Dayton Birt elected to his 2nd term as Bishop
WRITTEN BY:
TALMADGE GARDNER
Dayton Birt
It was my privilege to serve as the presiding officer for the 95TH Annual and Quadrennial Conference Session of the Redemption Ministries (Eastern Virginia) Conference on June 6 and 7, 2014.
The Conference was hosted at Parkway Christian Center in Chesapeake, Virginia, pastored by Pastors Robbie and Lynn Jones. The Parkway Christian Center Campus is quite a complex, and was the vision and fruit of Rev. Trueblood’s ministry legacy. It was an honor to recognize Rev. Trueblood as we started the Conference Session.
The Conference began with a time of praise and worship at 1:30PM. Once I was introduced and following a few brief remarks I called the Quadrennial Conference Session to Order. The Quadrennial Conference Reports were well received and the Business Session was conducted expeditiously.
Excerpts from Bishop Birt’s State of the Conference Report are as follows:
Redemption is positioned to make significant advances for Kingdom growth in that they continue to make steady progress in establishing and transitioning growing and healthy Great Commission churches.
In 2010, Redemption had two churches that averaged more than 250 in Sunday Morning Worship. In 2014 they now have nine churches, three of which average over 600 every Sunday: Bridge Church, Fountain of Life, and Upward -Norfolk! These three churches had more than 5,000 in attendance on Easter Sunday! This past Easter Sunday [2014] Redemption Ministries had the largest number of people gather for worship in its 95-year history. More than 11,000 worshipped/attended an IPH Church that weekend!
In the last four years, Redemption has revitalized or re-launched 10 churches that had less than 550 in total attendance, but now have grown to more than 1,300 in morning worship! Also, Redemption has closed four established churches (not a failed church plant), but planted 13 new churches! They have an average of 850 people in Sunday morning worship.
Bishop Birt’s closing challenge reminded attendees of the Conferences Vision 2020 Emphasis:
- Embrace Our Commission
- Engage our Creativity
- Equip our Circle
- Habits for Multiplication
The Conference in Session elected the following persons to serve as members of their Executive Council:
- Bishop Dayton Birt, Conference Superintendent
- Rev. Bob Atkins, Assistant Conference Superintendent
- Rev. Rupert George, Secretary
- Rev. Kenny Lawhorne, Treasurer
- Rev. Chuck Davis, Member at Large
- Rev. Hans Hess, Member at Large
The Friday evening service was designated as the Celebration and Ordination Service. I was privileged to preach and ordain five candidates, which is always a very sacred, special occasion!
Clergy Credentials Were Issued As Follows:
Certificate of Ordination [5]
- Rev. Richard Beal
- Rev. Karla Cruz
- Rev. Walter Dunn
- Rev. Mylicia Markham
- Rev. Teodoro Xolio
Minister’s License [11]
- Rev. Mawugnigan Michael Degbe
- Rev. Luis Daniel Erazo
- Rev. Jenny Huddleston
- Rev. Maria Mateos
- Rev. Alan Meads
- Rev. Maria del Carmen Ramirez
- Rev. Bessy Tabora
- Rev. Juan Tabora
- Rev. Mark D. Thomas
- Rev. Carmen Valentin
- Rev. Raul Valentin
Local Church Minister’s Certificate (12)
- Rev. Elkin Amado
- Rev. Nelson Andrade
- Rev. Maria Irma Delcid
- Rev. Carlos Corleto
- Rev. Sandra Diaz
- Rev. Amah Virgine Degbe
- Rev. Maria Gonzalez
- Rev. Luis Herrera
- Rev. Carlos Juara
- Rev. Orlando Ovalle
- Rev. Moises Vizuet
- Rev. Isabel Willis
Bishop Birt’s vision for Redemption Ministries is expansive and filled with passion. Under his leadership, this Conference continues to position itself for future success. May this be his most fruitful season of ministry as Chief Shepherd! It is always an honor to serve our family members in Redemption Ministries!