The service consisted of Fellowship, Worship and our special Guest, Reverend Juanita Thacker. Sister Thacker pastored a church in our area in the 70's and 80's until failing health caused her to step aside. From that time since she had prayed that God would plant a Church of God in the area to carry on the vision. She backed up her prayers with action ... sending offerings to the State Office in hopes she could help fund such a work. We believe Tri-State Worship Center is a work in South Point in large part due to Sister Thacker's prayer.

After the service, the congregation of 215 went outside for a baptismal service in our mobile baptismal where we saw 5 baptized. That was followed by a meal together that was a tremendous time for fellowship and refreshment.

We are determined to continue to Vision of TSWC by "Encouraging the Saints ... Helping the Hurting ... and Embracing ALL People!"

As one of the committees appointed to prepare for the merge of Northern and Southern Ohio, a Mission/Vision committee consisting of five members of the respective state councils has been meeting to shape the structure that will encompass the mission and vision of OneOhio. The committee is tasked with looking at the fundamental components of our joint vision to be a Great Commission community of churches and to frame the vision in tangible and applicable systems for each of the more than 250 churches in our state.

The following guidelines have been adopted as working principles for the committee. 

As part of the authorizations given in the historic March 27th meeting with ministers from Northern and Southern Ohio, a committee was appointed for the purpose of merging the minutes and bylaws of Southern Ohio Church of God and Northern Ohio Church of God. Sounds simple...?

Hardly...

Forty years of precedent setting decisions have been made in biennial and special called ministers meetings that will need to be reviewed for their application, deletion or accommodations in the new state OneOhio.  The special committee is reviewing each measure, decision and motion for understanding the distinction between the two states.  For example, in Southern Ohio the ministers have voted for an Evangelism and Home Missions Board.  In Northern Ohio, this board is appointed by the State Administrative Bishop.  Other committees are working to determine just what boards, committees and teams will be needed for our new structure but this is just one example of the committee's assignment.

Each of the distinctions will be noted, itemized and defined for review by the OneOhio Committee of Action and where necessary, if changes are made will be brought to the Ohio Ministers' Meeting in October 2010.

The committee is chaired by Bishop Terry McBeath of Findlay, Ohio and includes, David Renfro, Bobby Duncan and Randy Barr.

As outlined and approved by the ministers of both Northern and Southern Ohio, the state councils of both regions are to work as a "committee of action" to form the new state and take actions necessary to prepare for the merger.  Such decisions as selection of the Director of Church Ministries and other necessary steps are part of the assignment given on March 27th.  In the fall 2010 Minister's Meeting, the issues, policies and decisions of OneOhio will be presented for discussion, amendment and decision by all the credentialed ministers present.  Below are the things which have been undertaken by the COA.  Much of these are still working issues and very few final decisions have been made.  You are invited to share your thoughts and suggestions:

1. The selection of Patrick and Jan Wright to serve as Director of Church Ministries (title may change) for the ensuing General Assembly term.  (more information available at this site along with a video greeting from the Wrights).
2. Formation of the State Office Transition Committee (made of all the present state office employees) led by Bishop Bristow and Isaacs will work to set up the physical move of two offices to one.  They will consolidate files, systems and create new operational dynamics for serving the local churches and ministers of Ohio following the General Assembly.
3. Formation of the Agenda and Minutes Committee (Terry McBeath, Bobby Duncan, Randy Barr and David Renfro) assigned to merge the minutes of Northern and Southern Ohio to form a working and beginning document for our 2010 Minister's Meeting.
4. Formation of the Mission/Vision Team (chaired by Bruce Philippi) to shape the framework of OneOhio.  This team is working on the structure of Regional Communities, Equipping Clusters, Administrative Elders and many other issues. The goal is to increase leadership for Ohio ministers and engagement by local churches.  The emphasis is on relational based leadership, empowerment, encouragement and equipping.
5. Formation of the Budget/Finance Team (chaired by Tim Oldfield) to provide the financial blueprint for OneOhio.  The consolidation of funds and the funding of ministry vision is their work. They meet monthly and after the merger quarterly to monitor and see that the budget is maintained in keeping with the approval of our ministers.
6. Formation of the Properties/Facilities Team (chaired by Ronald Martin) assigned to deal with the sale of properties not needed from the merger and oversee the sale of existing churches on the market.  
7. Formation of the Ministerial Development Team (co-chaired by Rick Fuson and David Renfro) shaping the models for Ministerial Development going forward.  How to make training available and in what locations and formats?
8. Working to determine the formation of our Councils and Youth Boards for Oneohio...how many and how elected?

Many exciting things are happening and keep checking back for more details on what is going on in the formation of OneOhio.

Among the many issues discussed was the implications for Youth Camp in OneOhio.  Presently, Northern Ohio rents a facility for about 700 students and 300 workers near Massillon, Ohio in a three camp operation that occurs over two weeks. The contract for that facility runs through the summer of 2012.  In Southern Ohio, the Church of God owns a 100 acre facility which houses about 800 students and 300 workers for a four week camping season.  Additionally, the campground in Lebanon is publicly rented by local schools and entities for other events during the Spring, Summer and Fall.  Just how youth camp will be done in OneOhio over the coming five year period and beyond will be the assignment of these two youth boards who will be one board following the 2010 General Assembly.  

Other issues that were discussed have to do with thinking transitionally on all matters in these programs and others which are important to our local churches.  It was felt we needed to think strategically in understanding this "once in a lifetime" opportunity to do ministry in new ways and to be able create new paradigms for the future.  One thing that is clear is the magnitude of impact that OneOhio will have going forward.  The possibilities that are open before us will create new synergy between those called to lead student ministry.  Just how these leadership models are formed will be another change in OneOhio.  The new directors, Pat and Jan Wright, will have oversight of student ministries and will not doubt be developing strategic teams shortly to begin the journey.

There is much to be excited about and as one man put it yesterday, "my excitement for the future is now greater than my concerns for OneOhio once were!"

What are your thoughts?

In the most recent Committee of Action for OneOhio meeting, a new position was created that has a working title for now of Director of Church Ministries.  This position will involve new administrative and mission initiatives for OneOhio.  In addition to the oversight and direction of student ministries, this new position also involves formation of coaching and mentoring for leaders, equipping resourcing for local churches and regional communities, leadership development and certain transitional administrative oversight responsibilities.  

The COA unanimously approved the recommendation of Bishops Bristow and Isaacs for Patrick (Pat) and Jan Wright who presently serve as YCE Directors in Virginia.  During the past 6 years there, they have developed an extensive process for coaching and mentoring leaders called ENGAGE.  They have more than 20 years of service as YCE Directors in Missouri, Indiana, Pennsylvania, California and Virginia. The Wrights have two sons, Zack and Josh who presently live in California.  It is believed the Wrights will bring fresh, creative leadership models to OneOhio.  

We welcome them to Ohio!

1. Where will the physical location of the office be after the General Assembly?
2. When will the offices be moved to central Ohio?
3. In the beginning, what are the staff needs for OneOhio?
4. What are the necessary transitional steps to move the office operations in Lebanon physically to the office in Akron and then to Columbus eventually?
5. What do we have in both locations in terms of office equipment, programming, scheduling, etc.?
6. How do we merge the operations with the least amount of confusion to our churches and leaders?
7. How will the operation of the campground in Southern Ohio be affected by this merger?
8. What steps must be taken to merge the databases, computerized financial records and physical files from both offices?
9. Once a physical move is begun, what steps are necessary to secure the properties not used--will they be sold, leased or repositioned?
10. Who will oversee the move from Southern Ohio to Northern Ohio offices?
11. What are the immediate impact decisions that must be made to communicate the changes to the local churches?
12. How will ministerial reporting be affected at General Offices due to this merger?
13. What kind of communication is necessary for our pastors and leaders?

Assignments have been made to the respective team leaders and they are working to bring recommendations and actions to the next meeting.  If you have thoughts or ideas, you may email them to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).