Network FALL 2017 web

FALL 2017 | USPS 165-700

“When it comes to influence, people will follow
who we are more than what we say.”
— James T. Bradford
Jim Bradford is a leader with a heart for pastors and
churches. He oversees credentialing, church chartering
and the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center. Prior to his
election, Bradford pastored in Missouri, Southern California
and Vancouver. He holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering
and is the author of Preaching: Maybe It Is Rocket Science,
Second Chronicles Seven Fourteen, and Lead So Others Can
Follow. Jim and his wife, Sandi, have two married daughters
and live in Springfield, MO.
SESSION 1: Spirituality and Servanthood
SESSION 2: Systems and Strategies
SESSION 3: Skills and Strengths
SESSION 4: Stamina and Stability
2 | Network connexions | Fall 2017
We are delighted to have
Dr. Jim Bradford
with us for this years
Ministers’ Enrichment.
Dr. James T. Bradford
General Secretary
Assemblies of God

SUPERINTENDENT
STEPHEN R. TOURVILLE
717.795.5921
supt@penndel.org
GETTING
SELF-LEADERSHIP
RIGHT
Many volumes have been written over the last couple of decades regarding leadership
in the church. Great resources have been produced to train leaders in the how-to side
of leadership, the relationship aspect of leading others and the systems approach to
developing effective church structures. These tools can equip ministers to fulfill their call to serve
in the church of Jesus Christ with greater effectiveness in ways that would otherwise require
much time to learn in the school of life experience.
Preaching is at the core of what we are called to do, but we come to understand that being a
shepherd of God’s flock extends further than the pulpit. Our call to ministry certainly involves the
proclamation of the good news and the equipping of God’s people through the exposition of the
Word, but our call does not end there.
Dr. Bradford’s book, Lead So Others Can Follow, gets to the heart of what we call today
“self-leadership.” Discussion related to leadership principles from a “how-to” perspective are
inadequate in kingdom work. While a political or business leader may experience a certain level
of success through the exercise of the power of position and personal expertise, in the kingdom
of God, the additional qualities of spirituality and personal influence are critical to what is to
be accomplished in building the church. Getting self-leadership right makes it possible to
lead so others can follow.
Ministers’ Enrichment speaker, Dr. James Bradford, will help us
develop those key skills for ministry that are foundational for
effective service in the kingdom of God. Join us for this time of
learning, growth and enrichment that will bless you personally
and will bless your ministry in the future.
Network connexions | Fall 2017 | 3

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT
Bryan Koch
610.678.0266 ext. 224
bryankoch@gtaog.org
FOLLOW THE LEADER
We’ve probably all played the game “Follow the Leader,” and
while some may consider it just a simple game for children,
it really does represent the whole point of leadership.
After all, it’s hard to be a leader when no one is following you! So
what does it look like to lead so that others can follow? In the last
issue of Connexions, I shared about a picture of leadership, which
encompassed five tried and true leadership practices.
One of those practices, “Model the Way,” describes how we lead
through the four “C’s:” competency, chemistry, character, and calling.
We need to know what we’re doing, be able to get along and work
with other people, be a person of integrity, and be aware of and
obedient to God’s calling on our lives. Psalm 78:72 speaks of David
and says that “He cared for them with a true heart and led them with
skillful hands.”
Leading with character is extremely important, and attitude plays a
big role in that. Your attitude is one thing you can control that will
have a big impact on your success as a leader. How do you respond
when things go wrong or when you face difficulties? Do you have
the same values at home as you do at church? Are you following
Jesus personally? You can only lead others as well as you are being
led. If you’re not continually pursuing a close relationship with Christ
and being led by Him, then where are you leading those who are
following you? While changing negative attitudes can be difficult, it
can be done with prayer and perseverance.
Another thing to keep in mind when leading so that others can follow
is this: if we want the people we lead to follow us and stay
on the right path, we need to guide from the front instead
of driving from the back. Cattle ranchers drive from the back -
they yell and use a whip to get the cattle where they need to be.
Shepherds, on the other hand guide from the front. The sheep know
the shepherd’s voice and trust it enough to follow. When we have
integrity and inspire trust in the people we lead, they will follow us.
This is why in the LEAD U training that we do with leaders at GT, the
biblical picture for “Model the Way” is the shepherd’s staff to remind
us to lead from the front.
There is a story told about an army that was chasing after Alexander
the Great. They were expecting to surprise him from behind and
overtake him. What they weren’t expecting was being led completely
outside the borders of the map they had and feeling completely lost.
Sometimes that’s how it is with following Christ. He can lead us to
places where we feel completely off the map with no clue where we
are going. But if we continue to follow Him, we can be sure
that we are going in the right direction along with those
who follow us.
When
we have
integrity
and inspire
trust in the
people we
lead, they
will follow us.
4 | Network connexions | Fall 2017

8 PRINCIPLES OF CHANGE
from a Rocket Scientist
Most of us have a love-hate relationship with change. We love it when it clearly
benefits us or when we think everyone else needs to change for our sake. But
when change robs us of that secure attachment to the familiar or when it’s forced
on us against our will, it’s an easy thing to resent. Here are a set of suggestions for
walking people through change – anxieties and all.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Always emphasize mission over preference.
In healthy ministries, the mission answers the question as to why
changes are needed, not the status quo or people’s personal preferences
or the leader’s insecurities. Change should always be tied to mission.
Pace changes wisely and realistically.
Too much change can ruin good change. Changing the systems too often can keep
them from ever taking root in the ministry culture and becoming effective.
Assess the real reasons for resistance to change.
More often than not, people resist change because the process for bringing about
change is flawed.
Create a sense of urgency.
People will change either because they want to or because they have to. Urgency
can be a powerful motivator.
Build a team of influencers to
champion the change.
It’s difficult, if not impossible, for a leader to change an entire ministry culture alone.
Build ownership by letting people
participate in the planning.
When we walk people through change, our goal isn’t for them to reluctantly submit
out of respect for our authority but to be enthusiastically committed to the change.
Remember that behaviors change
faster than personalities.
Changing a ministry’s culture is usually a long process, but behaviors are easier to
change and are therefore usually the best starting points for bringing change.
Never forget the power of trust.
Trust is the foundation of our relationship with Christ and the essential ingredient in
any healthy human relationship. It is also the one non-negotiable for leading a group
of people through change.
Dr. Jim Bradford,
General Secretary of the
Assemblies of God, began
with a background in
Aerospace Engineering
before moving into fulltime
ministry. Here are
some of the principles of
change he has learned
along the way.
Adapted from Lead So
Others Can Follow by
Dr. James T. Bradford.
For more enlightening
lessons on leadership,
join Dr. Bradford,
our guest speaker, for
Minister’s Enrichment
on October 2–4, 2017.
Network connexions | Fall 2017 | 5

SECRETARY/TREASURER
Donald J. Immel
717.795.5921
don@penndel.org
About People:
Ministers Transferring In:
Cornacchio, John P (Ordained) from New York
Crum, Benjamin (Licensed)
Miller, Charles (Ordained)
6 | Network connexions | Fall 2017
from Ohio
from Arizona
Ministers Transferring Out:
Busa, Sean (Licensed)
to Southern California
Clarkson, William M (Licensed)
Hall, Stephen M (Ordained)
Hart, Austin (Licensed)
Henely, Michael L (Ordained)
Morine, John D (Ordained)
Roloson, Rhea (Licensed)
Ward, (BJ) Benton J (Certified)
With The Lord:
to Michigan
to New Mexico
to PenFlorida
to North Carolina
to Wisconsin/N Michigan
to Oklahoma
to Kentucky
Jayne Grove, 89, went to be with the Lord on April 10th. She
served as our Women’s Ministries Director from 1980-1996.
Jayne was a faithful lead pastor’s wife in the following PennDel
Churches: Dusquene, Corry and Houtzdale.
Nettie Reitzel, 86, went to be with the Lord on April 17th. She
served alongside her surviving husband, Eber, at the following
PennDel Churches: New Cumberland, Landisburg, Honesdale,
Ebensburg, Bethlehem, and Chambersburg.
James Mugford, 86, went to be with the Lord on April 29th. His
ministry encompassed over 60 years of pastoring in Connecticut,
Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, New York and Moosic AG in our
PennDel District.
James Hays, 78, went to be with the Lord on May 1st. He
served as lead pastor at Palmyra AG and was a former public
relations director for Teen Challenge. James is survived by his
loving wife, Elsie, of 58 years.
Ivan Cornwell, 57, went to be with the Lord on May 8th. He
was a school administrator for the following PennDel Christian
Schools: Evangel Heights, Littlestown, Pittsburgh East, Calvary
Academy and Calvary Temple. Ivan is survived by his loving
wife, Lisa.
Esther Preiser, 95, went to be with the Lord on May 13th,
where she was met by her husband, Gordon and son, Dale.
Esther served as a faithful lead pastor’s wife at Ephrata, Dickson
City and Lititz. Esther and Gordon were known serving the
children in the PennDel and New Jersey District as “The Prize
Puppeteers”.
New and Upgraded Credentials:
New
Upgraded
Andrews, Eileen (Ordained)
Barner, Sandy F (Licensed)
Beem, Kevin J (Certified)
DeFrain, Ryan M (Certified)
Gravitt, Faith A (Licensed)
Lund, Marissa J (Licensed)
Mack, Philip J (Certified)
Manning, Kyle L (Licensed)
Merrill, Christopher M (Certified)
Monserrate, Steven A (Licensed)
Nicola, Elizabeth N (Certified)
Parson, Katelyn M (Licensed)
Scott Jr, William N (Licensed)
Straub, Jennifer E (Licensed)
VanLeuven, Brinda S (Licensed)
Varughese, Jacob (Ordained)
Warnock, David W (Certified)
Worth, Aimee N (Licensed)
Wyns, Jonathan (Ordained)
Wyns, Tracey (Ordained)
Reinstated
Allen, Stefanie M (Licensed)
Andrews, Reedy, Elizabeth (Licensed)
About Churches:
General Council
Affiliated:
Crosspoint AG, Carmichaels
Lead Pastor – Joshua Koss
Eagle’s Nest AG, Greenville
Lead Pastor – Vincent Bellanca
Life Church of Hershey, Hershey
Lead Pastor – Shawn Bentley
Mountaintop Family Church,
Mountain Top
Lead Pastor – Brian Knorr
Transferred Churches:
City Reach Church Las Vegas East –
S California
Pastoral Transitions:
Ben Rivera – New Beginning
Church of Bucks County, Jamison
Carter, W Bradford (Ordained)
Balban, Isaac J (Ordained)
Culbertson, David (Ordained)
George, Stacie (Ordained)
Giles, Janet (Ordained)
Gruber, Justin (Ordained)
Hall, Stephen M (Ordained)
Henry, Jeffrey A (Licensed)
Hyman, Lee (Ordained)
Jordan, Andrew D (Ordained)
Jordan, Megan B (Ordained)
Keever, Debra (Ordained)
Knoll, Nathaniel (Ordained)
Knorr, Deborah A (Ordained)
Krebs, Janette L (Ordained)
Lanza, Jared F (Ordained)
Mathias, Paul J (Ordained)
McNaney, Christopher (Ordained)
Neis Jr, Thomas A (Ordained)
Reyes III, Salvador (Licensed)
Ritenour, Jonathan (Ordained)
Rodriguez, Lisa F (Ordained)
Vagle, Kyle T (Ordained)
Waldecker, Paul M (Ordained)
Wirmel, John M (Licensed)
District Affiliated:
Pleasant Valley Chapel,
Mt Pleasant Mills
Lead Pastor – Terry Sheaffer
Parent Affiliated:
Harrisburg Nepali Church, Harrisburg
PAC Mother – Harrisburg 1 st AG
PAC Lead Pastor – Terry Lamer
Campus Pastor – Suresh Tamang
Mosaic Church, Reading
PAC Mother – Morning Star Fellowship,
Bechtelsville
PAC Lead Pastor – Steven R DeFrain
Campus Pastor – Iosif Hoca
Venture Church, Bluffton SC
PAC Mother – Morning Star
Fellowship
PAC Lead Pastor – Steve DeFrain
Campus Pastor – Shaun Olsen

WORLD MISSIONS
Donald J. Immel
717.795.5921
don@penndel.org
National Emphasis Theme and Materials
are available as you promote missions in
your church:
www.agwm.com/assets/theme-catalog.pdf
PennDel Missionaries Currently Itinerating:
New Missionaries Itineration:
Mike & Jess Brown (Latin America) mikendjessb@gmail.com
Tom & Brooke Harshberger (Europe) tomharshberger@gmail.com
Veteran Missionaries Itineration:
Paul & Kristin Mathias (Sensitive)
Ron & Amy Jones (Sensitive)
mathiasfamily@oikosmail.com
ronandamyjones@gmail.com
Missionaries Status Changes & Updates:
Brice Karper – Missionary to Eurasia submitted his resignation to AGWM
in March.
Peggy Lamb – Missionary with International Ministries has experienced a
transition in her life/ministry and has submitted her resignation to AGWM.
National Missions Connect 2017
59th Annual Commissioning Service
School of Missions
Robin & I had a wonderful time connecting with our
PennDel missionary family in Springfield during the
annual “Missions Refresh” and connection event. Each
year PennDel hosts a dinner with our missionaries who
are present in Springfield during this month of training.
The highlight of our visit is the Thursday evening
“Commissioning Service.” We dearly love our missionaries
and their families, and so appreciate their responsive
call to reach the unreached around the world.
Shahan & Tyra Teberian and Family – Missionaries in a sensitive country
are home on their first furlough this past year serving in our churches, raising
monthly support and enjoying time reconnecting with friends and family.
During this time of residing in the Phoenixville area, God opened a door for
Shahan to use a combination of his previous legal experience, expertise in
business practices and ministry skills to bless the University of Valley Forge
for a brief season with the President’s Cabinet as University Counsel.
Stay connected with the Teberian’s at: www.theteberians.com or
shahan.teberian@agmd.org, tyra.teberian@agmd.org
Current Itineration List: Our PennDel website has a full up-to-date
itineration list for our PennDel missionaries during 2017 – 2018
Tom & Brooke Harshberger
Mike & Jess Brown and Family
2017 World Missions Project: The Roma Project
Throughout this past year we have been sharing information about the Roma people of
Slovakia. The need has been met with broad acceptance, and the desire to develop a partnership
with our Roma brothers and sisters seems to resonate with our PennDel Network family.
Our goal is to raise $150K to build a Community Center in Kendice, Slovakia. To date, we have
received $38,688.77 in offerings.
Thank you for helping us meet our goal by sending your donation to:
4651 Westport Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. Or give online: penndel.org
We kindly ask that all pledges for the Roma Project be met by MinistrieSummit 2018.
Network connexions | Fall 2017 | 7

HOPE WINS
How the Church Can Bring Hope to Rural America
Written by Courtney DiTrolio
America, land of the brave and home of the free, is also home to over 43 million
people living in poverty. Surprisingly our small towns and rural communities have
an even higher poverty rate than urban areas.
Steve Donaldson, founder of Rural Compassion, talks about the
death in these rural communities - death of people’s dreams, death
of businesses, and death of homes, as they deteriorate over time.
But he also talks about a vision, “to see vitality, to see kids have
dreams again.” Although the statistics are halting, the good news is,
there is hope.
This message of hope was brought to us through the means of an
18-wheeler truck, a small team of leaders, and a big heart and vision
for rural America.
In June, PennDel hosted its first Rural Compassion event. When
the flag-donning Convoy of Hope truck pulled into the lot of the
Bongiorno Conference Center, we knew it brought promise of an
extraordinary weekend. Rural Compassion missionaries, Kim and
Laurel Harvey, led the weekend and brought the heart of the ministry
to 34 pastors and pastors’ wives through their personal stories,
innovative ideas and huge vision. Two other vital team members,
Dan and Karen Rhodes, drove the truck from Springfield and assisted
through their hard work and serve-oriented spirits.
The two-day event involved three sessions, led by Kim and Laurel,
as well as a blessing room of resources for pastors, and finally, the
distribution of approximately 35,000 pounds of goods to finish off the
weekend.
The big questions posed over the weekend were: What are we
doing to bring hope to our small towns and rural areas? And
how are we tangibly serving our rural communities?
Rural Compassion brought us some answers, with the idea of
cultivating relationships in our communities and identifying and
connecting with our communities’ stakeholders like policemen,
firefighters, teachers, politicians, superintendents, and nonprofit
8 | Network connexions | Fall 2017

leaders. Pastor John Talcott, pastor of Christ Community Church in Emmitsburg,
reflected, “God really affirmed in me those things that I had been doing right
and inspired me to go harder and deeper into building relationships with
some of the other stakeholders.”
Kim and Laurel shared their stories of pastoring a rural church. As Kim shared his moving
personal story, he reminded us, “God doesn’t waste our pain.” He talked about how
pain gives us compassion, and compassion connects us to people. Another reminder he
gave is that “compassion is always inconvenient.” If we are waiting for a moment
when compassion is comfortable or easy, then we are missing it.
Laurel shared story after story about the needs in rural communities around the US.
In certain school districts, she has spoken to worried lunch ladies who know that for
some, the lunch that students eat on Friday will be their last full meal until Monday.
We learned that one of the largest causes of adolescent girls missing school in rural
areas is the inability to afford feminine products. Laurel told us of a family who
happily received new toothbrushes, exclaiming, “We don’t have to share anymore!”
The families in our rural communities are in need of resources, but even more so,
they are in need of hope.
Rural Compassion uses resources as a means to reach people’s hearts. At the
dismissal of the event, each pastor drove through rows of volunteers, as their vans,
u-hauls and trucks were loaded up with a wide array of tangible goods to bring to
their churches and communities. The pastors left with full hearts and full trucks, after
receiving collectively over 17 tons of resources!
The PennDel Ministry Network is committed to coming alongside our rural pastors,
with a renewed vision for reaching our rural areas for Jesus. If you want to take part
in our next Rural Compassion, April 6-7, 2018 at the Bongiorno Conference Center,
please contact Tom Rees (tom@penndel.org).
WHAT OUR PASTORS
SAID ABOUT RURAL
COMPASSION:
“Our hearts are full and overwhelmed
at the opportunity that
God will give us to love the people
in Galeton.”
— Pastor LeRoy and Wanda Bunker
(Lighthouse Community Church, Galeton)
“It’s nice to attend something
that ‘fits’ with the rural church.
It brought encouragement to our
souls. Put some excitement back
in us.”
- Pastor Jim and Dorothy Rugg
(Mill City AG)
“God gave us a new direction and
a new hope to continue in the call
He has laid upon our hearts.”
— Pastor Sean and Beth Heuer
(Trinity AG, Nicholson)
“Rural Compassion teaches us to
go above and beyond the 4 big
community events that we already
do each year.”
— Pastor Tim and Rhonda Imes
(Pinchot Park AG)
“It was practical and easy to
remember. We really liked the workbook
because it was something that
we can take back and work together
with our staff to get the vision of
reaching rural families...We will leave
excited and pumped up to creatively
reach our community.”
— Pastor Shane &
Aubrey McClanahan
(St. Thomas AG)
Courtney DiTrolio works as a writer, editor, florist
and English teacher in Buenos Aires, Argentina,
where she lives with her husband, Stephen. She
graduated from Vanguard University in Southern
California and previously worked as the Creative
Arts Specialist at GT Church in Reading.
“I’m consistently awestruck by the depth of poverty we see in
rural American towns. I’m equally inspired by the determination
and grassroots solutions in those same towns.”
— Steve Donaldson
Network connexions | Fall 2017 | 9

2017 PENNDEL DISTRICT COUNCIL
Congratulations to the Ordination Class of 2017!
PENNDEL
MINISTRIESUMMIT
MAY 1-3 2017
•
2017 Jubilarians
50 years of Ordained Ministry
John & Carol Kenzy, Ed & Faith Ferguson
10 | Network connexions | Fall 2017

Eileen Andrews
Isaac & Courtney Balban
David & Rachel Culbertson
Stacie George
Janet Giles
Justin & Kelly Gruber
Stephen & Rachel Hall
Lee & Kiersten Hyman
Andrew & Megan Jordan
Debra & Ward Keever
Nathaniel & Rachel Knoll
Deborah & Brian Knorr
Jan & George Krebs
Jared & Heather Lanza
Paul & Kristin Mathias
Christopher & Samantha
McNaney
Thomas & Patricia Neis Jr.
Jonathan & Danielle
Ritenour
Lisa & Carlos Rodriguez
Kyle & Rendelle Vagle
Jacob & Valsala Varughese
Paul & Jill Waldecker
Jonathan & Tracey Wyns

LIFE IS HARD
Robin and Jeff
UVF 1981
Written by Courtney DiTrolio
It was the Christmas of 1996, and Robin Kettering, mother of three
and pastor’s wife, remembers her family packing up to head to the
Florida Keys for a seaside holiday. She was excited to break in a new
pair of sneakers on the trip, but began to notice an unusual numb
sensation in her right foot. At first assuming the shoes were the cause,
she overlooked the issue. However, more questions began to arise
when the numbness in her foot continued to spread to her leg. She
knew something was not right.
Within a year, Robin was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS),
a disease that hones in on the brain and spinal cord. It creates a
disconnect between the brain and the rest of the body, often causing
fatigue, limited mobility, or loss of vision.
As a person of faith, how do you respond to the diagnosis of a
chronic disease with no cure?
Aside from the fear and emotion that coincides with this kind of news,
Robin reminisces, “I felt thankful in my heart because I knew God
was going to take care of me. Life is hard, but God is good.” Her
resolution to trust in God, even though depression and anger could
have easily set in, is the theme that has reigned in her life, especially in
the last twenty years.
Robin’s
Ordination, 2016
Robin in 1981
12 | Network connexions | Fall 2017

GUEST INTERVIEW
Robin Kettering
rkettering59@gmail.com
Robin and her husband, Jeff, have been
serving Newville Church as senior pastors
for 28 years. Both Robin and Jeff are
ordained with PennDel, and Jeff serves as
the presbyter of the South Central Section.
They have 3 grown sons - Michael, 26,
Peter, 29 and Tim, 31.
Robin’s 4 M’s To Joy
Robin has always been determined, energetic, and passionate about
ministry. As a young lady, she attended University of Valley Forge to
follow God’s call to ministry. At Valley Forge, she met her husband, Jeff
Kettering, and they moved into full-time pastoring after graduating
from Bible school. Robin invested in the youth and children’s programs;
however, her calling shifted as she became a mom to three energetic
boys, Tim, Peter, and Michael. She also worked as a lifeguard, a school
bus driver and taught swimming lessons.
She is constantly asking for help from
God, “Lord help me!”
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when
you are in need. (Romans 10:13)
In the last twenty years, her life has shifted externally but has
remained steadfast at the foundation. She has learned to adapt to life
in a wheelchair, and even embraces the conversations it initiates. When
acquaintances pity her condition, she assures them, “God is taking
care of me.”
She says that you should never underestimate the power of staying
connected to people and to a support system. As a naturally
independent person, she has learned dependency; depending on her
husband and on her caregivers to help her with daily tasks has taught
her the importance of humility and keeping a thankful, gentle spirit.
She has learned to accept her limitations and does what she can with
what she has been given.
As a recently ordained AG pastor, Robin uses her story to share with
women’s groups and churches. She communicates with passion her
prescription, her 4 M’s recipe for joy. The detours her life has taken,
due to MS, have not always been easy, but she has still managed to
keep a tight grip on joy.
She keeps a melody and song in her
mind and heart always.
Robin’s Go-To Songs for Encouragement:
Just Be Held by Casting Crowns
Come Holy Spirit
She meditates on scripture daily to
keep her spirit revived and encouraged.
Robin’s Go-To Scriptures:
Philippians 4
Romans 8:28
To anyone who has a hard diagnosis, a loss, a devastating
disappointment or a detour in life, Robin encourages you to remember
that God still has a plan for you. And to remember that you did not do
anything wrong to bring you to this place. She reiterates that if you
trust in God, He will see you through. “Yes, life is hard, but yes, God
is good.”
She makes up her mind to say yes to God.
When you don’t know what to pray,
pray the Lord’s Prayer to keep your
mind centered on God’s will.
“Yes, life is hard, but yes, God is good.”
Network connexions | Fall 2017 | 13

YOUTH ALIVE MISSIONARY
Lee Rogers
717.795.9780
lee@reachtheschool.com
REACHTHESCHOOL.COM • TWITTER.COM/REACHTHESCHOOL
FACEBOOK.COM/REACHTHESCHOOL
“Can I tell you about what I’ve been doing in my school?”
McKenzie asked me one night after I spoke at her youth group. She
was quiet and unassuming, but I could tell she had a passion for Jesus
and a story to share. She told me how she’d invited her entire class to
a weekly Bible study, and that a few dozen students were attending
regularly. I was a little surprised because McKenzie was a very shy
and quiet student; she was not the personality type most people
would expect to fearlessly launch a movement and make a difference
for the Gospel.
A few months later I contacted McKenzie and asked if we could
document her story with a video, and if she would be willing to
appear on stage with me at an event to tell the story in her own
words. She declined. McKenzie said, “To be honest, I’m very shy and
I don’t consider myself to be a leader. I’m not comfortable in front of
large crowds, and I don’t want to draw attention to myself. I just want
to make a difference for Jesus among my friends and in my school.” I
was disappointed with her response, but I wasn’t surprised; this was
more in line with what most would expect from her personality type.
McKenzie reveals an interesting juxtaposition for all of us who follow
Jesus; we are not all called to be leaders, but we are all called to lead
others to Christ.
In the church, we have too frequently conflated these separate
concepts and often to the detriment of the mission of God. The
Apostle Paul wrote that some have the gift of leadership, but some
have other gifts, such as serving or giving (see Romans 12:3-8).
At the same time, all believers are called to lead others to Christ
(Matthew 28:19-20), and we can even receive the empowerment
of the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). So we are not all
leaders, but we are all to be leading our friends and acquaintances
YOUTH MINISTRIES
Doug Sayers
717.795.5921
dyd@penndel.org

to Christ. McKenzie was a perfect working example of this
seemingly irreconcilable contradiction; she wasn’t a leader, yet
she was leading many to the Cross through the Scriptures. She
was making a difference for the Gospel, fulfilling the call placed
upon all followers of Christ.
When we assume that only “leaders” can start a movement
that will make a difference, or that only those in leadership
can share the Gospel, we severely limit the scope and breadth
of God’s mission. We also limit the further discipleship and
effectiveness of all believers. Worst of all, we put the Holy Spirit
in a box as though the empowerment that is for all followers of
Christ is only for a few. It’s time to reject this way of thinking.
It’s time to embrace the truth that all believers are called to
make a difference for the Gospel; that all can share their faith
without fear; that each one can be used by God to shape history.
Join us for a brand new event designed to equip teenagers
to make a difference for the Gospel. This is not an event for
“leaders,” it’s an event for all believers! It’s Fearless: One
Day to Make a Difference, a one-day conference happening
in three locations: West, East, and Central. Students will be
inspired and empowered to serve their friends, talk about their
faith, and make a difference without fear. For details and to
register, go to www.fearlessoneday.com.
For more information visit valleyforge.edu
Contact our Office of Admissions
800.432.8322 or admissions@valleyforge.edu

The PennDel School of Ministry is a
convenient and less expensive way
that a person can satisfy the academic
requirements for credentials with the
Assemblies of God.
NOW ON TWO CAMPUSES:
This Fall (2017)
• Monroeville Campus (meeting at
Monroeville A/G) will offer
Level 1 and Level 2 classes
• York Campus will offer
Level 1 classes only
16 | Network connexions | Fall 2017
Enrollment for each course is $60.
Classes meet one Saturday each
month (Sept-May).
For more information visit:
www.penndelsom.org

MEN’S MINISTRIES
Tom Rees
717.795.5921
tom@penndel.org
COMING
EVENTS
IN 2017:
District Leaders
Conference
Newport A/G
Thompsontown, PA
August 25-26
West Division
Fall Camporee
Camp Seph Mack
Penn Run, PA
September 8-10
East Division
Fall Camporee
Tri-County
Worship Center
Bethel, PA
Sept 22-23
Colonials Territorial
Rendezvous
PDRR Camp Berry
Honey Grove, PA
October 6-8
BE SOMEBODY
One is born into leadership, right? At least that is
what many believe. However, the idea that one is
naturally a good leader is a myth. Are there those who
are natural leaders? Absolutely! But leadership can be
and usually is a learned skill.
Consider the most fundamental example of Jesus
choosing the twelve. He didn’t interview looking for
those who naturally exhibited good leadership. On
the contrary, He looked for those who were willing to
follow His example and learn to be good leaders. He
chose those with teachable hearts and then spent the
next few years teaching and training them for the roles
they were to fulfill.
So, here is the question, you as a leader in your church,
must answer. Are you training tomorrow’s leaders?
Royal Rangers is, in part, devoted to training leaders
both for today and tomorrow. We offer training for
adults so they can be effective in their outposts and be
able to train our boys. We offer Jr. Leadership camps and
ROYAL RANGERS
Greg Scott
302.697.2313
gscott@pdrangers.org
www.pdrangers.org
merits so that our boys will be the Christ like servant
leaders of tomorrow. Are you taking advantage of what
Royal Rangers offers the men and boys in your church?
Oftentimes, if you lead, someone will follow. It’s been
said that if you are not leading, you are a follower. If
you are not following, then you are lost. Be somebody,
be the best version of yourself that you can be.
Help us build tomorrow’s leaders. Check out our
website for full information at www.pdrangers.org
Jr. Leadership opportunities:
Jr. Leadership Development Academy,
PDRR Camp Berry – August 2–5
Adult Leadership Opportunities:
Check with your Sectional RR Coordinator for local
Ranger Basics and Ranger Essentials
National Ranger Ministry Camp,
Whiteford, MD – Sept. 8–10
Network connexions | Fall 2017 | 17

GIRLS MINISTRIES
Sharon Poole
penndeldmc@yahoo.com
penndel.org/girls
September 10-16 is the
National Girls Ministries Week.
This annual celebration provides an opportunity for the
local church to promote its ministry to girls and young
women. This year the theme, “BLOOM, when little
becomes much,” allows for teaching and discussion for all age
groups of girls. The National GM Department has developed
a packet to be used in this Celebration. To download this free
packet, go to ngm.ag.org Click on the “events/evangelism”
dropdown and choose “National Girls Ministries Week.”
18 | Network connexions | Fall 2017
Even if you do not have organized Girls Ministries Clubs in your
church, use this time to highlight how you are reaching this
generation of females for Jesus. Never before has a gender
generation needed to be encouraged, honored and, more
importantly, mentored. Don’t miss this opportunity to bring
about God’s blessing in them!

Pennsylvania-Delaware
Ministry Network
4651 Westport Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Read online: penndel.org/connexions
Editor: . . . . . . . . . . . Stephen R. Tourville
Managing Editor: . . . . . Carole Bongiorno
Executive Presbytery
Superintendent . . . . . . . Stephen R. Tourville
Assistant Superintendent . . Bryan Koch
Secretary/Treasurer. . . . . Donald J. Immel
Timothy Bunney Southwest Suburban - SWS
Christopher Clark North Central West - NCW
Roland Coon Delaware - DEL
Steven DeFrain East Central - EC
Jeffrey Kettering South Central - SC
Jeff Marshall Southwest Metro - SWM
Robert Novak Greater Philadelphia Area - GPA
James Pentz North Central - NC
Randall Rhoads South Central East - SCE
Walter Smith South Central West - SCW
Allan Thorpe Northwest - NW
David Twiss Northeast - NE
REpurpose, REclaim,
REplenish, REnew…
so many words to describe
the repairs we need in our
lives. God is the original
“fixer-upper.” Our weekend
will focus on allowing God
to REjuvenate and REnovate
our body, soul and spirit.
General Presbyters
Stephen R. Tourville
Donald J. Immel
Bryan Koch
Honorary General Presbyter
Philip Bongiorno
PennDel Superintendent Emeritus
Volume 63 Number 3 - (USPS 165-700) is the official periodical
published quarterly by the Pennsylvaina-Delaware District Council of
the Assemblies of God. Periodical postage paid at Mechanicsburg,
Pennsylvania. Circulation Stands at Approximately 7,500
POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to:
Pennsylvania-Delaware District Council
4651 Westport Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-4887
DISTRICT CALENDAR
SEPTEMBER
4 ............Labor Day – Ministries Center closed
8-10 .......RR West Division Fall Camporee
9 ............Fearless (Yth) One Day to Make a Difference
East – Central/Bethlehem, PA
10-16 ..... National Girls Ministries Week
11 ..........Presbytery Meeting – BCC
12 ..........Credential Interviews – BCC
15 ..........Credential Apps due for Jan. 2018 Interviews
16 ..........Fearless (Yth) One Day to Make a Difference
Central – CLA/Camp Hill, PA
17 ..........Cluster Church Planting Day
22-23 ..... RR East Division Fall Camporee
22-24 ..... Women in Ministry Retreat – BCC
24 ..........Campus Awareness Day
27 ..........See You at the Pole
29 ..........PennDel Charities Trap Shooting –
Youngwood Sportsmen’s Club
OCTOBER
1 ............Ministers’ Appreciation Month
2 ............Youth Committee Meeting
2-4 .........Ministers Enrichment – BCC
4 ............World Missions Rep’s Meeting – BCC
6-8 .........RR FCF Territorial Rendezvous
7 ............Junior Bible Quiz Meet #1
14 ..........Teen Bible Quiz Meet #1
15 ..........National STL Day
20-21 .....Acts 2 Journey #4 – BCC
20-21 .....GO Men’s Conference – CLA, Camp Hill
21 ..........PDRR Camp Workday
21-23 .....PK/MK Retreat – BCC
30-31 .....STL Tour
NOVEMBER
1-17 .......STL Tour
4 ............Junior Bible Quiz Meet #2
5 ............Daylight Savings Time ends
10-11 ..... Women of Purpose Conference –
Hershey Arena
11 ..........RR Regional Business Meeting
15 ..........Credential App’s due for March 2018
17-19 ..... Young Adult Outreach (NYSUM) –
New York City
23-24 ..... Thanksgiving – Ministries Center closed
Network connexions | Fall 2017 | 19

Pennsylvania-Delaware Ministry Network
4651 Westport Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Find us online: penndel.org
Follow us on Facebook: PennDel Ministry Network
Follow us on Twitter: #penndelag
LEADING THE WAY
in Kingdom Investments
Investment Interest Rates
5 year note 4.00%
4 year note 3.25%
2½ year note 3.00%
1 year note 2.75%
6 month note 2.50%
Demand Note 2.25%
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MINIMUM DEPOSIT TO OPEN A NOTE IS $500.00. THE INITIAL INTEREST RATE
ON ALL NOTES WILL DEPEND ON EFFECTIVE INTEREST RATES AT THE TIME
OF PURCHASE. TERM NOTES PAY INTEREST AT A RATE FIXED AT THE TIME OF
ISSUANCE. ONCE FIXED, THE INTEREST RATE ON A TERM NOTE WILL NOT BE
CHANGED UNTIL THE NOTE MATURES. AT LEAST THIRTY (30) DAYS PRIOR TO ANY
DECREASE IN THE INTEREST RATE ON A DEMAND NOTE, HIS FUND WILL NOTIFY
THE HOLDER OF SUCH CHANGE. *DEMAND NOTES ARE NOT AVAILABLE IN SOUTH
CAROLINA. HIS FUND INTEREST RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT
NOTICE. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR ADDITIONAL FORMS, VISIT OUR WEBSITE
AT WWW.HISFUND.COM.
THIS INFORMATION IS NEITHER AN OFFER TO SELL NOR A SOLICITATION OF AN
OFFER TO BUY THE SECURITIES ISSUED BY HIS FUND. THE OFFERING IS MADE
ONLY BY THE PROSPECTUS. THE UNSECURED SECURITIES OF HIS FUND ARE
NOT OFFERED OR SOLD IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE NOT PERMITTED. THE
NOTES ARE NOT SAVINGS OR DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS
OF A BANK AND ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION, ANY STATE BANK INSURANCE FUND, THE SECURITIES INVESTOR
PROTECTION CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY.