LeadershipConnexion 1st QRT 2021

PennDel Ministry Network | Spring 2021 

THE POWER OF re

2 

FOR MORE INFO: HOTELS, EVENTS, LUNCHEONS, SESSIONS, CHILDCARE 

PLEASE VISIT: penndel.org/summit2021

THE POWER OF re 

A season of reopening and reengaging is in front of us. 

The prefix “re” is used often in the English language. 

Re communicates the thought of going back or 

doing something again. There are literally hundreds 

of English words that use this prefix, and many of them 

communicate a positive exercise or experience. The 

use of the prefix “re” fits well in our Pentecostal cultural 

vocabulary. For example, the Psalmist prays to God 

“Restore us, O God of our salvation…Will you not revive us 

again, that your people may rejoice in you?” (Psalm 85:4 

& 6) Peter challenges his audience to “Repent…and be 

converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times 

of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord…” 

(Acts 2:19). Restore, revive, refresh, even repent give us 

a positive sense of getting a do-over. Going back to 

make forward progress. This is the power 

of “re.” 

is a powerful benefit in going back to our foundations 

or roots. By reexamining our beginnings, we may 

“rediscover” the basis for which we function and operate. 

In Recalibrate Your Church, Troy Jones advocates for 

reviewing the history of your church. “Find out what got 

[your church] started and how it grew.” Sometimes, Jones 

says, “the path forward is found in reviewing the church’s 

(or ministry’s) original mission.” 1 

If our purpose is to simply keep the lights on or the church 

doors open, we will have a difficult time inspiring ourselves 

and others to achieve great Kingdom results in outreach or 

ministry. In their book, Replant, Patrick and DeVine state 

that “Many times… churches have a valuable gospel DNA; 

a theological tradition, lost, that needs to be recovered; 

and a history of God’s faithfulness that needs to be 

retold.” 2 

NETWORK SUPERINTENDENT | DONALD J. IMMEL | 717.795.5921 | DON@PENNDEL.ORG 

Our calendars are filled with annual occasions for “re.” 

Holidays like Memorial Day and Independence Day 

reacquaint us with the precious gift of freedom and the 

price that was paid to obtain and maintain that liberty. 

Birthdays and anniversaries remind us of the preciousness 

of life and relationships. “Holy-days” such as Christmas 

and Easter (Resurrection Sunday) reinforce important 

events in God’s plan of redemption. 

It is not uncommon for churches, ministers or ministries to 

develop habits and trajectories that take them off course. 

It’s a subtle process of making incremental adjustments 

to meet current needs or demands. At first, there is no 

measurable harm. But after we have gone down the 

road for several years (or decades), ministers may find 

themselves functioning in a system that lacks mission, 

purpose or relevance. The result – ineffectiveness and 

tradition are the dominant outcomes and practices. There 

As we move toward the resolution of the coronavirus 

pandemic, rethinking and reevaluating some of our 

ministry practices will be necessary. Additionally, we will 

need to reimagine what ministries and activities will be 

appropriate and beneficial as we fully reopen. Some 

church activities will be reaffirmed because they are 

important, if not essential, to carrying out a full gospel 

ministry. Some programs may be removed because they 

don’t make the cut. So rethink, repray, revisit, 

recalibrate and reimagine what effective 

ministry and outreach will look like as 

the pandemic resolves. God is still in the “I-willbuild-my-church” 

business. A season of reopening and 

reengaging is in front of us. May God revive us spiritually, 

emotionally, physically and relationally to move forward in 

what will be a season of Kingdom-building opportunities. 

1. Jones, Troy. Recalibrate Your Church: How Your Church Can Reach Its Full Kingdom Impact (p. 110). Kindle Edition. 

2. DeVine and Patrick, Replant 

LEADERSHIPconnexion | Spring 2021 

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ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT | STEVE DEFRAIN | 484.686.4843 | sdefrain@penndel.org 

Many of you know that I pastored Morning Star Fellowship in Bechtesville for thirty-eight years. It 

took seven long years to break the first one hundred. My personality always goes straight to the 

highlight reel, and I mostly remember the good times. But Liz reminds me that pastors need to 

know about the hard times too. I’ll save those stories for another article and another time. I find that 

pastors want to know how we made it in one place for all those years. 

One of the answers is a SABBATICAL. 

Morning Star gifted us with a three-month Sabbatical when we 

hit the twenty-five year mark. Sabbaticals are a new idea in the 

Assemblies of God, but they’ve been around much longer in 

other denominations. After that initial Sabbatical, they decided 

to give us a one-month Sabbatical every seven years, always 

above our regular vacation time. I’m forever grateful for godly 

men and women that served on our board and understood the 

value of a gift like this. 

What is a SABBATICAL? 

Time off for rest and study. You gift your pastor paid leave for 

rest and rejuvenation. 

Why a SABBATICAL? 

• 1,500 pastors leave the ministry each month, 

many from burnout. 

• 91% feel fatigued and tired at the end of the week. 

• 50% of their marriages end in divorce. 

ONBOARD 

Leadership Thoughts for the Church Board 

reJUVENATE 

A pastor goes to bed knowing they are on call twenty-four 

hours a day. There is rarely an off switch. They close their eyes 

knowing the phone could ring at any moment. One person said: 

“Ministry is a lifestyle. Clergy are always on the clock.” 

A pastor carries hundreds of individual stories. The burden of 

sickness in one family. The weight of a job layoff going past a 

year in another. The broken hearts of parents fighting addiction 

in yet another. The pastor who cares, carries much more than 

you will ever know. 

The Benefits: 

As a church, you get to reward faithful service. You have a 

pastor that gives it their all and, they feel blessed (honored) 

when you give them a Sabbatical gift. 

As a church, you get to experience a refreshed (rejuvenated) 

pastor. Some people said on my return, “Pastor, it’s like you 

never skipped a beat.” It’s because I had a break from the 

pressure, time to walk, pray and hear from God. It’s because 

I had time to hold Liz’s hand and to be with her without any 

distraction. 

• 70% constantly fight depression. 

A pastor experiences highs and lows, not just monthly, but every 

day. In a twenty-four hour time period, they can deal with death, 

talk to a couple getting a divorce, make the budget, look at a 

critical email (petty criticism), and celebrate a new birth. 

As a church, you feel good knowing you have a pastor couple 

that is strong and healthy in their marriage. Knowing you are 

blessing their entire family for the many sacrifices they make for 

the church too. 

Sabbaticals are a win-win for everyone. Even though a 

Sabbatical is a new idea in our AG circles, I believe this model 

is worth looking at if you want a healthy relationship between 

pastor and congregation. 

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eDEFINE 

What story have you been telling yourself? 

For many of us in this season, we have had to redefine our 

expectations and readjust our strategies; and in the process I 

believe we may have lost our vision and sense of direction. It is 

difficult to maintain passion when we no longer see where we are going, 

when we are just treading water. However, I believe God is moving in 

His church. I believe He is challenging us to redefine this experience, 

rename our situation and begin to hope again. 

Years ago, I was challenged by these three questions: what story 

have you been telling yourself about you, your 

situation and ultimately about God? It begs the question, 

what headline have I given to this chapter of my life? The answer to 

that question, how I define or redefine it, will determine how I ultimately 

choose to walk through it. It is always less about what is going on 

around me and more about what is going on in me that ultimately 

determines the success of that season. 

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR | Sarah Walter, MA, LPC | swalter@emerge.org 

Sarah Walter, MA, LPC is a Licensed 

Professional Counselor and an ordained 

minister with the Assemblies 

of God. Sarah is available to help you 

overcome emotional challenges, assist 

in strengthening your marriage, walk 

you through parenting difficulties, help 

you avoid burn out in ministry, assist 

in stress management strategies and 

a plan for your future. She works with 

couples, families, individuals and those 

in ministry. 

For more information regarding 

in-person or tele-counseling appointments: 

emerge.org/pa 

1.800.621.5207 

4651 Westport Dr., 

Mechanicsburg, PA 

I have had days in ministry where outwardly it is measured successful, 

and yet feel no move of the Spirit. I have had evenings in ministry where 

no more than two people show up, and yet I am blown away by God’s 

faithfulness to His children. How do we define success this year? This 

will determine if we persevere or settle into discouragement. 

What causes someone to give up? In a workout plan, motivation 

is fostered through a sense of accomplishment. It is critical how 

accomplishment is defined from the very beginning. When lack of 

progress is outwardly invisible, many give up. But what is not seen, are 

the muscles being strengthened in the inward places, the secret places. 

If one perseveres, he or she is able to look back and see the progress 

that was once invisible. 

Join me in remembering the spiritual battle that rages on. In the 

middle, may we not lose our courage, our motivation, our sense 

of purpose and hope. Let us instead redefine the headlines we are 

placing over the difficult seasons. Let us begin to hope once more 

that what is being done in the secret places will reveal His glory in the 

next chapter. So, when burn-out, depression and discouragement 

are creeping into your days’ work, remember to redefine success, 

persevere through hope and begin to dream again. 

LEADERSHIPconnexion | Spring 2021 5

SECRETARY/TREASURER | JEFF MARSHALL | 717.795.5921 | jeff@penndel.org 

reVIVE 

Do you remember the day you accepted the call of 

God in your life for ministry? 

That is a day we need to remember. 

In the Old Testament, stones were placed in areas of 

remembrance where God spoke or gave direction to an 

individual, such as Bethel. Days of remembrance were vital for 

them and are vital for us as well, but how often we forget! 

I remember the day I rededicated my life to Christ. 

I was raised in a Christian home, as a result, I joke that I was 

“saved out of the womb.” Yet I did have some rebellious years 

as a teenager. Then, in April, 1975, I rededicated my life to 

Christ. I was a witnessing machine. Shortly after that, I went 

to an altar at a gospel concert and committed my life to the 

ministry, answering the call of God in my life. Like Peter and 

John, I couldn’t stop talking about Jesus. 

But after a while, I cooled down and went on with my life. I 

graduated from a Christian college, worked as a legislative 

aide in Washington DC and a juvenile counselor, then I met 

Cathy, the love of my life. One evening, Cathy and I went to a 

Ground Round restaurant (I loved the peanuts there). We were 

talking about our future. All at once she said to me – “Are 

you going to do what God wants you to do or live 

out someone else’s call?” 

At that time, God’s call was revived in my life. 

According to Webster’s dictionary, the definition of revive is 

“to return to life or to recover from a state of neglect, 

oblivion, obscurity.” For years I had been neglecting the call 

of God on my life. I was serving God, but not in the ministry 

He had originally called me to. As Cathy noted, “I was fulfilling 

someone else’s call, not mine.” 

It is so easy to stray away from God’s original call on our lives. 

There are times we need to go back and remember the call of 

God on our lives. Maybe it was at a spiritual “Bethel” or maybe 

as dramatic as a “Damascus Road Experience.” In Ephesians 

4:11 we read that it was Christ himself who gave us the call to 

specific ministry. 

Are you fulfilling the call of 

God upon your life? 

All are called to minister, but not all are called to ministry. 

Many of you reading this are already serving in ministry, 

but are you serving in the area of ministry God originally 

called you to serve? 

» 

» 

» 

We have dozens of churches open in the 

PennDel Ministry Network in need of pastors. 

Has God called you to become a pastor? 

There are unreached people groups around the 

world as well as people in our own country who 

need to hear about Jesus. 

Has God called you to become a missionary 

or an evangelist? 

We have great opportunities for ministry training: 

PennDel School of Ministry, the University of Valley 

Forge and church based ministry schools. 

Has God called you to prepare for a 

new season of ministry? 

I want to encourage you during these challenging times 

to take some time, go back and relive the call of God 

upon your life. 

Ask the Holy Spirit to reVIVE you, to return you to life 

and bring you out of the state of neglect, oblivion and 

obscurity. To restore unto you the joy of your salvation 

and the call of God upon your life. 

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How has Covid effected our PennDel Missionaries, Projects, Events, etc: 

Quarterly Zoom Meetings: Our missionaries 

have enjoyed this new connection with our 

World Missions Director, Jeff Marshall. This 

provides a time of prayer, connection, brief 

moment of where each one is located, current 

challenge(s) and creative ministry opportunities 

during the pandemic. 

Christmas 2020: Extra time with family was 

a ‘bonus’ for many of our missionaries still 

stateside in December. 

Missions Convention: We have decided to 

forgo this event for 2021; due to uncertainties 

with the week-by-week changes in each 

individual church, leadership and various 

restrictions across PennDel. 

Itineration will be Higher: Several 

missionaries that were scheduled to itinerate 

last summer & fall had requested delays from 

AGWM, due to churches that were unable to 

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in 

me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who 

loved me and gave himself for me.” 

THANK YOU for faithfully praying for our PennDel Missionaries & their 

ministries around the world. Visit our AGWM Online Store for updated 2021 

items: agwm.myhealthychurch.com Or Toll Free: 800-988-6568 

accommodate the missionaries already trying to 

schedule services. We appreciate the churches 

that are permitting our missionaries to minister 

in person and digitally…allowing them to give it 

‘all for Jesus!’ 

Project Extended: We will continue throughout 

2021 with Honduras being our World Missions 

Project. 

Digital Message of the Gospel: A special 

‘THANK YOU’ to each of our churches, 

missions directors and lead pastors who have 

allowed the opportunity for our missionaries to 

share their passion for Missions remotely during 

digital services and other creative measures. 

Returning to the Field: Mid-August was the 

first we began seeing some of our missionaries 

returning to their ministry field. Others are 

patiently waiting for AGWM approval and 

international borders to reopen. 

PennDel Project: 

Honduras 

Thank you for partnering 

with us through these various 

projects! 

Contributions as of 

Dec 31st: $154,752.56 

Opportunities to give to 

the Honduras Project: 

ONLINE: penndel.org 

CHECKS made payable & 

mailed to: 

PennDel Ministry Network 

ATTN: World Missions Project 

4651 Westport Drive 

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 

WORLD MISSIONS | JEFF MARSHALL | 717.795.5921 | jeff@penndel.org 

Ralph R. Volpe Sr., 84, passed 

away on September 19. Ralph 

pastored the following PennDel 

Churches: Bethel Assembly of God 

Church, Girard and Central AG, 

Houston (thirty-six years). He was 

preceded in death by his faithful wife 

(Alice) Carolyn Volpe. 

F. Eber Reitzel Sr., 89, of 

Bethlehem, passed away on 

November 30. He was the widower 

of Rev. Nettie M. Reitzel, with whom 

he shared almost sixty-six years of 

loving marriage. Eber was a lead 

pastor in PennDel at the following 

churches: New Cumberland, 

Landisburg, Honesdale, Ebensburg, 

Bethlehem and Chambersburg. 

Daniel Albanese, 67, passed away 

on December, 4. He was actively 

involved in Evangel Heights AG, 

Sarver for over thirty years and 

was the spouse of Rev. Lorna 

WITH THE LORD 

Albanese, Campus Pastor for Allison 

Park Church (Ohio River Campus/ 

Ambridge). 

Edith M. Cochrane, 93, passed 

away on December 23. She was 

born in England and married Philip J 

Cochrane, Sr. Edith was a registered 

nurse, lead pastor’s wife (Tyrone 

& Clearfield), AGWM Missionary 

to Africa and PennDel Jubilarian 

(Ordained with the Assemblies of 

God for fifty years, 2016). She is 

survived by her husband, Philip. 

George J. Cunard, 79, passed 

away on February 4. He was a 

graduate of the University of Valley 

Forge (Northeast Bible Institute). 

He was preceded in death by his 

faithful wife, Elaine. Together, they 

ministered in the following PennDel 

Churches: Pittston and Roxboro Full 

Gospel Tabernacle, Philadelphia. 

AROUND THE NETWORK 

Pastor Installations 

Rafe & Jessica Sanderson 

New Life AG - Landisburg, PA 

Jay & Jessica Hines 

First AG - Union City 


GUEST CONTRIBUTOR | RICK DUBOSE 

reENGAGE 

Sometimes ministers feel like the boxer sitting on a stool in the corner of a boxing ring. 

Blood coming from their nose and mouth, one eye swollen shut, and just waiting for the 

bell to signal their return to battle. Shouldn’t they just throw in the towel and head for the 

locker room? They could, but if they do, they will never know if they could have finally landed the 

knockout punch they had trained for and knew they had it in them. 

RICK DUBOSE is a powerful 

voice for our movement with a 

passion for Bible engagement. 

As a pastor in Sachse, Texas, the 

church grew from 17 people into 

a church of more than 800 and 

one of the nation’s top mission 

giving churches. Now serving as 

Assistant General Superintendent 

of the AG, Rick serves on the 

Executive Leadership Team. He 

is co-author of The Church That 

Works and believes that the church 

that works... wins its own children, 

reaches its neighbors, blesses its 

community, and makes God known 

to its generation, and the next, 

around the world. He and his wife, 

Rita, have two daughters, a son, and 

eight grandsons. 

We look forward to having 

Rick as our ordination 

speaker for Summit in May! 

Peter’s great commitment at the Last Supper, to never forsake Jesus, ended in three denials, 

but it didn’t end his ministry. The Lord sent him back into the ring to reENGAGE using what he 

had learned to land a knockout punch against the devil and his plans. His reENGAGEMENT, 

even though he and everyone around him knew about his failures and weaknesses, would 

eventually lead him to become their leader. Under his leadership they saw the church go from 

120 in the Upper Room to multiple thousands in only a few months. 

The Apostle Paul crawled from under a pile of rocks and reENGAGED in evangelism after being 

stoned. He reENGAGED after being imprisoned, shipwrecked, beaten, rejected, abandoned and 

so on. Every time the bell of opportunity rang, he stood up and went back into the battle. By the 

end of his ministry, his body was covered with scars from stones, whips, rods and shackles. His 

heart was scarred with rejection, abandonment, disappointment and many hurts. Yet he was 

able to say; 

“I have kept the faith, finished the race and fought the fight to the 

final bell.” 

I have noticed that those who have the courage to reENGAGE after great pain, failure, difficulty 

and disappointment, often see their most effective ministry through the one eye that’s still 

open. I have also seen some climb out of the ring, using their one good eye, to try to escape 

the call to ministry. We, or they, will never know what God was about to do if they had only 

reENGAGED. 

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“There is nothing to be learned 

from the second kick of a mule.” 

—James K. Bridges, Former General Council 

Treasurer and North Texas District Superintendent 

Brother Bridges wasn’t saying we 

should stay away from mules once 

we had been kicked, but rather that 

we should rethink our approach to 

mules before we reENGAGE. 

I have thought of throwing in the towel on a few occasions. The first time was when we were pastoring a 

small rural church in East Texas and couldn’t find enough side work to keep us in groceries. I told God that 

if that was how He took care of those He called, I wanted out! That night a family in our little church filled 

our old 1984 Oldsmobile with more groceries than we could eat in a month. You guessed it, when the bell 

rang, I went back into the fight. Somehow, three kids and eight grandchildren later none of us have ever 

been hungry. I can join David in saying; “I was young and now I’m old, and I have never seen the righteous 

forsaken or his seed begging for bread.” 

The second time was when a disgruntled group with a strong leader who, like Tobias against Nehemiah, 

told me that my ministry was ineffective, and he felt strongly I should not be in the ministry. After a day 

or two of prayer, I decided to reENGAGE and find out for myself if he was right. I don’t know where he is 

today, but so far I’m still throwing punches, preaching sermons and giving altar calls. It’s starting to look 

like he was wrong! 

The third came when I shifted from pastoral ministry to district leadership. I have never felt so disqualified. I 

had learned some things about pastoring, but this ministry of leading ministers was more than I was ready 

for. I wasn’t tempted to leave the ministry altogether; I just wanted to change rings and go back to where 

I was comfortable. But I kept responding to the bell of responsibility and eventually I found a rhythm for 

my new assignment. Looking back, I am very glad I kept reENGAGING and didn’t throw in the towel and 

hopefully some others are too. 

The reason so many do their best work after being beat up so severely that they can barely see is because 

before they face that mule again, they think about what they did that enabled the mule to connect in 

the first place. They keep learning and adjusting until they become the one landing the knockout blows. 

After a while, it’s the mule that’s nervous. Go ahead - reENGAGE. The best is yet to come! 


CHURCH PLANTING | TOM REES | 717.795.5921 | tom@penndel.org 

reIMAGINE 

We believe with God’s help, 

we can plant 100 churches by 

December 31, 2025. 

YEARLY KEY RESULTS 

2021: 10 New Church Plants 

2022: 15 New Church Plants 




This is an amazing time to start a new church. God 

is raising up Apostle Pauls who will forge out in 

new directions. Carey Nueuwhof writes that these 

“spiritual entrepreneurs are the kind of leaders 

who will find tomorrow’s solutions when most 

leaders can only see today’s problem.” 

We believe that God is calling a new generation of 

church planters and apostolic leaders. 

reIMAGINE a NEW FUTURE 

The past is gone, and there is no time like the future. 

We adapt. We transform. 

We have… 

Planned 

Pivoted 

Shifted 

Adapted 

Set New Goals 

All so we could make it through the crisis, and now, 

so we can take on what is next. 

While many are trying to bounce back, we need to 

bounce FORWARD! 

reIMAGINE a NEW CHURCH 

We plant churches because…We want to be true to 

the Biblical mandate to reach the lost. Effective new 

churches are great at reaching: 

new generations 

new residents 

new people groups 

Effective new churches are great at reaching the 

dechurched and unchurched! 

Let’s embrace the mission, 

experiment boldly and dare mighty 

things in this next season. 

10

Praying for Church Planters 

in These Communities 

reIMAGINE a NEW MODEL 

“A crisis like this can shift the window on 

the options we are willing to collectively 

take seriously.” 

—Brian Berkey from Wharton School of the 

University of Pennsylvania 

We want to launch… 

Dinner Churches 

Zoom Churches 

Digital Churches 

Parent Affiliated Churches 

Multi-site Churches 

Ethnic Churches 

Organic Churches 

Home Churches 

Micro Churches 

Ideas that seemed crazy before are now worth trying! 

reIMAGINE a NEW PLAN 

We want to train new planters through LAUNCH training. 

Scholarships ($599 registration) are available now 

through the PennDel 100x2025 Fund. 

Contact me for the code at 100@penndel.org 

Next CMN Launch Training: 

Columbus, Ohio • June 8-10 

Cobbs Creek (Philly)..........................79,231 

Southwest Philly................................77,329 

Germantown (Philly) .........................66,915 

East Parkside (Philly).........................54,311 

Levittown (Philly Suburb)...................51,945 

Chester (Philly Suburb)......................34,102 

Mt Airy (Philly)....................................32,467 

Drexel Hill (Philly Suburb)..................28,246 

Plum..................................................27,390 

Hazleton............................................24,882 

King of Prussia (Philly Suburb)..........20,044 

Murrysville.........................................19,972 

Baldwin..............................................19,743 

Strawberry Mansion (Philly)...............19,690 

Wilkinsburg........................................15,748 

Fullerton.............................................15,304 

Glasgow, DE......................................15,280 

Franklin Park .....................................14,301 

Greensburg........................................14,192 

Whitehall............................................13,828 

Pottsville............................................13,827 

Washington........................................13,624 

Brookside, DE....................................13,554 

Ardmore (Philly Suburb).....................13,193 

Colonial Park.....................................12,438 

Elizabethtown....................................11,579 

Emmaus............................................11,360 

Smyna, DE.........................................11,276 

Shiloh (York Area)..............................11,247 

Broomall (Philly Suburb)....................10,887 

East Stroudsburg...............................10,149 


11

6 WAYS TO reSET 

Aaron Lawrence 

Lost 70 pounds in 2 years 

Aaron@bagcburg.org 

Close to the start of my journey, I got engaged. It definitely 

changed the way I thought about my health. I thought to myself, 

“If I can’t take care of my body now, then it won’t just be me 

that suffers down the road, but my family as well.” I want to be 

around as long as possible for those I care about. Also, I was just 

discouraged. I didn’t like the way I looked or how I felt. 

Aaron Lawrence currently serves as the Associate/Youth Pastor at Bethel 

Assembly of God in Chambersburg, PA. He is engaged to his fiancée, Abby 

Kauffman, and they will be getting married this April. He is looking to complete 

his first ever marathon this year and the goal is to finish below four 

hours - he's big into sports and his teams reign in the New England region. 

reSET with a PLAN 

The program that kickstarted everything was the “4-hour Body 

Diet” by Tim Ferris. 

• Eat four times a day. Each meal has protein/vegetable/ 

beans or legume. 

• Do this for six days. No sugars or carbs. 

• On the seventh day, you get to have a cheat day. And on 

cheat day you get to splurge. 

I never gained weight following a cheat day... even after eating 

ten Krispy Kreme donuts for a challenge! 

This was great for a season. I’ve been able to sustain an ideal 

weight these past two years because the most important thing 

to do with any plan is to build habits. I now try to shoot for four 

to five salads a week, focus on high protein foods, and make 

sure that I’m not drinking my calories (diet soda, sugar-free 

sports drinks and lots of water). I’m made fun of in the office for 

how many times I use the restroom! AARON 

I’m following Optavia which is a healthy version of a lite 

Keto. Balanced lower-carb vegetables, lean protein, limited by 

healthy fats and sixty-four or more ounces of water a day. Once 

you reach your goal weight, you add in more whole foods and 

a variety of vegetables, fruits and smaller portions of starch or 

bread. The program teaches you to fuel your body efficiently, 

portion control and implement healthy habits (i.e. eating/ 

hydrating, motion, mind, and sleep). They emphasize changing 

mindsets to change your lifestyle to support a healthy weight 

and optimal health in every area of your life. ANGELA 

reSET your PRIORITIES 

Health is wealth. Our health is paramount and we take it for 

granted. We think that it will always be there, and it won’t. I think 

in ministry we put others first - our family, people in need. But in 

order to be able to continue being there effectively for people, 

we must first take care of ourselves - not just spiritually (which I 

was good at) but physically. ANGELA 

I think the biggest thing is to take control of your health and stop 

making excuses. For years, I would justify fast food or eating 

unhealthily because I didn’t have the time to make something 

or I didn’t know how to choose healthy options. When it comes 

down to it, I did have the time and I did know what was good 

for me, but my priorities were out of whack. In order for change 

to take place in your health, you have to prioritize it. AARON 

reSET with ACTIVITY 

At first, I was going to a gym in town that focused on HIIT 

workouts. That was a lot of fun because I’m very competitive, 

so it was fun competing against other people on a daily basis. 

After about a year and a half, my goals changed. I wanted to get 

into running. I began training for half-marathons and now I’m in 

the process of training for my first full marathon. 

The other activity that has helped me is to aim for at least 

10,000 steps a day. Don’t underestimate the power of walking! 

It really does make a huge difference. Sitting at a desk all day is 

not really great for us ministers, so take a break to take a walk 

or do pushups/sit ups. 

12

YOUR HEALTH 

Angela Coon 

Lost 100 pounds in 1 year and 5 months 

uniquelyhis@comcast.net 

I wanted to “get my life back.” The weight was causing too much 

pain which limited my abilities in everyday life and ministry. I wanted 

a better quality of life. I wanted a healthier gut that would produce a 

healthier brain and immune system. I wanted freedom from addictive 

foods. I wanted to be healthy again. 

Angela retired from being a Creative Arts Pastor five years ago 

but is still following her passion to disciple through mentoring, 

leading small groups and health coaching. With her renewed 

health, Angela has a renewed purpose to help others be their 

best physically and spiritually for fulfilling their mission. 

“Go One More” is a motto that has motivated me. It is from 

one of my favorite fitness YouTubers, Nick Bare. When you 

feel like giving up. Go One More! AARON 

reSET your MIND 

There’s a physiological component we usually don’t 

understand. Sugar is more addictive than heroin and lights 

up more places in the brain than heroin. It compels us to 

eat more. Willpower alone cannot deal with it. There are 

psychological triggers that we need to learn to deal with, new 

healthy habit loops that need to be developed, and mindsets 

changed. It’s a multi-disciplined approach. ANGELA 

reSET on the ROAD 

The biggest thing I think we as ministers struggle with is 

choosing the right food when we’re out for our meetings. I 

would encourage everyone to think of setting up meetings 

at places where you know you can find some healthy and 

satisfying options. If you can’t do that all the time, then eat 

a protein bar or drink a protein shake before one of those 

meetings to fill you up so you don’t overeat. Plan ahead 

for everything. I’ve had to pack snacks for district events. 

Even two years in a row for Winter Retreat I packed all my 

meals because I was committed to this journey. That may 

be extreme for you, but I’m just saying, if you fail to plan, you 

plan to fail. Find people in your life who are healthy and learn 

their habits. Pack waters in your car for trips so you don’t 

have to waste money on water, but you’re also prepared to 

drink more if your initial bottle goes empty. AARON 

reSET with GRACE 

Be patient with yourself. Two percent changes are better than 

no changes. It’s not about perfection, but progress. Know 

your “why” and let the structural tension between where 

you are ,and where you want to be, create the motivation 

to do what it takes to get there. You are worth the 

investment! You can do it! ANGELA 

I would also say, you’re going to fail at times, and that’s okay. 

Those who truly succeed are the ones who get right back 

up the next day after failure. The excess weight you see after 

a bad day of eating may just be food sitting in your gut or 

you didn’t get enough sleep. Take a few minutes and watch 

calorie challenges on YouTube. There are people who will put 

their body through incredible pain to show you how the scale 

doesn’t always tell you the truth (you’ll laugh along the way 

as well, trust me). AARON 

"It’s not about what you’re losing, but what you have to gain - life, mobility, 

freedom, confidence, new opportunities!" - Angela Coon 


MINISTER CARE & CHURCH RECALIBRATION 

JASON TOURVILLE | 717.795.5921 | jason@penndel.org 

reLEARNING 

reVITALIZATION 

For many of our churches who are going through revitalization, the pandemic and the subsequent shutdowns 

have greatly impacted how we do what we do. No matter our size, context or area, we (as leaders 

and churches) have had to make several key changes and learn new practices. Below are three lessons we 

have learned along the way: 

Engagement, not attendance, is the new 

measuring stick. 

While a few communities were relatively unaffected by the 

pandemic, most churches saw a drastic attendance drop in 

2020. On average, we are currently seeing 56% in-person 

attendance across the PennDel Ministry Network. Beyond these 

numbers, we have learned that those churches who are not just 

counting attendance, but focusing on engagement, are gaining 

ground during this season. It is much more than simply livestreaming 

our services from a phone or a camera; the Kingdom 

is advancing when church leaders are utilizing technology (phone 

calls, Zoom meetings, interaction with those watching, text 

messages, etc.) to keep their people engaged in the community, 

focused on the mission and growing as disciples. 

Leveraging what we CAN do, not fretting 

about what we CAN’T do. 

Certainly, we have all experienced the stress and frustration 

this season of ministry has delivered. The emotional, relational 

and spiritual weight is very real. The new realities have caused 

us to reevaluate everything we do. Maybe this is a good thing! 

Hebrews 12:26b-27 remind us, “Once more I will shake not only 

the earth but also the heavens.” The words “once more” indicate 

the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things— 

so that what cannot be shaken may remain. When we 

leverage what we can do, often times these are the elements of 

what cannot be shaken when it comes to Kingdom work (prayer, 

personal evangelism, one-on-one discipleship, etc.). 

14

Serving our communities and pastoring our people. 

Like many crises, the church has truly led the way in serving our communities with the hand of compassion and the message of hope. 

There have been multiple opportunities for outreach, as well as in-reach (pastoring our people). In many ways, we have been forced to 

reclaim our roots as the first century church. Let me share with you one such story from one of our church revitalizers in Mifflintown, PA. 

One of the most difficult decisions I had to make was moving our Bible study/prayer 

service “Sacred Assembly” to an online only format with a prayer portal on our website 

where people could submit prayer requests anonymously (thanks Doug Black at 

www.TripleNerdScore.com). I have a conviction that prayer is the foundation of every 

revitalization, so I wanted to continue this somehow, even when it felt awkward. 

The other day, I had ordered some pizza for my family. As I walked into the local pizza 

shop, I paid for our order. When the lady behind the counter handed me the pizza box, 

taped on the top was a folded piece of paper. When I pointed to it, she said, “I’ve been 

watching your prayer time online and wanted prayer as well. Could you pray for this 

request tonight?” 

Someone who we had no contact with prior to the pandemic, is now reaching out to 

God (through our church) in prayer. I have been so blessed by the opportunities that 

have opened up and have realized that change happens one life at a time. We are just 

trying to make the most of every opportunity as they arise. 

Pastor Jeff & Jodie Henry 

The work, or revitalization, is rarely easy, nor do we see immediate results. However, there are lives and souls that hang in the balance. 

I am reminded of what the Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:16, “making the most of every opportunity, because the days are 

evil.” Are these days dark and challenging - YES. Yet, I believe that our God is greater! What you are doing is making a difference, 

even in the life of the girl who hands you your pizza. If there is anything good that is coming out of this season, it is that we are 

relearning what is VITAL in church revitalization. 


eDESIGN 

PENNDEL WOMEN | LIZ DEFRAIN | 484.686.4554 | liz@penndelwomen.com | penndelwomen.com 

I 

love to design! Creating spaces and places to encourage 

community and connection has always been a passion. 

Choosing color palettes and shopping to find the perfect 

accessories and decorations to fit the desired style is 

invigorating. Over the years, I’ve helped friends redo bedrooms, 

living rooms, and other spaces by changing the decorations 

while the main pieces of furniture remained intact. A new look 

was accomplished while spending minimal money. 

When I began my journey as the Women’s Director in 2019, 

nothing significant needed to be changed. Ruth Puleo invested 

years building a beautiful home for me to inhabit! Our signature 

events, Spring Tour and Fall Conference, continued in 2019, 

and all was well. Then in March 2020, COVID-19 rocked our 

world, and everything changed. Out of this trauma, a redesign 

became necessary. I think we could agree that this past year 

was traumatic for our lives, churches and ministries. 

Personally, toward the end of 2020, we experienced an 

unrelated trauma when a property we own was robbed of 

EVERY SINGLE ITEM in it, including the kitchen sink, leaving 

us with only the floor and bare walls. Once a beautiful home, it 

was now empty. 

Walking through this trauma taught me a few things about 

redesign that I am applying to PennDel Women and my 

personal life. 

FIRST, letting go of the past is necessary to get to the future. 

Isaiah 43:19 “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs 

up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the 

wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (NIV) 

When things in our lives change suddenly, and we feel out of 

our control, it is easy to give up. After experiencing a robbery, 

the first thing I considered was selling the property. Memories 

were attached to the way it was, and I knew it would never be 

the same. Letting go of the past was necessary to get to the 

future. 

SECOND, embracing the process is necessary to complete 

a redesign. 

James 1:2, 4 “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any 

kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. So, 

let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will 

be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (NLT) 

Once we accepted the situation, the process was both arduous 

and invigorating at the same time. Arduous as we plowed 

our way through spreadsheets, listing every item in the home 

that needed replacing, pricing out each item to submit to our 

insurance carrier. After enduring the process, we were able to 

begin the redesign, which was invigorating! The trauma invited 

an opportunity for a new beginning. 

Similarly, I now look at Women’s Ministry’s future in PennDel as 

an opportunity for a redesign. What was normal before March 

2020 may never be normal again. God is doing some new 

things, and I want to listen well and perceive them. We each 

want that for our ministries and churches. 

By the way, over the Christmas holiday, we completed the 

redesign, and the property looks better than ever. Everything is 

different for sure, but with God’s help and commitment to the 

process, we made it! 

WHAT IS GOD reDESIGNING IN YOUR LIFE? 

YOU MAY NOT LIKE THE PROCESS, BUT YOU CAN TRUST HIS HAND. 

16 

Pastor, would you consider gifting this to your Women’s Ministry leader and/or team? PennDel Women would love the 

opportunity to minister to the one(s) who ministers to the women of your church. We are planning a weekend of receiving 

and learning, designed to REPLENISH the heart of our womens leaders across the Network. Space is LIMITED for this 

special event! Find out more at www.penndelwomen.com/replenish

eSTART Discipleship 

In my years of ministry, I’ve seen many models for 

discipleship. They seem to start up and fade away. For 

many years Sunday school was the main model. Then it 

was small groups, coaching, mentoring and who can forget 

rounding the bases from the Purpose Driven Church. 

After this crazy COVID year, we need to restart discipleship. 

Jesus commissioned us to teach others to obey everything 

He commanded. Jesus, the Word that became flesh, 

discipled twelve ordinary men. They engaged with the living 

Word and He transformed their world. 

Think of it this way, almost every conflict and problem 

encountered in life is birthed when someone did not act or 

respond according to Biblical standards. For many, God‘s 

Word is not their guide. People who engage in the Word is 

at an all-time low, in a day and age when people need to 

discern between God‘s ways and the world’s ways. 

Out of all the discipleship strategies we could restart, none 

are more life-changing than a consistent encounter with the 

God-breathed and life-transforming Word of God. Research 

has found that someone engaging in the Word of God four 

or more times a week is... 

22.8% more likely to share their faith 

40.7% more likely to memorize scripture 

59% less likely to view pornography 

30% less likely to struggle with loneliness 

Bottom line, the Word of God 

is life transforming. 

So where do we restart? 

Our fellowship, the Assemblies Of God, has launched 

the Bible Engagement Project. They recognize that 

everyone from preschoolers to senior citizens need to 

engage with the Word of God. 

Resources are inexpensive and extensive. 

The Bible Engagement Project has mapped 

out resources for… 

3 to 5 year-olds entitled “Listen Preschool” 

K-6th Grade entitled “Listen Kids” 

Middle and high school entitled “Listen Youth” 

Adults entitled “Listen Adult” 

Resources can be used in a variety of ways to fit your 

local church setting. If the whole church decides to 

engage in the Bible at the same time, everyone is on 

track with the same Scripture passage. Mom and dad 

can talk with both their preschooler and high schooler 

about the same biblical concepts they’re learning 

together. 

Let’s restart discipling new 

and current generations by 

looking to the Bible, the living 

Word of God. Check out the 

Bible Engagement Project at 

bibleengagementproject.com 

and download the free samples. 


CHRISTIAN EDUCATION | GEORGE KREBS | 717.795.5921 | george@penndel.org 

17

YOUTH MINISTRIES/DYD | Lee Rogers | 717.795.5921 | lee@penndel.org 

There is nothing like being a new youth pastor! There’s 

the excitement, the vision, and the passion of the call. 

Almost everything is new. As a new youth pastor, at 

times I was overwhelmed with the immensity of the task; 

so much vision, so much to say, so much to accomplish. 

One thing I understood clearly was that ministry flowed best 

through relationships. Jesus was relational with His disciples. 

Barnabas was relational with Paul. Paul was relational with 

Timothy. I knew I had to develop relationships with the 

students and youth leaders in order to attain measurable 

discipleship results, that’s what I did. Once we landed on a 

clear vision and direction, we were well prepared to run in 

relationship together toward the discipleship outcomes as the 

Holy Spirit guided us. 

reNEW 

Most new youth pastors will spend a significant amount of 

time building relationships and establishing rapport. This is a 

time-intensive process that reaps results over the long-term. 

In some youth ministry contexts, it means attending school 

activities, birthday parties, and having relational events like 

(sigh) all-nighters. In other youth ministry contexts, youth 

pastors must focus on relationships with adult and student 

leaders, while the leaders focus on relationships with the 

students. 

The cost of this relational investment is emotionally and 

spiritually significant, and while the results we aim for are 

long-term, the nature of pastor-student relationships change 

after just a few years. Eventually students graduate from high 

18

the Call 

school and enter the college or career phase of their life, 

generally phasing out of our youth ministries in the process. 

Youth pastors often see this shift occur in the third or fourth 

year of their tenure. Many of the students that we spent so 

much time and energy developing, begin their transition into 

adulthood, and a different crop of students occupy the seats. 

It’s about this time that many youth pastors hit a wall, 

thinking they have lost efficacy when they have really just 

lost relationships. Many will begin to question the call to their 

context, and possibly the call to youth ministry as a whole. 

When I hit the wall, I felt the same way, so I made it a matter 

of prayer. I said goodbye to a familiar group of students one 

week, and walked into what seemed like a completely new 

group of students next. I wasn’t sure if I had the emotional 

energy to invest myself in a new set of young people. It was 

at that time the Holy Spirit renewed my youth ministry call. I 

heard God say, “This group of younger students deserves as 

much of your call as the last. They are worth it.” That was all I 

needed; I was renewed. 

In renewing my call, God renewed my energy, vision and 

relational drive. This generation deserves as much of our call 

as any previous generation. Have you hit a wall? Ask God for 

renewal. 


COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR | Brandon Martinelli | 717 795-5921 | bmartinelli@penndel.org 

RESOURCES 

WEBSITES: 

Planoly 

social media planner 

www.planoly.com 

SundaySocial 

social media graphics 

and engagement 

content 

www.sundaysocial.tv 

BOOK: 

Building A StoryBrand, 

Clarifying your 

message 

by Donald Miller 

reINVENT 

Maximizing Your Communication 

We have emerged from a challenging year (understatement of the century). However, we are 

still in a season of change which has caused many churches and ministries to evaluate 

how they operate and communicate to a community that has never been more distant. It 

is imperative that you lean into this change and take advantage of the opportunities to reinvent old or 

nonexistent processes and perceptions of your ministry. Three questions you should be asking and 

answering are 1. Who is your church? 2. Who is your audience? 3. How are you reaching your 

audience? Let’s dive in a bit more: 

1. community, what do you offer that will encourage engagement? Here are a few tips to ensure your 

Who is your CHURCH? 

Giving your church a missional identity is essential. Brand recognition is what will create a lasting 

imprint on anyone who is considering walking through your doors. As the guiding force in your 

church is communicating a clear message and identity: 

• Does your brand (name, color palette, logo) need updated? 

• Do you have a mission statement? If yes, does it need updated? 

• Can you communicate in one sentence what your church offers the individual? 

All of these things should be reflected in your church communication and branding with visual and 

verbal repetition. 

2. 

example, if your community has a high number of young families, family- friendly programs would 

Who is your AUDIENCE? 

What is your community’s demographics, interests, culture, and resonating theme? Understanding 

your audience’s needs will help you in guiding them to a solution that resides in your church. For 

be a good move. If outdoor recreation is an interest, maybe a quarterly bonfire bash would boost 

morale. If it’s a low-income area, food and clothing distributions will bring value. What you offer 

should stem from your message and identity. 

3. understanding of your audience. Now, determine what platforms and mediums you will be using to 

How are you REACHING your audience? 

Once the first two points are firmly established, you must then strategize how to effectively execute 

your communication. This will hinge on the solidarity of your mission statement an accurate 

communicate. Here are a few tips to start strategizing: 

• Is your church and lead pastor on social media? If not, get on, and be regularly active on the 

platforms you choose. 

• Are you offering a variety of mediums to accommodate your audience such as digital 

infographics, print, video, etc.? 

Plan your calendar 

I would like to leave you with this: don’t try to mold your church into something it shouldn’t be. In other 

words, be authentic to you and your community’s context. This is where you will be the most successful 

and impactful. If you find yourself behind in some of these areas, take one small step towards getting to 

where you need to be. You will easily overwhelm by trying to tackle all facets at once. Choose one thing 

and do it well and then expand. 

20

eJOICE 

When I think of the word “rejoice” I’m reminded of a familiar passage of 

scripture from Luke Chapter 1. We often use this passage at Christmas 

and refer to it as “Mary’s Song”. What would you expect Mary’s reaction 

to be in this moment? She’s just been told by the angel that she will bear the Son 

of God. However, she’s hurried along to her cousin Elizabeth’s to avoid the shame 

of being pregnant out of wedlock. Her betrothed, Joseph, is planning to break the 

engagement in private; she has to know this is a possibility. But what do we find Mary 

doing during this crisis? She offers a song of worship unto the Lord in Luke 1:46, “My 

soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…” In what was likely 

the most stressful time she had faced up to this point in her life, Mary uses a song of 

worship and rejoices, she returns to joy. 

Return to Joy 

As we now find ourselves in possibly the most difficult season of ministry, I encourage 

you to do the same. Are you feeling weary and stressed? Has the political temperature 

affected your sleep? Has a lack of finances and dwindling attendance pushed you 

to question your call? Zephaniah 3:17 says, “For the LORD your God is living among 

you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He 

will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Not only can we 

rejoice in the Lord, He also rejoices over us. I pray that, like Mary, we can turn to Him 

in difficult times and use our praises to return to joy. Let us rejoice together! 

PennDel Worship Leaders Facebook Group: 

Join our “PennDel Worship Leaders” group on Facebook. Ask questions, 

share prayer requests, songs, etc. with over 100 other worship leaders in 

our network! 

Guest Worship Leaders 

Are you in transition or does your worship leader need a week to refresh? 

A list of guest worship leaders is available on our worship page to assist in 

either of these areas! www.penndel.org/worship 

Worship Leader Workshop & Luncheon 

Don’t miss the chance to grow and connect this year at Summit 2021. 

We will be hosting a workshop and luncheon on Wednesday, May 5. 

FAV5 

Five resources I’m currently enjoying! 

Worship Online Podcast 

Great resource for worship 

leaders that includes interviews 

and practical application for 

today’s church. 

Klark Teknik DI 22P 

PRO DI AV 2 Passive Stereo 

DI Box ($60) 

Affordable and flexible direct box 

great for click tracks, keyboards, 

or just to keep in your arsenal for 

when needed. 

OontZ Angle 3 Ultra Bluetooth 

Speaker ($30) 

Small enough to keep in my 

laptop bag, this bluetooth 

speaker has decent bass and 

waterproof for outdoor use. Up to 

twenty hours on a charge too. 

Retire Inspired by 

Chris Hogan 

Do you have a retirement 

plan? Proverbs tells us “Steady 

plodding brings prosperity”. 

You’re never too young or too old 

to start planning for retirement. 

I’ve enjoyed this read gifted to me 

by Steve DeFrain and used it to 

help keep my retirement plan on 

track. 

Coconut Creme Pie Larabar 

My wife and I recently completed 

the Whole30 eating plan. These 

little boosters were a tasty 

Whole30 approved snack. Do 

yourself a favor and buy two 

boxes! 

WORSHIP LEAD | JOSH SHAFFER | 814.414.1304 | pshaff@hamburgbridge.com 


ROYAL RANGERS STEVE | STEFFEL | 302-379-1580 | www.pdrangers.org | Follow us: Website: pdrangers.org | Facebook: PennDel District Royal Rangers 

reVIEW 

PennDel Royal Rangers 

Most, if not all outposts across PennDel had to cease face 

to face meetings with the boys we minister to in March 

2020. On a district level, we have had to cancel a number 

of events. Several outposts have come to the camp in Honey 

Grove as a small group and had a great time over the last few 

months – fishing, running four wheelers and shooting. Although we 

haven’t had quite as many volunteers, work has progressed at the 

camp. We have been waiting for the weather to break so we can 

pour the concrete floor of the shower house. 

Although we refuse to retreat, it will be a job rebuilding after so 

many weeks of not meeting face to face. Some churches started 

back in the late fall, with enhanced safety measures. From 

March to November, my Adventure Ranger group met via Zoom 

meetings. We found that it could be a fun experience – being 

interactive, using chat, showing video clips, playing games and 

most of all sharing truths from God’s Word. 

At our fall leader’s conference, we re-emphasized the vision: 

Strengthen, Build and Grow, but now we will add “Rebuild.” Pray 

with us for the boys and leaders – for those churches who have 

started up so they will have no issues with Covid transmission, for 

those who haven’t started back up to have a close walk with the 

Lord and for leaders to find ways to reach out to the boys they 

mentor. 

We have been delayed pouring the concrete floor at the PennDel 

Royal Ranger Camp because of snow. In the meantime, 

Max Schrom came and helped cut down five trees that were 

threatening to fall on the farm house. 

For a number of years, we have wanted to build a decorative 

entrance wall. There was no decorative stone that was reasonably 

priced, so we have shifted gears and got a lot of brick that was 

left over from jobs, or people who never used it, for pennys on the 

dollar – even getting a few thousand donated. The wall will include 

a large sign showing the logo. The Parthmore’s and Steve picked 

up 3,600 high quality 12” brick for the front of the wall. The back 

will be regular 8” brick. 

Just like Nehemiah in the Old Testament took on the challenge to 

rebuild the wall around Jerusalem and direct the people’s hearts 

back to the Lord, we are working to rebuild the mentoring ministry 

to boys so they can grow up to be Godly servant leaders for the 

rest of their lives. If your church is interested in an exciting program 

that will help boys grow into godly men and your adults grow into 

godly servant leaders, then contact us and we will be happy to 

share the Royal Ranger program with you. 

22

“At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples 

couldn’t see who he was. He called out, ‘Fellows, have you 

caught any fish?’ ‘No,’ they replied. Then he said, ‘Throw out 

your net on the right side (THE OTHER SIDE) of the boat, 

and you’ll get some!’ So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the 

net because there were so many fish in it.” John 21:4-6 

In March I was introduced to a 2020 phenomenon, the Zoom 

call. What a challenge, what a “coolness,” what funny stories 

have come from the Zoom call. And what a season of change! 

At first, it was a learning curve. Then it was a convenience. 

Then it became a bore… 

Being an extrovert, I desperately needed to reach to hug 

someone, to be together with others. I saw the value of being 

together to worship, to encourage each other and to relieve 

anxiety and fears from all that was going on around us. 

And now, we are a year into this. Zoom is a way of life. We see 

the value of not having to put forth the effort to go somewhere 

to be together. There is no need to waste time dressing 

appropriately for our full body. (Which, of course, has led to 

some pretty amusing Zoom calls.) We can save money and 

time traveling to meetings. 

reZOOM 

Girls Ministries 

Hopefully, soon we will begin to return to more in-person 

meetings, church services or just random fellowship together. 

How I crave those times! 

But we would be foolish if we do not take away from this the 

lessons learned. There is a very valid place for the Zoom call 

– even in a post-Covid era. Many churches were stretched to 

present the Gospel in ways they had never even imagined. 

Community needs made us aware of others before we just 

ignored them. 

I have no idea whether this was a plague, a judgment upon a 

rebellious society or just a natural course of events, but I do 

know that I will never completely return to the “old normal.” I 

do know that I am much more aware of things that I can do to 

help my neighbor, to help those around me who don’t know 

Jesus. I believe that Jesus taught us during this time to “throw 

our nets to the other side;” try something different - learn new 

ways to spread His Word. 

So as we begin to resume our old lifestyle, I pray that we will 

take with us the idea that we may need to reZoom. 

GIRLS MINISTRIES | SHARON POOLE | sharonp@pdgirlsministries.com | penndel.org/girls 

Pennsylvania-Delaware Ministry Network 



Read online: penndel.org/connexion 

Editor: . . . . . . . . . . Donald J. Immel 

Managing Editor: . . . . . Carole Bongiorno 

Volume 67 Number 1 - (USPS 165-700) is the official periodical published quarterly 

by the Pennsylvania-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 

Executive Presbytery 

Superintendent . . . . . . . . Donald J. Immel 

Assistant Superintendent . . . Steven DeFrain 

Secretary/Treasurer . . . . . .Jeff Marshall 

Timothy Bunney Southwest Suburban - SWS 

Mark Caston East Central - EC 

Roland Coon Delaware - DEL 

Ryan Coon At-Large Under 40 

Stephen DeSantis North Central West - NCW 

Wayne Jackson Southwest Metro - SWM 

Dwan Newsome South Central - SC 

Robert Novak Greater Philadelphia Area - GPA 

Kwaku Owusu-Boachie At-Large Ethnic 

James Pentz North Central - NC 

Randall Rhoads South Central East - SCE 

Lisa Rodriguez At-Large Female 

Walter Smith South Central West - SCW 

Allan Thorpe Northwest - NW 

David Twiss Northeast - NE 

General Presbyters 

Donald J. Immel 

Jeff Marshall 

Bryan Koch 

Honorary General Presbyter 

Philip Bongiorno 

PennDel Superintendent Emeritus 


Pennsylvania-Delaware Ministry Network 



Find us online: penndel.org 

Join us on Social Media: 

PennDel Ministry Network 

PennDelMinistryNetwork 

#penndelag 

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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.

LeadershipConnexion 1st QRT 2021

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