Structure Study Committees

Bishop Paul Hirschy, at the direction of the 2005 US National Board, appointed study committees to look at two difference aspects of the structure approved by the National Board. These committees will fomulate recommendations and present proposals for revising the Discipline to the Discipline Revision Committee. The DRC will then prepare those proposals to be presented to the US National Conference in June 2005.

Cluster Group Study Committee

This group is focusing on the cluster groups--how they are put together, how they are led, what they do, the role of the cluster group leaders, etc. They held their first meeting on March 12. The members are:

• Paul Hirschy (Bishop)
• Mike Newman (pastor, Otterbein UB Church, Waynesboro, Pa.)
• Patrick Jones (pastor, King Street UB Church, Chambersburg, Pa.)
• Anthony Blair (pastor, GraceNow! Ministries, Etters, Pa.)
• Steve Clulow (pastor, Cochranton Community Church, Cochranton, Pa.)
• Roger Burk (fulltime superintendent, Michigan Conference)

Denominational Study Committee

This group is focusing on larger denominational issues involving organization, the Headquarters, and other aspects of the denominational structure. The group held its first meeting March 14-15. The members are:

• Paul Hirschy (bishop)
• Dennis Miller (pastor, Emmanuel Community Church, Fort Wayne, Ind.)
• Craig Burkholder (pastor, Hudson UB Church, Hudson, Ind.)
• Michael Mudge (pastor, Bethany House of the Lord, Cumberland, Md.)
• Duane Huerlein (layperson, Gaines UB Church, Caledonia, Mich.)
• Dan Rupp (layperson, First UB Church, Blissfield, Mich.)