MINUTES FOR THE

2007 National Conference

of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, USA

Sawmill Creek Resort; Huron, Ohio
Friday, June 1, 2007

Call to Order

Bishop Ramsey called the National Conference for the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, USA to order at 8:46 am at the Sawmill Creek Resort in Huron, Ohio. The Bishop made special mention of the historic significance of this particular moment--our gathering at this National Conference is the first in our denomination's history in which each local church is represented by ministerial and lay representatives. Prior to being called to order, the delegation and guests were led in worship by the praise band from Mainstreet Church (Walbridge, Ohio). Rev. John Beukema (King Street Church, Chambersburg, Pa.) brought the devotional challenge of accepting one another from Romans 14.

Informational Items

The Bishop introduced the following individuals and their respective roles in conducting the business session:

• Rev. Patrick B. Jones (Assistant Chairperson).
• Rev. Todd H. Fetters (Reporting Secretary).
• Dr. C. Ray Miller, Bishop Emeritus (Parliamentarian).
• Rev. Lee Rhodes was appointed as Chairperson for the Committee to Edit the Minutes.

Report 41: Conference Rules and Procedures

MSC (moved, seconded, concurred) "To approve the Report of the Rules and Procedures."

Informational Items (Continued)

Former general officials were introduced: Bishops Emeriti C. Ray Miller, Ray Seilhamer, Raymond Waldfogel, Clarence Kopp, and Paul Hirschy. Wilbur Sites was not present, but sent greetings in a letter, which was read to the National Conference. Brian Magnus, Bishop of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Canada was recognized.

Bishop Ramsey recognized the directors and commended them to the delegation for their support and diligent work. These individuals include Pat Jones (Healthy Church Ministries), Gary Dilley (Global Ministries), Tom Blaylock (Church Multiplication), Steve Dennie (Communications), Marci Hammel (Finance), G. Blair Dowden (Higher Education), and Donna Hollopeter (Associate Director, Global Ministries).

Report 42: Referenda

MSC "To receive the report and to consider each referenda separately."

Procedural Note: Bishop Ramsey informed the delegation that procedurally, these items could be discussed but not amended. The Bishop further explained each referendum item by item. There was no discussion from the delegation.

Results: Ballots were distributed, tallied, and after some time, reported to the Bishop. Bishop Ramsey immediately informed the delegation that each of the five referenda overwhelmingly passed. The results were as follows:

• Referenda 1 (passed with 99.2% of the vote…373, yes; 3, no)
• Referenda 2 (passed with 97% of the vote…365, yes; 11, no)
• Referenda 3 (passed with 99.5% of the vote…374, yes; 2, no)
• Referenda 4 (passed with 97.6% of the vote…367, yes; 9, no)
• Referenda 5 (passed with 98.7% of the vote…370, yes; 5, no)

Reports of General Officials

Gary Dilley (Global Ministries Director) and Donna Hollopeter (Associate Director of Global Ministries) reaffirmed the purpose of Global Ministries as stated in the report (Global Ministries 21-2)--mobilizing, sending, partnering, and pioneering, all in the context of the local church. Tim Flickinger shared how Fowlerville Church (Fowlerville, Mich.) has engaged in local and global mission partnership as a result of its discovery of its particular "DNA."

Gary invited individuals forward to share about their recent commitment to enter mission zones in the next year and invited people to partner with these missionaries:

• Abby Waterbury (Elem3nt, Blissfield, Mich.) will be serving in Honduras.
• Ben and Mandi Wood, Campus Crusade (Toledo, Ohio) will be heading to Turkey to work with college students in the fall 2007.
• Randy and Toni Fennig will be leaving in early January 2008 for Sierra Leone, West Africa, to help in leadership development at The Evangelical College of Theology in Freetown. The report was received with appreciation.

Bishops' Report (Report 11)

Bishop Ramsey highlighted "what needs to change" (Office of the Bishop 11-1 and 2). He spoke specifically of his passionate desire to see local churches become outward-focused and deeply committed to reaching lost people. Bishop recognized two churches that came into the denomination: Bethel Temple of Praise (Yonkers, N. Y.) and Lighthouse (Williamston, Mich.). Also recognized were pastors stationed since August 2005. The report was received with appreciation.

Report 44: Discipline Changes

MSC "To receive the report and to consider each referenda separately."

Procedural Note: Bishop explained each item and gave opportunity for delegates to give agreement and dissent. Items 1, 2, 4, and 6 were agreed to without dissent or comment. Clarification was made on Item 3. It was noted that the word "limit" in the heading was incorrect, but that the actual wording of the motion was correct. Considerable discussion was given to Item 5. Since there was dissent over this motion, the following action was taken:

MSC "That we agree with the wording of Item 5."

MSC "To accept the report as amended."

Order of the Day was called at 9:55 am. The delegates were called back together at 10:20 am to resume the business session.

Election of Executive Leadership Team

Procedural Note: Bishop Ramsey called for the pages in order to process the ballots for the Executive Leadership Team. The ballot and the process for voting were explained. Nominees were invited to stand when introduced.

MSC "To receive the ballot."

Results: Ballots were collected, tallied and, after some time, reported to the Bishop. Bishop Ramsey shared the results with the delegation. A total of 374 votes were cast. The results were as follows:

East Region
Todd Fetters (Clergy)
Annette Sites (Lay)

Central District
Marty Pennington (Clergy)
Timothy Krugh (Clergy)

North District
Phil Whipple (Clergy)
Dan Paternoster (Lay)

West District
Stan McCammon (Clergy)
Cathy Reich (Lay)

Reports of General Officials (Continued)

Director of Healthy Church Ministries (Report 22): Pat Jones informed the delegation that his work for the past two years has involved much travel carrying out the responsibilities of consulting with churches (i.e. Natural Church Development assessments, etc.) and coaching pastors. Special recognition was given to current and former cluster leaders. The report was received with appreciation.

Election of the Bishop

Procedural Note: Pat Jones was given the Chairperson responsibilities to process the election of the Bishop. The delegation was informed of the voting process and that Ronald R. Ramsey was the only nominee placed before the conference.

MSC "That Ronald R. Ramsey be elected as Bishop for the Church of the United Brethren Church, USA."

Results: Ronald R. Ramsey was unanimously elected Bishop of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ.

Reports of General Officials (Continued)

Director of Church Multiplication (26)

Tom Blaylock spoke about the "Lead Team Strategy" which participating churches are asked to do…pray, send, release finances all for church plants. A new church will be planted with a UB lead team this fall. Tom introduced Gordon and Lori Kettle, a new church planting couple in Grand Ledge, Michigan. Mark Ralph was invited to pray for the Kettle's and their calling to launch a church in Grand Ledge in October 2007. Church planters who have started churches in the last 10 years were invited to stand and be recognized by the delegation. His report was received with appreciation.

Director of Higher Education (Report 24)

Dr. G. Blair Dowden, President of Huntington University, spoke about change and commitment. Much has changed at Huntington University so as to remain relevant to the next generation (i.e. name of institution, size reflected in record enrollment, new majors, addition of nursing and Spanish programs, facilities, collaborative arrangements with Youth for Christ, etc). These commitments have guided the university for 110 years: academic excellence, service (local, national, and global), and Christ-centeredness. The report was received with appreciation.

Other Reports

Pastoral Ministry Leadership Team

Chairperson Tom Brodbeck shared that the work of the leadership team has been challenging in light of the structural changes since 2005. He encouraged individuals currently in the licensing process to contact him with information that will help the leadership team effectively communicate and process their work. The report was received with appreciation.

Bible Quizzing

Bob Tobey, National Director for Bible Quizzing, gave a verbal and video report on Bible quizzing activities throughout the denomination.

Reports of General Officials (Continued)

Director of Communications (Report 23)

Steve Dennie plugged two things…1) the need for email addresses for sending denominational news, and 2) ministers should update their profile for headquarters. Report was received with appreciation.

Director of Finance (25)

Marci Hammel reported that the general benevolence received and disbursed for the years 2005, 2006, and the first quarter of 2007 show increases in giving. Furthermore, the US national funds and the Global Ministries funds experienced increases in giving over the past two years. The independent auditor report was pointed out. The report was received with appreciation.

MSC "To adopt the auditor's report and approve the work of our Finance Director/Treasurer."

Concluding Informational Items

The Bishop declared that all personnel changes, discipline changes, and changes to the constitution will become effective August 15, 2007.

Appreciation was given to those who helped to count ballots as well as to our Bishop for his leadership of the National Conference.

The business session of the US National Conference was adjourned at 12:02pm. Bishop Emeritus, Ray A. Seilhamer closed with prayer.

Respectfully Submitted,

Todd H. Fetters
Reporting Secretary