital Church) and Dr. Terry Trammel in the Friday night GO Service.\u00a0 All were phenomenal.\u00a0 (Dr. Jackson was one of my youth camp students many years ago.)<\/p>\n

Bishop Preston Mathena started the conference on time, Saturday, 9 a.m.\u00a0 He and his council\/staff had everything expertly organized.\u00a0 Some 290 delegates registered with a total attendance of over 370.\u00a0 The spirit was excellent.\u00a0 Melanie Wayne, daughter of Pastors Tony and Sharon Atkinson, led in a time of worship.\u00a0 She is phenomenal.\u00a0 I was introduced and gave a personal word on the theme \u2013 \u201cWe Prayerfully Value Christ\u2019s Kingdom.\u201d\u00a0 The words and spirit presented were well received.\u00a0 It was a privilege to recognize several former superintendents of the conference.\u00a0 I knew all of these and had worked closely with all in some form or the other:<\/p>\n

Rev. Glennard Quesenberry (married Betty and me)<\/p>\n

Rev. Ed Wood (also served as General Secretary\/Treasurer)<\/p>\n

Rev. Walter Lee Wood (serves as Holmes Bible College trustee)<\/p>\n

Rev. Ken Kingrea (a friend and co-laborer for many years)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In addition, there were many special guests at the meeting:<\/p>\n

Esther Underwood (wife of General Superintendent B.E. Underwood.)<\/p>\n

Betty Thompson (soon to be Archivist at Holmes Bible College)<\/p>\n

Dr. Ron White (President of Emmanuel College)<\/p>\n

Dr. Ryan Jackson (Pastor of Capital Church, N.C.)<\/p>\n

Rev. Eddie Wood, Jr. (Assistant Pastor of Northwood Temple, N.C.)<\/p>\n

Revs. Steve & Betsy Cofer (World Missions Ministries)<\/p>\n

Dr. Terry Trammel (World Missions Ministries)<\/p>\n

Rev. Gailya List (Missionary)<\/p>\n

Rev. Ruth Brookshire (Missionary)<\/p>\n

Rev. Joe and Maggie Delport (Missionaries)<\/p>\n

Rev. Jeff Willhoite (Missionary)<\/p>\n

Rev. Bruce Hagee (Holmes Bible College)<\/p>\n

Fifteen individuals were approved for minister\u2019s license.\u00a0 Wow!\u00a0 This is a significant number.\u00a0 Here they are:<\/p>\n

Christopher Blackburn<\/p>\n

John Bradshaw<\/p>\n

Valerie Burton<\/p>\n

Vickie Buzminsky<\/p>\n

Jeffery Dickson<\/p>\n

Douglas Dobbins<\/p>\n

Chandler Jones<\/p>\n

Danielle McAlwee<\/p>\n

Oakley McCoy<\/p>\n

Sheila Melki<\/p>\n

Walter Vernon Neese<\/p>\n

William Keith Repass<\/p>\n

Terry Rising<\/p>\n

James Rodgers<\/p>\n

Joshua Thornton<\/p>\n

Eight individuals were ordained.\u00a0 Some of these were church planters:<\/p>\n

John Akers<\/p>\n

Charles Barbettini<\/p>\n

Glenna Carroll<\/p>\n

Mary L. Cook<\/p>\n

Virgil Green<\/p>\n

Charles Randall Miller<\/p>\n

Randolph Mills<\/p>\n

Roger West<\/p>\n

Dr. Ron White was recognized to give a report on Emmanuel College.\u00a0 He did an excellent job.\u00a0 Rev. Bruce Hagee gave an inspiring report concerning Holmes Bible College.\u00a0 I followed up and explained my transition to the College in August.<\/p>\n

Bishop Preston Mathena gave his personal report and the State of the Conference.\u00a0 The Conference is very stable.\u00a0 All the report was good.\u00a0 Churches are being planted.\u00a0 Churches are being revitalized.\u00a0 Churches are growing!\u00a0 His report was well received.\u00a0 This conference is to be commended for their faithfulness to the GMC and IPHC. Here is a list of some of the major points:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. \u201cAs previously stated, I view the future with great optimism; firstly, because we understand and embrace our vision \u2013 we know we are called to expand Christ\u2019s kingdom through the primary tool of church planting as a conference.\u00a0 I believe that is in our DNA.\u00a0 That\u2019s who we are.\u00a0 It\u2019s what we do, what we are about.\u201d<\/li>\n
  2. \u201cSecond observation \u2013 I am optimistic because I believe the Appalachian Conference embraces diversity.\u00a0 As I continue to visit the churches in this conference, I am constantly being surprised by uniqueness I find.\u00a0 We have all types of churches \u2013 large churches, small churches, and most every size in-between; traditional churches, contemporary churches, and many unique blends.\u00a0 Our music reflects diverse genres, and we are becoming more multicultural in ethnicity and multigenerational in impact.\u00a0 I see the bar continually being raised \u2013 and ministry is done at a higher level throughout our conference. \u00a0Our world is constantly changing and ever evolving \u2013 We must embrace diversity while firmly grasping the values of God\u2019s Word that we hold dear.\u201d<\/li>\n
  3. \u201cThird observation \u2013 Now let me be a little transparent and share a major concern.\u00a0 The challenge that we are facing as a conference today, that is a major concern throughout this denomination and the whole world of Christendom, is our inability to raise up and train pastoral leaders fast enough.\u201d<\/li>\n
  4. \u201cWe must also be thinking about developing successors in ministry, a trend (God design) that is starting to take root of late with positive results.\u00a0 I hope you read the article this month in the Messenger, on the superintendent\u2019s page, by Frank Neff, entitled, \u201cPass the Baton \u2013 Pastoring Through Transition.\u201d\u00a0 This article should challenge the thinking of every long-term pastor in this conference.\u00a0 Succession plans (exit strategies) are important for long-term results.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Rev. Larry Meadors and I gave several pins to church planters.\u00a0 Larry serves as the director of World Missions and Evangelism.\u00a0 He is doing an excellent job.\u00a0 It has been a personal joy and privilege to work with him these last eight years.\u00a0 He has also used the services extensively of Stacy Hilliard (Church Multiplication) and Luis Avila (Hispanic Ministries.).<\/p>\n

    I was blessed to see so many female clergy in the conference.\u00a0 They have over 90 female clergy and have 22 female pastors.\u00a0 I think they are 2nd<\/sup> in the total number of female clergy (North Carolina being first) but I believe they are #1 in total number of lady pastors.\u00a0 Praise the Lord.\u00a0 Bishop Mathena reported that these lady clergy are phenomenal and are highly appreciated and praised.<\/p>\n

    Bishop Mathena presented a host of local church awards.\u00a0 Discipleship Director Ron Fredericks presented several of Discipleship Awards.<\/p>\n

    Conference council member Wanda Myers read a beautifully worded Memoirs Report.\u00a0 Here are those mentioned:<\/p>\n

    Rev. Ernest Kestner<\/p>\n

    Rev. Mrs. Mary Dodson<\/p>\n

    Rev. Everette Joe Rogers, II<\/p>\n

    Rev. William M. Post<\/p>\n

    Rev. William F. Monday<\/p>\n

    Rev. Mrs. Louise Mayhue<\/p>\n

    Rev. Donald C. Elliott<\/p>\n

    Rev. Mrs. Myrtle Wood<\/p>\n

    Pastor Steve Willis was recognized to hood two graduates of the Maranatha College of Christian Ministries.\u00a0 Pastor Steve is the president.\u00a0 This is an excellent training institution and serves as a School of Ministry (and more) for the Conference.\u00a0 I have had the privilege to teach in the college several times.\u00a0 I would that all the conferences had such a training institution.<\/p>\n

    I have never presided over a conference that I didn\u2019t enjoy.\u00a0 This one certainly added to my list.\u00a0 I believe my total number now is approaching 60.\u00a0 This one was special because Betty enjoyed it so much \u2013 GO Service, Minister Spouse Reception, Camp Meeting, renewing friendships, time with first lady Kathy, etc..\u00a0 By the way, I introduced her as the missionary from Appalachia to North Carolina, Oklahoma, and soon to be South Carolina.\u00a0 I believe she AND the Conference liked it.\u00a0 In the Appalachian Conference I am known as Betty\u2019s husband.\u00a0 I receive it!!<\/p>\n

    Thank you, Bishop Mathena and team for the gracious hospitality.\u00a0 It is always a joy to work with and fellowship with Bishop Mathena (and with Preston you get Kathy).\u00a0 He has is doing an excellent job.<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Chris Thompson<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Vice-Chairman IPHC<\/p>\n

      Executive Director of EVUSA<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"excerpt","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":855,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","episode_type":"","audio_file":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","filesize_raw":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[313,330,105,87,85,94],"class_list":{"0":"post-1380","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-general","8":"tag-313","9":"tag-annual-conference","10":"tag-appalachian-conference","11":"tag-conference-report","12":"tag-june","13":"tag-recap","14":"entry"},"title_es":"Informe de la Conferencia Anual de Heartland 2017","content_es":"Por el Obispo Thomas McGhee<\/strong> La Conferencia Heartland se reuni\u00f3 el s\u00e1bado 29 de abril para llevar a cabo su Sesi\u00f3n Anual. El clima era mucho menos que ideal con lluvia pesada de tormentas que pasan por la zona. A pesar del mal tiempo, m\u00e1s de 200 de los miembros de la conferencia estaban presentes. El obispo Stuart Sherrill hab\u00eda preparado una agenda bien organizada. Despu\u00e9s de un tiempo de adoraci\u00f3n poderosa, tuve la bendici\u00f3n de compartir una presentaci\u00f3n sobre el valor fundamental de este a\u00f1o, \"Nosotros Valoramos el Reino de Cristo en Oraci\u00f3n.\" El Obispo Stuart Sherrill comparti\u00f3 su Informe sobre el Estado de la Conferencia. \u00c9l comparti\u00f3 su coraz\u00f3n y visi\u00f3n para Heartland, que incluy\u00f3 la plantaci\u00f3n de iglesias y otras iniciativas. Los delegados y los invitados expresaron su agradecimiento por su visi\u00f3n y liderazgo. Rev. Terry Lowder present\u00f3 su informe como el asistente del superintendente, seguido por el Director de la Rev. Hallie Brown de Discipleship Ministries Report. El reverendo Lowder tambi\u00e9n comparti\u00f3 los objetivos de las Misiones Mundiales 2017. El obispo Sherrill lider\u00f3 la presentaci\u00f3n de varios botones ministeriales de servicio. Despu\u00e9s de un descanso, el Rev. John Youell, secretario de la conferencia, ley\u00f3 el Informe del Comit\u00e9 Examinador. Siete individuos fueron recomendados para la Licencia de Ministro y cuatro fueron ordenados. Me sent\u00ed honrado de entregar la carga a los nuevos ministros siguientes: Kaleigh Obispo Alex Hern\u00e1ndez Jos\u00e9 L. Matos Marilyn Matos Rodrigo Rivas Daniel Webb Raeha Butler Tambi\u00e9n fue una bendici\u00f3n especial dirigir el servicio de ordenaci\u00f3n para las siguientes personas: Juan Aldama Donald Dee Boone Dustin Burpo Eliu Garc\u00eda Despu\u00e9s de un emotivo Informe de Memorias, nuestra sesi\u00f3n fue pospuesta para disfrutar del almuerzo y el compa\u00f1erismo. Fue un placer servir a la Conferencia Heartland y al obispo Sherrill como presidente del d\u00eda.","author_name":"","jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/gso\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2016\/05\/2016-Conference-Recap-Graphic-2.jpg","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pb62Bx-mg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/gso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1380","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/gso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/gso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/gso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/gso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1380"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/gso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1380\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/gso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/855"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/gso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1380"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/gso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1380"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/gso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1380"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}