Leadership Connexion 4th QRT 2021

PennDel Ministry Network | Winter 2021-22 

NEW YEAR 

NEW THING 

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. 

Isaiah 

43:19

District 

CALENDAR 

JANUARY 

1 New Year’s Day – Ministries Center Closed 

7-8 Central ACTS 2 Journey (Retreat 4) – GT/Middletown, PA 

8 Youth Bible Quiz Meet #3 

10 Presbytery Meeting – BCC 

11 Credential Interviews – BCC 

13 Royal Ranger Web Conference 

14-15 West ACTS 2 Journey (Retreat 4) – Riverside Comm/Oakmont 

14-16 Youth Winter Retreat #1 – BCC 

15 Junior Bible Quiz Meet #3 

17-19 Children’s Ministry Leadership Summit – BCC 

21-22 Southeast ACTS 2 Journey (Retreat 1) – Evangel/Glenolden 

21-22 PDW Dream Team Meeting 


28-29 Northeast ACTS 2 Journey (Retreat 1) – Faith/Hazle Township 


31 ACMR’s Deadline 

FEBRUARY 

4-5 West ACTS 2 Journey (Retreat 1) – Riverside Comm/Oakmont 

4-5 Junior Bible Quiz Finals 


19 Youth Sectional Fine Arts 

21 President’s Day – Ministries Center Closed 

25-27 Kid’s Breakaway #1 – BCC 

26 Youth Bible Quiz Meet #4 

28 Sectional Councils 

SWS – Monroeville @ 9:30-11:30 am 

NW – New Castle/ First @ 2-4 pm 

MARCH 


SWM – Houston /Central @ 9:30-11:30 am 

SCW – Bedford/Real Life @2-4 pm 

3 SCE – Enola/River of God @ 9:30-11:30 am 

SC – Chambersburg/Bethel @ 2-4 pm 

4-6 Kid’s Breakaway #2 – BCC 

5 RR District BB Gun Competition 


NC – Milesburg/Freedom Life @ 9:30-11:30am 

NCW – Clearfield/GT @ 2-4 pm 

8 EC – Hamburg/The Bridge Church @ 9:30-11:30 am 

NE – Hazle Township/Faith @ 2-4 pm 

10 GPA – Norristown/Victory @ 9:30-11:30 am 

DE – Hockessin, DE/Trinity Comm. Church @ 2-4 pm 


11-12 A2J Weekend (ACTS 2 Journey Alumni) – Living Waters/Lebanon 

11-12 PDW INSPIRE Spring Tour – Calvary AG/Dover, DE 

13 Daylight Saving Time – Spring Forward 

18-19 A2J Weekend (ACTS 2 Journey Alumni) – Real Church/Brookhaven 

19 Youth Bible Quiz Finals 

19-21 PK/MK Retreat (Kids & Youth) – BCC 

21 Presbytery Meeting – BCC 

22 Credentialing Interviews – BCC 

25-26 A2J Weekend (ACTS 2 Journey Alumni) – Monroeville 

25-26 PDW INSPIRE Spring Tour – City Life Church/Philadelphia 

CHANGE 

the 

DATES 

Pennsylvania-Delaware Ministry Network 

4651 Westport Drive 

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 

Read online: penndel.org/connexion 

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

Managing Editor: . . . . . Carole Bongiorno 

Executive Presbytery 

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

Assistant Superintendent . . . Steven DeFrain 

Secretary/Treasurer . . . . . .Jeff Marshall 

Timothy Bunney Southwest Suburban–SWS 

Mark Caston East Central–EC 

Ryan Coon At-Large Under 40 

Jeff Dyer Delaware–DEL 

James Goodman North Central West–NCW 

Wayne Jackson Southwest Metro–SWM 

Brad Leach Greater Philadelphia Area–GPA 

Dwan Newsome South Central–SC 

Kwaku Owusu-Boachie At-Large Ethnic 

James Pentz North Central–NC 

Randall Rhoads South Central East–SCE 

Lisa Rodriguez At-Large Female 

Wayne Schaffer South Central West–SCW 

Allan Thorpe Northwest–NW 

David Twiss Northeast–NE 

General Presbyters 

Donald J. Immel 

Jeff Marshall 

Jason Lamer 

Honorary General Presbyter 

Philip Bongiorno 

PennDel Superintendent Emeritus 

NEW DATES FOR 2022 

PK/MK RETREAT 

MARCH 19-21 / BCC 

YOUTH CONVENTION 

OCT 8-10 / KALAHARI 

MEN'S CONFERENCE 

OCT 14-15 / CLA CAMP HILL 

THRIVE 

OCT 24-26 / BCC 

Volume 67 Number 4–(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 

The Beauty of CHANGE 

The church has often been viewed as an institution that is slow and resistant 

to change. We hold to the immutability of God (Malachi 3:6). Additionally, we 

hold firmly to doctrine and dogma which ought not to change if truly based 

on biblical truth and revelation. Nevertheless, there is an element of change 

that is essential to an active faith in Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. 

In some matters, change and our faith are inseparable. 

We cannot be born again without change 

The transformational work of regeneration through the blood 

of Jesus as applied by the work of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5) 

inherently includes systemic spiritual change within us. The old 

hymn says it well, “What a wonderful change in my life has 

been wrought, since Jesus came into my heart…” Change is 

core to the born-again experience. Apart from this change, 

we cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). 

We cannot grow spiritually without change 

Although we are sometimes resistant to change, we must see 

that spiritual growth cannot occur apart from change. Putting 

off the old self and putting on the new self (Colossians 3:9- 

10) implies the need for us to experience characterological 

and behavioral change. Thus, sanctification is the Holy Spirit’s 

process of changing us to be conformed to the image of Christ 

(Romans 8:29; Colossians 3:10). 

Resistance to change is, at times, resistance to the 

work of God! The work of God brings change through 

processes of change! 

We cannot advance the Kingdom of God 

apart from change 

Historically, Pentecostals pray for revival. Without knowing it, 

we have been praying for change! Some people are praying 

that old methodologies would be revived. The “old-time religion” 

is a casket filled with decomposing activities that served their 

purpose in another generation! I have observed a tendency for 

believers to develop a great affection for the cultural expressions 

that were in play when they were saved. Although this is not 

inherently wrong, it can become a reason why they are stagnated 

and stunted in personal, spiritual growth. Those who are 

continuously growing shed their need for “comfort objects” and 

activities. They grow forward, detecting and discerning what 

God is doing in the here-and-now rather than worshiping the 

idols and relics of the there-and-then. Isaiah spoke for the Lord, 

revealing that change was in their future: 

“Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things 

of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring 

forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the 

wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18 (NKJV) 

Historically, we see that the church needed to navigate change 

as they reached their generation. The book of Acts chronicles 

the changes that the early church had to consider as they took 

the gospel from a primarily Jewish culture into a Gentile culture. 

Was there struggle? ABSOLUTELY! Two “general councils” were 

called to consider which Jewish customs could or should be 

eliminated, and which customs were to be retained. Acts 11 

explored the Jewish custom of not entering a Gentile’s home. 

Acts 15 considered if circumcision was essential to regeneration 

and pure doctrine and praxis. In both meetings, CHANGE was 

introduced. Jewish believers were no longer determined to be 

unclean for hanging out with Gentiles. Circumcision was retired 

as an essential covenant practice. Despite the conclusion of 

the council of apostles, elders, and believers, the church would 

continue to battle those who were determined to keep the old 

covenant ceremonial observances. 

As we move forward in revitalizing or recalibrating our churches 

and ministries, we must exercise the spiritual gift of discernment 

regarding the values that must never change verses the 

preferences that are subject to expiration and replacement. 

Troy Jones writes that we must develop a church culture that 

embraces continual recalibration (Recalibrate Your Church, page 

16). This applies not only to churches, but also to ministries and 

our personal relationship with Christ. God doesn’t change – but 

culture does. The word of God doesn’t change, but the way we 

apply it to our present stage of life will certainly change. Without 

change, we stagnate. Apart from embracing change, we 

will embrace mediocrity. However, when we present ourselves 

as living sacrifices, we will experience the transformation and 

renewal that God wants for us, our churches and our ministries! 

(Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18). 

“What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought, since Jesus came into my heart…” 

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

LEADERSHIPconnexion | Winter 2021-22 

3

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

Something 

Needs to Change 

During the last twenty months, CHANGE HAPPENED! 

COVID-19 has forced the Church into the 21 st Century! One of the areas is online giving, and many people 

now regularly give using this tool. Giving went from Sunday mornings only to twenty-four hours a day, 

seven days a week. As pastors and leaders, have you ever had a moment where God spoke to you and 

said, “give this amount to a project or special offering?” Now, due to easy access of online giving, when 

God says, “give an extra gift to a church or ministry,” you can make it happen immediately. What a gift to 

churches and ministries! 

COVID-19 forced us to pivot and step up our online presence in our communities. As a result, church 

services moved out of the building and into living rooms everywhere. I believe many people responded to 

Jesus during this season, and it’s only a matter of time before they join us on Sunday mornings. 

Now on the other side of COVID-19, many are asking what needs to change? At a recent leadership 

conference, I heard things like: increase the level of prayer, do a better job at discipleship, get more serious 

about outreach and loving the world to Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to move again. We need all of this 

and more. What is the one thing that God is asking you as a pastor and our church leaders 

to CHANGE? I wish it were a cookie-cutter thing for all of us, but it is not. The truth is you may be one 

change away from a breakthrough. What needs to change? 

A few years ago, at Morning Star, God asked us to make a change in our worship. Both the worship pastor 

and I were nearing sixty (The truth is I was three years older and already there). Both of us agreed that 

the change needed to happen. I presented articles to the leadership about this change. Statements like 

“your church can thrive with an older pastor as long as the medium age of those leading worship is in their 

forties.” Even with all the conversations and articles, I still got some pushback. Finally, I said something 

uncharacteristic for me, “This is going to happen. You can help me, or you can fight me. But this is going to 

happen.” Unified, God led us to invite a gifted young man in his thirties to join our team. 

Those who know my story know that I would turn over my lead position to a man who was turning forty-five 

less than two years later. On my final Sunday, Liz and I looked with grateful hearts to the team that God 

helped us set in place to lead the church into a bright future. 

Throughout my thirty-eight years at Morning Star, there were seasons where my soul cried out, “Something 

needs to change!” What I know by experience is that God never fails. He always came through and 

revealed to us the one or two things that needed to change to keep the church moving forward. 

As pastors and deacons our hearts for the church are the same. We want to do the things that please 

God the most. So, we pray, “Help us lead your church, especially in areas you want to change in this next 

season.” As you seek Him, remember Paul’s words in Philippians 2:13, 

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the 

power to do what pleases him.” (NLT) 

I remember in school how they would have you 

draw your family tree. Mine was a family shrub. I 

have had three dads in my life. 

Dad # 1 disappeared from my life when my mom and he divorced 

when I was a preschooler. It wasn’t until nearly two decades later that I 

was re-united with him. 

Dad # 2 was a helicopter pilot and was killed in action when I was in 

elementary school. 

Dad # 3 was an attorney for an oil company. As a high schooler, I 

looked up to him as a mentor until we found out the truth about his 

secret life. He had multiple affairs. 

Mom was devastated and reached out to my uncle to confront him in 

front of his weekend family. As we drove through the neighborhood, 

Dad # 3 was in the driveway and with a look of panic, directed us to 

meet him down the road. 

When we arrived in a nearby parking lot, he came running towards us. 

I warned my uncle that he knew karate. That is when my uncle opened 

up the trunk and grabbed the tire iron. 

Mom saw this heading in the wrong direction and pleaded with my 

uncle to let him go. As Dad #3 ran away, we were left in that parking 

lot with feelings of anger, betrayal, and loss. 

But we were in the parking lot of a church… 

My mom went inside and through a brief conversation she was 

encouraged to give it all to Jesus. Her life was changed that day. 

Six months later, I became a Christian. 

This is why I believe in your church and starting 

new ones. 

Because Jesus, the message of the local church, 

still heals hearts and transforms lives. 

This is why I have a vision to start 100 new 

churches. 

Because Jesus is still calling people to start new 

churches in communities where people are lost 

and hurting. 

CHURCH PLANTING 

ACCELERATORS 

ChurchMultiplication.net 

LAUNCH is a two-and-a-half-day event led 

by church planters and mentors blending 

proven principles and practical how-to's such 

as recruiting, raising funds and establishing 

systems. Launch is for those who are planning 

to plant or have recently planted a church. 

The next Launch is at Destination Church 

near Richmond, VA on March 29-31, 2022. 

Registration grants for $599 are available. 

Contact Tom Rees (tom@penndel.org) for the 

PennDel scholarship code. 

REGIONAL ROUNDTABLE is a one-day 

networking event where you can connect 

with other pastors from around the Mid- 

Atlantic region, hear from members of the 

CMN Lead Team as they discuss all things 

ministry and leadership, and leave with a full 

heart. This FREE event is on March 29, 2022 

at Destination Church, Richmond, VA and is 

open to you and your team. 

RICHMOND, VA 

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

You've got this! 

If you feel God calling you to help plant a church, let’s talk! 

Please schedule a time to connect at calendly.com/tomrees 

4 LEADERSHIPconnexion | Winter 2021-22 5

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

DALE ROSENBERGER, 81, passed 

away on June 14. He is survived by 

his faithful wife, Diana. Together, they 

pastored the following PennDel churches: 

Perkasie and Duncannon. 

LLOYD CURRY, 87, passed away on 

July 12. He is survived by his faithful wife, 

Joan. Together, they served in PennDel 

as Evangelists and Lead Pastors of the 

following PennDel churches: Sweet Valley, 

Johnsville and Warminster. 

DHARAMCHARGE MATTAI, 71, passed 

away on August 19. He is survived by his 

faithful wife, Shirley. Together, they served 

in the following PennDel church: Darby, 

since 2011 as Lead Pastor. 

JAMES S. LEAKE, 81, passed away 

on September 26. He is survived by 

his faithful wife, Becky. He was active 

in the PennDel Ministry Network as a 

Presbyter, serving on various committees 

and as Lead Pastor of Titusville AG and 

NEW THING 

“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.” Isaiah 43:19 

I am adopting the words of the prophet Isaiah spoken 

thousands of years ago for today. I believe God is getting 

ready to do something new in the church. In fact, I believe He 

already did it many years ago but, we have not totally received 

it. In Hebrews 10:19-20, we are told that we can enter into 

the presence of God through a NEW and LIVING way, a way 

provided for us though the sacrificial death of Jesus on the 

cross. We have newness of life because of His resurrection. I 

believe it is time to break out of the old and enter into the New 

that is made available to us. 

God wants to do something new in our churches. He has 

provided the new way through the death and resurrection of 

Jesus and He has given us the power to move in this way 

through the power of the Holy Spirit. When the 120 followers 

of Jesus were gathered together in the Upper Room in Acts 

2, God poured out a new power for them. A power that 

would help them evangelize the world. Through this power of 

WITH THE LORD 

HARRY BROTZMAN, JR., 85, passed 

away on October 4. He is survived by 

his faithful wife, Joyce. Together, they 

pastored and served in ministry at the 

following PennDel churches: Bellwood 

and State College. 

PHILIP A. TORRE, 73, passed away on 

October 16. He is survived by his faithful 

wife, Lois. Together, they pastored in 

Meadville. 

D.J. (DOC) PAGLIA, 94, passed away 

on October 20. He is survived by his 

faithful wife, Anna Mary. Together, they 

pastored and served in ministry at the 

following PennDel churches: Wilkes- 

Barre, Strasburg and Mt. Joy. 

LLOYD GETCH, 79, passed away on 

November 07. Lloyd is survived by his 

faithful wife, Marlene. Together, they 


Hillsdale, Palmyra, Apollo and Anita. 

the Holy Spirit thousands were saved, healed, delivered and 

transformed. They became new creatures, the old passed 

away and everything was made new. The church was 

transformed. It was made new. Not like the church they were 

used to in the past. 

God wants to do the same for us today. He wants to transform 

the church into His church. I can hear the words of Isaiah to 

the church today. “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs 

up; do you not perceive it?ˮ In other words – Do you not see it? 

The power has been here all along, the power of the Holy Spirit. 

With the power of the Holy Spirit working in our churches, there 

will be new ways through the wilderness times and living water 

in the wastelands. 

God wants to do a New Thing in your life and in your church. It 

is available! Let the power of the Holy Spirit work in and through 

you to transform your church, our culture and society. 

GUY (BOB) FERGUSON, 73, passed 

away on November 10. He is survived 

by his faithful wife, Liz. Together, they 


Orbisonia, Red Lion and Hillsdale. 

REBECCA R. RICHENDRFER, 89, 

passed away on November 23. She 

was preceded in death by her faithful 

husband, C. Leonard Richendrfer. 

Together, they served the following 

PennDel churches: Selbyville DE, Roaring 

Spring and Slippery Rock. 

BERRY L. BROWN, 58, passed away 

on November 28. He is survived by his 

faithful wife, Tracey. Together, they served 

in the following PennDel church: Shade 

Gap as Lead Pastor. 

J. DEWAYNE PIERCE, 54, passed away 

on November 30. He is survived by his 

faithful wife, Dee. Together, they served 

and pastored the following PennDel 

Churches: Dillsburg and Middletown DE. 

Honoring the 33 years of Faithful Service of Sam and Naomi Brelo 

Aside from the rats, the fourteeninch 

tokay lizards, the four-inch 

crab spiders, the wasps, the sun 

skink lizards, termites, mice, flies, frogs 

and the Biblical plagues of ants...we really 

like our new semi-outdoor kitchen. Behind 

it is the Cambodian forest of jungle. 

On the Buddhist holy days, we can 

hear the monks chanting as we sit in 

the kitchen. In the evenings and in the 

mornings, they lift up their demonic 

incantations: two notes, a half-step 

apart, in indiscernible tones of complete 

dissonance, repeatedly. 

We live close to a Buddhist temple—a 

center for demonic worship. Sometimes 

they are teaching in Khmer over the 

loudspeaker, or playing music on Eastern 

instruments, or a monk warbles out an 

unaccompanied eerie solo, and we hear 

the banged gong clang, for all of it is 

inescapable. All of it makes us pray. 

He sent our family here to Kep, a neverreached 

province in Cambodia. Buddhists 

and Muslims here farm rice, catch fish 

and work in hospitality. “Never-reached” 

In 1988 Sam and Naomi followed the Lord’s leading and were appointed as Assemblies 

of God World Missionaries to Israel and went on to serve in Lebanon, Jordan and various 

AGWM international ministries. In 2012 God opened the door for them to continue their 

ministry in Belgium at Continental Theological Seminary, creating a community of faith 

among the Arab population in Brussels. Sam and Naomi retired from World Missions 

effective September 30, 2021 and we take this moment to give tribute to them for their 

many years of faithful service as our PennDel World Missionaries. Thank you to each 

individual and church that has supported the Brelo’s through these past 33 years. 

NEWS from... 

Brett & Rebekah Zeiler Serving in Cambodia, Asia Pacific 

means a place where the Gospel has 

never been in the history of Christendom. 

Why He looked at our family with our four 

incredible, rambunctious, wiggly children 

and thought that we would be a good fit, 

we do not yet know...but He does! 

Our ministry right now is humble: fixing 

up our jungle house, homeschooling, 

working on Khmer language acquisition, 

building trust and relationships in the 

community, praying to have interactions 

with seekers—those who are hungrily 

searching for God, and doing prayer walks. 

Even our one-year-old son, Silas, 

signs nail-pierced hands and 

whispers Jesus’ name as we walk and 

pray with our children in tow. 

Please join us in lifting up our Buddhist 

and Muslim neighbors in prayers that 

they might know the love of Christ. 

There is no love in Buddhism. Please 

pray for deeper language and cultural 

understanding, protection, direction and 

courage for our family as we attempt to 

bring the light of the Gospel, planting the 

church where it has not yet taken root. 

We believe that Jesus, Emmanuel, is truly 

God with us as we live in this dark place 

full of beautiful, but also frightening things. 

He is the One who steadies us, loves us 

and keeps us. 

“Jesus replied, ‘Anyone who loves Me 

will obey My teaching. My Father will 

love them, and We will come to them 

and make Our home with them.”’ 

John 14:23 (NIV) 

To learn more about our family’s ministry, 

please go to: s1.ag.org/zeilers 

Account #2714046 

BrettLZeiler@gmail.com 

Monroeville AG. 

6 LEADERSHIPconnexion | Winter 2021-22 7 

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

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR | LAVERNE WEBER 

The Gift of 

CHANGE 

It’s an adventure, exciting and overflowing with promise. 

It’s also a dark hole that invites anxiety and dread. 

It is change! Change can be a gift! God wants to 

reveal Himself to us. He often uses changes in our 

situations to effect changes in us. 

Until I was in my early thirties, I’d never lived 

in one place longer than a year and a half. 

Change was normal. As a missionary kid, it 

involved new homes, new people and a new 

culture. Sometimes it was scary, but it was 

always an adventure. 

Some changes we recognize are good, but 

the thought of change is overwhelming. In my 

ministry, I love watching God release people 

from the pains of the past – things like anger, 

shame, unforgiveness and feelings of failure. 

But release isn’t enough. Change means 

learning new mindsets and behaviors. It 

means replacing the old with the new. And 

when we do, we find new hope, new joy and 

new purpose. 

COVID-19 hit us all and life as we knew it 

changed. Prophecies prevailed of coming 

doom and destruction. As I was seeking the 

Lord, God impressed me to write a book. I am 

amazed at how many times I argue with God. 

I just need to give Him my opinion! I’m so glad 

He keeps pushing me. I wrote, The Moses 

Manual – Wilderness Walking for Leaders, 

about stepping out of our normal and leading 

God’s people in the midst of our own doubts 

and difficulties. It has touched many lives. God 

knew in this season we needed encouraging 

reminders that He is able to call us, lead us and 

walk with us into any changes He has for us. 

But notice these thoughts about 

their changes: 

• God spoke with a directive and a promise 

• As they followed God into the unknown, 

they found their purpose 

• That purpose changed them and gave 

hope to others 

God may ask us to do things that are out of 

our box. The box looks good – feels good, 

safe, comfy….but is it God’s best?! 

Some situations look impossible, 

but in Isaiah 43:19 God says: 

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; 

do you not perceive it? 

I am making a way in the desert and streams in 

the wasteland. 

We are approaching a new year… 

What is God asking you to do for 

Him that is out of your box? 

• Probably something that you have not 

done before 

• Probably something you do not think you 

are good at 

• Probably something that you will have to 

really rely on God to help you with 

LAVERNE WEBER 

is a minister, a nurse, an 

author and the founder 

and director of Victory’s 

Journey, a ministry for 

Jesus followers who 

are struggling with 

brokenness and shame 

from their past. She and 

her husband, Pat, are 

somewhat retired but still 

very active in ministry. 

The Webers have three 

grown children and four 

grandchildren. 

LaverneWeberMinistries.com 

The Bible tells us that Abraham left all that was 

familiar to find a city. Sarai was right there with 

him. They left houses and moved into tents. 

They left family and “modern” conveniences 

and moved out of their normal, their box, into 

a place where they knew no one…but they 

waited for a promise given by God. 

You may have thought of it or seen the need– 

but said, “I couldn’t do that”. But that’s just the 

point – your weak areas are often the ones God 

wants to use ….that way when things happen 

for good, God gets all the glory! As Christians 

we are called to live beyond our normal. That 

requires change. Change is challenging. 

Moses was settled into a life without purpose. 

He remembered his dream, but time went by. 

The hope faded. He was locked in a box. Then 

God called his name. And after arguing with 

the Creator of the universe, Moses obeyed. He 

faced Pharaoh and his own people and he led 

them to new beginnings. 

The bottom line – things 

change; God does not! 

Jesus Christ is the same 

yesterday and today 

and forever. 

Hebrews 13:8 

2022 holds God-sized promises as we step out in obedient faith. 


Big Journeys 

begin with 

Small Steps 

“Does anyone dare despise this day of small beginnings?” 

Zechariah 4:10 

Recently we asked on social media, 

“What are some small changes 

that you have made in your life 

or ministry that have made a BIG 

difference?” The response was 

amazing as friends shared their 

thoughts. It was so good we wanted 

to share it with you. As you read these, 

remember that small changes build 

over time. Also, don’t try to do a bunch 

of them at one time but rather ask, 

“What is a small change I can make 

beginning this week?” 

One idea. One risk. One decision. One 

change has the potential to make a 

BIG difference in your life! 

PRAYING 

PRIORITIZING 

BOOKS THAT CHANGED ME 

Praying Lord, give me a divine appointment today to speak life into 

someone’s life. 

Valerie White : Director, Pregnancy Resource Center of Greater Hazleton, Hazelton, PA 

Realizing that, when I work, I work. But when I pray, God works. 

Otto Wegner : US Missionary, Next Generation Ministries, Philadelphia, PA 

Praying, “God give me opportunity.” instead of praying, 

“God give me ideas.” 

Focusing more on relationships than 

work or things. Stop. Smell the roses. 

Meet that friend for lunch. Stay another 

hour visiting. Enjoy watching your kids 

grow up. Worry less about the small 

stuff. Because you never know when 

your time is up. 

David Martin : Spiritual Care Coordinator, 

ProMedica, Irwin, PA 

Changing my perspective by realizing that the scope 

of my ministry is larger than the local church. This 

watershed shift released me for greater outreach and 

equipping the saints to do the same. 

Gregory Lloyd : Lead Pastor, Trinity AG, Huntingdon, PA 

Saying “Yes” more often. 

Rick Roth : Direct Support Professional, Jessica and Friends 

Community, York, PA 

I first heard of Hal Donaldson’s book, Disruptive 

Compassion, at a CMN (CHURCH MULTIPLICATION 

NETWORK) conference and it has led me down a fulfilling 

path. This is what it means to me… I am bi-vocational. I 

am a Maintenance Manager and a Credentialed Chaplain 

which I feel opens many possibilities. It has come down 

to being a Godly disruptive influence both in the private 

sector and in the church, shaking things up in a loving 

but challenging way. 

Jessica Jones : Lead Pastor, Faith AG, New Cumberland, PA 

Getting the monkey off my back by praying, “God, this is your problem. 

Tell me how I can help.” 

Troy Keith : Lead Pastor, Orchard Beach Assembly, North East, PA 

Seeking God in ALL things. We tend to ask Him for the big things, but 

think we can handle the small things. Doing my best to seek Him no 

matter how small or big the decision is. 

Thomas Manning : Lead Pastor, Kinport AG, Cherry Tree, PA 

I recently moved my to-do list planning to the early evening, now my 

morning set-aside time with the Lord is no longer filled with thoughts of 

the coming day but much more focused on His presence–it’s been HUGE! 

Faith McCutcheon : Church Planter, Living Way Church, Greensburg, PA 

Making family time and ministry time 

two different things. 

Dan Boll : Evangelist, Unique Kidz Ministry, 

Pittsburgh, PA 

Improving my health has given me 

more energy to minister, focus and get 

things done. It has also allowed me to 

dream again. 

Angela Coon : Certified Health Coach, Gain 

Life Too, Camden, DE 

Stepping into my “Yes Lord.” 

Joe Paris : Men’s Director, Living Waters Chapel, Lebanon, PA 

Loving people and overlooking the small things. Keeping 

my focus and purpose in front of me. Not diversifying 

into every whim to try to please people. Leaving lots of 

room for miracles! 

Che Weber : Lead Pastor, First AG, Greentown, PA 

Using Michael Hyatt’s Full Focus Planner. It’s been a 

game-changer for me. 

Jeannette Hague Scott : Professional Coach, Narrative Impact, 

Christiana, PA 

Donald Sitter : Campground Chaplain, US Missions, Erie, PA 

Leading on Empty by Wayne Cordeiro. It is powerful! 

It's the only book that changed me other than the 

Word of God. I only wish I would’ve read it early in my 

ministry years. 

Trish Gunn : Associate Pastor, Trinity Community Church, 

Hockessin, DE 

Switch on your Brain by Caroline Leaf. This life altering 

book on changing the way you think, taught me how to 

actually use Scripture to change my thoughts. It’s so 

practical. I also recommend her book, Who Switched Off 

My Brain?, that talks about detoxing other areas of your 

life. Amazing. 

Rebekah Zeiler : World Missionary, Cambodia, Asia Pacific 


GUEST CONTRIBUTOR | DR. BILL ELLIS 

Traversing Leadership Roadblocks 

“You have arrived at your destination” announced our GPS navigator’s confident voice. My friend 

and I were making good time to reach our appointment only to realize that Ms. Waze took us to a 

dead end – literally! We found ourselves staring directly at a big mound of soil with no way forward. 

Immediately, we started asking the obvious questions: “Where are we? Where do we need to be? 

How will we get there? What do we need to do now?” We needed to quickly recalibrate and find a 

new direction if we were to get where we needed to be. After all, we couldn’t miss our tee time! 

Why are these essential questions which are so readily 

asked while in the driver’s seat of our car so rarely asked 

when in the driver’s seat of a ministry that has seemingly 

come to a dead end? We all hit leadership roadblocks 

– those times when we realize that the things that got 

us here are no longer able to get us there. Wise is the 

leader and team that routinely takes time to step back, 

recalibrate and chart a new way forward. 

When coaching leadership teams through a recalibration 

season, I walk with them through four proven steps so 

that every member “A.D.D.S.” to the team’s success. This 

is a coaching model I devised to help leaders ask and find 

answers to those vital leadership questions. These are 

steps you will want to take, with or without a coach, when 

you come up against a leadership barrier. 

ASSESS 

The first thing you want to do is ASSESS your team and 

the wider organization. You want to find your bearings 

by asking, “Where are we?” and “Who are we on 

this team?” It starts by measuring the team’s readiness 

for coaching and how committed they are to change. 

Is there trust and respect? Is it a safe place for people 

to give and receive constructive feedback? Are they 

courageous and vulnerable enough to speak with candor? 

Anonymous surveys and open dialogues are used to 

glean their thoughts and feelings about the current state 

of the team and the ministry. Personality and behavior 

style assessments may be used to foster greater selfawareness 

and mutual understanding to help them work 

better together. 

Effective leaders are quick to take a good look in the 

mirror, step on the scales and assess the state of things 

so they can know where they stand. 

DISCOVER 

If your team is healthy and committed to change then 

it is time to DISCOVER, “Where do we need to go?” 

and “Who do we want to become?” This begins with 

an exploration of personalities, behavior patterns, team 

culture, core values and conflict styles for the purpose of 

strengthening communication, collaboration, trust and 

accountability for results. A SWOT analysis is a good way 

to evaluate the team’s internal strengths and weaknesses 

as well as the external opportunities and threats. 

The members will then collectively imagine a future picture 

of the team and the ministry at its best. A great question 

to ask is, “If we could wake up in twelve months and we 

were hitting on all cylinders, what would be different?” The 

team is then able to identify and agree upon two 

or three key objectives behind which they can 

align their efforts and collaborate to accomplish. 

12 LEADERSHIPconnexion | Winter 2021-22 13 

DESIGN 

This is now where the rubber meets the road. It’s 

one thing to know where you are and where you 

want to be, but another thing to know what to 

do and how to get there. You must turn the car 

around, hit the gas pedal and follow a new path. 

How many great ideas die on the vine because 

there is no clear strategic plan? The DESIGN 

phase asks the critical question, “How are we 

going to get there?” 

Through open dialogue, constructive feedback 

and creative brainstorming, the team develops 

a strategic plan with clear action steps to 

move forward. SMART goals – ones that are 

strategic, measurable, achievable, relevant and 

time-bound – are aimed at accomplishing the 

key objectives. Action plans outline what tasks 

need to be done, by whom, by when and what 

resources are needed. 

STEWARD 

Ongoing coaching is designed to STEWARD 

the new discoveries and follow-through of the 

strategic plan. This step asks, “How are we 

doing?” Periodic check-ins are used to measure 

progress, maintain agreements, celebrate 

small wins and adjust the plan as needed. It is 

important to check the gauges along the way 

by asking things like: “Is there still gas in the 

tank? What is the emotional temperature? What 

attitudes need adjusted? What is holding up 

traffic? Should we take an alternate route? Do 

we need to take a rest stop?” 

Every pastor is familiar with leadership obstacles 

that thwart progress – building constraints, staff 

transitions, stalled growth, limited resources, 

stale ministries, disgruntled people and, yes, 

even a global pandemic. It is said that problem 

solving is the essence of what leaders exist 

to do. The difference between effective and 

ineffective leaders is not the problems they face, 

but their willingness to face their problems. 

Successful leaders traverse obstacles by 

continually asking these critical questions: 

“Where are we? Where we need to be? How will 

we get there? And how are we doing?” 

Dr. Bill Ellis 

is the founder of 

Clearstream Leadership 

Solutions, providing 

assessment and 

development solutions 

for pastors, executives 

and their teams. He is 

the Founding Pastor of 

Riverside Community 

Church, Oakmont, PA 

where, after 32 years, 

he passed the baton to 

his successor in 2020. 

He is a Professional 

Certified Coach with the 

International Coaching 

Federation, and he 

serves as facilitator of 

the PennDel Coaching 

Network and a co-leader 

of the Assemblies of 

God Coaching Network. 

Bill completed Asbury 

Seminary’s Beeson 

Institute for Advanced 

Church Leadership and 

he earned his doctorate 

through the Assemblies of 

God Theological Seminary. 

Leadership is not for the faint of heart. Fortunately, you do not have to go it alone. “Plans fail for lack of 

counsel, but with many advisors they succeed,” Proverbs 16:9 says. I think a good paraphrase could 

state, “Plans fail for lack of coaching, but when leaders assess, discover, design and 

steward the way they succeed.”

IMMEL: I’ve had to learn how to be more flexible. COVID 

demanded that I learn how to assess, adapt and overcome 

both personally and pastorally. 

HEALTHY PASTORS. 

THRIVING CHURCHES. 

MINISTER CARE & CHURCH RECALIBRATION JASON TOURVILLE | 717.795.5921 | jason@penndel.org 

New Pathways Forward 

PASTOR DONNIE IMMEL 

PASTOR JIMMIE RIVERA 

The changing landscape of leadership and culture requires pastors and churches to find 

New Pathways Forward. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the changing trends 

of church attendance, the conflicted relationships around politics, racial tensions, social 

unrest, debates around masks, disagreements about vaccines, not to mention the 

overall atmosphere of relationships, have left many discouraged and disillusioned and 

have left many in leadership fatigued and frustrated. 

While the challenges have been great, some have met these challenges and reframed 

them as new opportunities. Below are conversations with two pastors across our 

Network who are discovering the NEW THING God is doing in their churches and in their 

communities. Pastor Donnie Immel pastors in rural America at Crossroads Community 

Church, located in Fogelsville, PA. Pastor Jimmie Rivera pastors in an urban/inner city 

environment at City Limits Assembly of God in Allentown, PA. Both ministers are serving 

in very different contexts, yet each is finding A NEW PATHWAY FORWARD. 

Briefly describe your ministry context and the 

impact the pandemic has had on your church. 

RIVERA: Our church is multicultural and is in the inner city 

of Allentown, Pennsylvania. It is a transient community with 

people coming and going from New York and Philadelphia. 

The pandemic affected us from young to old. Some people were 

fearful for the safety and health of themselves and their children; 

others feared the unclear situation. To address these concerns, 

we did much sanitizing and followed all the CDC guidelines and 

our city’s policies and procedures. We let people know about the 

changes through phone calls, Facebook, messaging and our 

website. The pandemic has hurt our finances, and we are still 

figuring out how long it will take to recover. 

IMMEL: The context of our ministry is more rural than anything. 

We are located between Allentown and Blue Mountain; 

therefore, we have a blend of suburban and rural culture in our 

ministry area. 

I was the new Lead Pastor at C3 when COVID-19 first hit our 

country — I had only been in the position for a few months. 

We were experiencing amazing growth and entering into a 

very exciting season of ministry and then BAM — COVID-19 

happened. At first, the pandemic turned our ministry upside 

down, much like most other churches, and we were forced 

to hit the pause button as a whole. Our ministry was strictly 

online for two-to-three months when COVID-19 first started 

spreading, so that made us greatly shift our mindset. 

What challenges have you had to overcome 

personally and in your leadership role? 

RIVERA: I came up against the personal challenge of dealing 

with technology. I learned to Zoom. I purchased a PTZ (Pan, 

Tilt, Zoom) camera to connect with the congregation through 

FaceTime, Facebook and YouTube. I also started some small 

groups. This was very stressful for me at first. Once I got the 

hang of it, I realized that God was still in control. I had to adjust 

to the circumstances and found that this was just a new normal. 

Share with us some of the victories and 

pathways forward you have discovered. 

RIVERA: We had no plan as the pandemic hit and we were 

totally discouraged. The Network invited us to be a part of 

the Acts 2 Journey. The Acts 2 process gave our church 

leadership team and me hope and encouraged us to 

embrace change. Having a team was great in this process. 

IMMEL: God has been so faithful in providing us with 

victorious testimonies! In the past year and a half, God 

has moved in incredible ways throughout our church. We 

have seen people receive salvation in Jesus Christ on a 

weekly basis. Over two dozen people from our church 

have been baptized in the Holy Spirit. Since beginning 

in-person services again, our attendance has tripled! We 

have continued to see passion stirred up throughout all 

ministries at our church with a hunger to grow deeper in 

their faith. 

The pathways forward that we have found are simple — 

as a church we are continuing to seek the anointing and 

empowerment of the Holy Spirit, focusing on building 

relationships in the church and seeing the restoration of the 

Biblical family unit. 

What have you discovered as being key as 

you led change in your ministry context? 

RIVERA: Our key to change was in identifying that we had 

been doing ministry the same way and not changing with 

the world around us. We had become comfortable doing 

things the same as always, even though, if we truly looked 

at the numbers, they weren’t working. We had to adjust 

our vision to the movement of the cultural shift in the world 

around us. The Gospel is still the same but the approach to 

share it had to be different. 

IMMEL: The key in leading change has been as a church 

acknowledging the needs that COVID created and seeking 

to meet those needs biblically in a real and tangible way. 

What “WORD” has encouraged you through 

this changing leadership landscape? 

RIVERA: Clarity + Change = Victory 

IMMEL: I had a person tell me, “Jesus didn’t say to make 

converts, He said to make disciples.” That stuck with me. 

We often make it our goal to get someone to say they have 

faith in Jesus, but we never invest enough time into their 

lives to make sure they grow to become a life-long disciple. 

The principle of creating genuine relationships changed the 

way that we do ministry. It requires us to invest long term 

rather than focus on the short term and then move on. 

Two Therapists are available to you, 

your family and your church. 

Jason Tourville 

Sarah Walter 

Accepts most forms of insurance • Online or In-Person 

www.Emerge.org/PA • 800-621-5207 

Marriage 

Tune-Up 

Two days to 

refresh your 

relationship 

The Marriage Tune-Up for pastoral, 

missionary and ministry couples is 

a 2-day personalized and private 

consultation to refresh your 

relationship. After completing an 

online assessment, your unique 

relationship challenges are addressed 

and strengths are enhanced. 

www.Emerge.org/TuneUp 

THRIVING CHURCH CONSULTING 

Peter A Joudry, DIS 

Battlefield Ministries 

The Nehemiah Project 

pajoudry@aol.com 

Battlefieldusa.com 

Peter@battlefieldusa.com 

Dr. Bill Ellis 

Clearstream Leadership 

Solutions 

w.j.ellis@me.com 

DISCOVER MORE 

www.recalibratechurch.org/consulting 


YOUTH MINISTRIES/DYD | LEE ROGERS | 717.795.5921 | lee@penndel.org 

GROWING YOUNG 

Growing Young: 6 

Essential Strategies 

to Help Young People 

Discover and Love 

Your Church (Grand 

Rapids: Baker Books, 

2016), 35. 

Is your congregation growing older or younger? A congregation 

that is growing older is aging, not growing numerically and struggles 

to maintain relevance to emerging generations. A congregation that 

is growing younger attracts and retains congregants under the age of 

twenty-nine, has thriving kids and youth ministries and is also growing 

numerically. If you find your church is growing older, it is unlikely that the 

trend will reverse without seeking the Holy Spirit for a NEW THING. 

In 2016, researchers at Fuller Youth Institute studied 363 churches 

that have ministries with young people that were both numerically 

growing and had a large number of young people relative to the size 

of the church. The lead researcher, Kara Powell, is an Assemblies of 

God minister and a well-respected voice in youth ministry and church 

scholarship. The research team compiled hundreds of surveys, 10,000 

pages of interviews and several deep-dives into a number of the 

churches involved in the study. The researchers published their findings 

in the book Growing Young. 

The researchers found the nation’s most innovative churches engage in six 

core commitments that help produce better engagement with young people: 

1. 

Unlock keychain 

leadership. Instead 

of centralizing 

authority, empower 

others—especially 

young people. 

2. 

Empathize with 

today’s young 

people. Instead of 

judging or criticizing, 

step into the shoes 

of this generation. 

3.. 

Take Jesus’ message 

seriously. Instead of 

asserting formulaic 

gospel claims, 

welcome young 

people into a Jesuscentered 

way of life. 

Some of these commitments may seem challenging to implement, but a dying church 

is far more challenging to endure. Begin to seek the Holy Spirit now for the new things 

God wants to do to help your church in growing younger. 

4. 

Fuel a warm 

community. Instead 

of focusing on cool 

worship or programs, 

aim for warm peer 

and intergenerational 

friendships. 

Growing Young seminars or sermons to help your congregation or leadership team 

process and conceptualize some of these core commitments can be facilitated by the 

youth department. Email lee@penndel.org to book a service or meeting. 

5. 

Prioritize young 

people (and families) 

everywhere. Instead 

of giving lip service 

to how much young 

people matter, look 

for creative ways 

to tangibly support, 

resource and involve 

them in all facets of 

your congregation. 

6. 

Be the best 

neighbors. Instead 

of condemning the 

world outside your 

walls, enable young 

people to neighbor 

well, locally and 

globally. 


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

It seems that God allows difficulties in our lives to shape, refine 

and transform us. COVID-19 has brought a tremendous season 

of change and uncertainty: 

• Is it over? 

• Is there a new wave? 

• What’s next? 

Change may make our future unsure, but leads to a 

greater dependency on God. So what’s the new thing in 

Kids Ministry? 

• Fewer adults and children attending 

• Fewer volunteers to help 

• More nervous parents 

• More sanitization needed 

• More caution on community events 

A NEW THING in a 

Season of Change 

God is doing a NEW THING. What is our response? Ask 

God for new ways to minister with less resources (people and 

finances). Equip and involve parents to disciple their children. 

Yes, it’s a challenge, and a new thing. Go the extra mile and take 

precautions to help parents and the community feel comfortable 

at events. 

A NEW THING? I recently visited with Pam and Tracey Hodges, 

missionaries to Alaska’s children. Their ministry has always 

consisted of traveling to remote areas to reach and teach 

children. COVID-19 has shut down travel to Alaska’s remote 

villages which have little or no internet. The Holy Spirit led them 

to produce a weekly television show duplicated on DVDs and 

sent to remote villages. Every home has a DVD player and both 

children and parents watch the weekly show again and again. 

A NEW THING? They are touching more lives than ever before, 

and so will we. 

When I asked friends how they were 

doing, some responded with “same 

olʼ same olʼ.” God enjoys doing NEW 

THINGS in our lives and ministry. The Royal 

Ranger ministry certainly was impacted by the 

changes prompted by COVID-19. Outposts 

stopped meeting, District events were stopped 

for about a year and some outposts didn’t start 

back up. The cumulative effect meant even 

the National office had to reduce its budget. 

I am glad to say this year has seen a major 

turn around. We have had some well attended 

events at the PennDel Royal Ranger Camp that 

bore much fruit. There are several new outposts 

that have started this year and we are diligently 

seeking the Lord to follow His plan because He 

promised to do a new thing. 

During the time outposts weren’t meeting and 

we were not able to have events, we were able 

to work on a shower house at camp and several 

other projects. After not having a District Royal 

Ranger PowWow in 2020, for the first time in 

about fifty years, attendance was around 220 at 

the 2021 PowWow with about fifty boys making 

commitments to the Lord and fourteen men and 

boys baptized. The camp was also active this 

year with a Frontiersman Camping Fellowship 

Spring Trace, a Junior Leadership Academy and 

a Territorial Rendezvous with about 200 boys 

and men from across the region. 

NEW THINGS 

Besides our District Leaders Conference where we honored some the 

leaders who have served for many years, there were two Gold Medal of 

Achievement ceremonies in November – three boys at Newville Assembly 

and two boys at Family Worship Center in Lansdale. 

Work has continued at the PDRR Camp Berry and we are 

finishing up the outside wall of the shower house and worked 

late on the retaining wall getting it about half done. We expect to 

be installing the trusses and roof in the spring. 

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

It is exciting to see several of our past Gold 

Medal of Achievement recipients stepping 

up into leadership across the district. God is 

certainly doing a new thing and we are seeking 

to stay in touch with Him. If you would like 

to learn more about the top boys mentoring 

ministry, that is now customizable to fit into 

your church’s ministry. Please contact us and 

we would be happy to meet, go over what the 

Royal Ranger program can do for your boys 

(and men) and help you get started. 

18 19

NEW focus 

What is Your Name? 

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

During my growing up years, I 

always loved the beginning of a 

new school year. It signified new 

opportunities, possible new friendships 

and new clothes! Though I grew up in a 

single-parent home, there was always 

money for the “first day of school outfit.” 

Maybe that wasn’t important to you, but 

for me, those fashion instincts began 

early! I find it interesting that many of 

the fashion trends of those years have 

made their way back and are in style 

again, only they are BETTER than what 

we had before. Things that appear OLD 

have become NEW. If you are not careful, 

you may miss the NEW because you are 

focused on the OLD. 

In Isaiah 43:19, we read, “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.” Isaiah spoke this prophetic 

word to the Israelite people, who were 

in captivity in Babylon. God promised, 

through the prophet Isaiah, that He would 

make a way where there seemed to 

be no way. History proved this correct 

when many Israelites went from Babylon 

to Jerusalem, freed from captivity. They 

rebuilt the walls of the city and the 

temple; however, not everyone went. 

Some were comfortable in the present, 

though it meant captivity in Babylon, and 

did not step into the future. They did not 

perceive what God was doing. 

Today the words “I am doing a new thing” 

seem more relevant than ever! COVID-19 

changed church as we know it. I believe 

God works ALL things for our good, 

which means embracing the challenges 

as opportunities. I tend to think of 2022 

as beginning a new school year, where 

the possibilities seem endless. What new 

connections and opportunities is God 

planning? What can I learn this year? Like 

you, I want to perceive what God is doing 

and then say, “Yes Lord, I’m in!” 

Get ready for something new! It’s a new 

season to embrace our future! Don’t 

miss it! PennDel Women is planning our 

Inspire Tour and Replenish Retreat 

this spring, along with Dream Center trips 

this summer and our Illuminate 22 Fall 

Conference. So mark your calendar and 

join us at an event near you! 

We continue to live by our 

mission statement. 

PennDel Women exists to create 

experiences to inspire women to 

encounter Jesus, live empowered by the 

Holy Spirit and be equipped to impact 

their community. 

Have you become a 1000 Sister 

yet? Consider becoming part of 

this Sisterhood! Learn more at 

penndelwomen.org. I am grateful for this 

season to serve PennDel! 

Isaiah 62:2 

“The nations will see your 

righteousness. World leaders 

will be blinded by your glory. 

And you will be given a new 

name by the Lord’s own 

mouth.” 

Revelation 2:17 

“To everyone who is 

victorious I will give some 

of the manna that has been 

hidden away in heaven. And I 

will give to each one a white 

stone, and on the stone will 

be engraved a new name that 

no one understands except 

the one who receives it.” 

PRIMS & STARS 

JUNE 16-18 

“Hello, my name is….” There is so much in a 

name. Many parents chose a name based on the 

meaning, on familial connections, or the sound 

rolling off your tongue. But the name of a child 

is important, obviously personal too, and often 

defines an individual. 

And yet, when I came to Jesus, He gave me 

a name, a new name that came from His mouth. It is a name that no 

one understands except for me. Wow, simply wow!! He knows my name. 

He has given me a name that no one else knows and understands – just me! 

So, what is my “new name”? As I have pondered this, I realize that the new name that 

Jesus gave to me is one that no one else knows. No one else can understand it. And, it 

is a name that I cannot adequately put into words. It is me...It encompasses all of who He 

created me to be. It says “Sharon”, but with so much more! My new name does not focus 

in on my failures and shortcomings. It is an empowerment of all the strengths and giftings 

that our Lord placed within me. It is something that He speaks, and I know. 

I sincerely believe that our Lord intended for each of His children to explore and discover 

that name. Just like a delicious meal has many avenues of flavor, so the new name is 

multi-faceted. It takes a lifetime to discover all that the name entails. In your personal 

daily devotions, it is the revelation of Jesus Himself in your life. Take the time and effort to 

explore that name, to become all that your name is! 

FRIENDS & GIRLS ONLY 

JUNE 16-18 

THEME: 

TELL THEM! 

“…In the future your children will ask 

you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 

Then you can tell them…” 

Joshua‬ ‭4:6-7‬ ‭NLT‬ 

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

20 21

A PLACE TO REFRESH 

Situated in the scenic Cumberland Valley, the Bongiorno 

Conference Center provides a clean, safe and exciting 

environment for you and your family. The PennDel Ministry 

Network hosts numerous camps, leadership retreats and 

conferences throughout the year. We would love to be able 

AROUND THE NETWORK 

to have you as one of our guests! 

Please check with your church leadership team for events 

that are on the calendar for this year or plan your own 

leadership retreat, conference, camping excursion or even 

a family reunion! We desire to host those much-needed 

moments for you to breathe in the air, receive from the Lord 

and leave refreshed. 

COME AND SEE US IN CARLISLE, 

PENNSYLVANIA WHERE WE SAY 

“Bongiorno - It’s a good day!” 

60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION 

Pastor Keith and June Applegarth 

Evangel AG, Norristown, PA 

PB STRONG TEEN CHALLENGE GYM DEDICATION 

(Honoring Pastor Bruce Gorski for donating 

his gym equipment to Teen Challenge) 

Rev. Bruce and Renee Gorski 

Teen Challenge, Cheswick, PA 

For more information, go to bongiornocc.com 


Pastor Ben and Rackel Grenier 

Real Church, Brookhaven, PA 

PASTOR INSTALLATION 

Pastor Jim and Nicki Line 

Agape AG, St. Marys, PA 


Solid Rock Revival Church, Oakdale, PA 

Pastor Prabhu and Sucila Isaac 

LEADERSHIPconnexion | Winter 2021-22 23

Pennsylvania-Delaware Ministry Network 

4651 Westport Drive 

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 

Find us online: penndel.org 

Join us on Social Media: 

PennDel Ministry Network 

PennDelMinistryNetwork 

#penndelag 

INVESTING FOR A HIGHER PURPOSE 

Matthew 16:18 

It’s a new year and with it comes 

new dreams, new goals, 

new opportunities 

and new challenges. 

How’s your financial health? 

It’s a good time to call HIS Fund! 

Investment Interest Rates 

5 Year Note 3.75% 


2½ Year Note 3.00% 


6 Month Note 2.50% 

Demand Note 1.50% 

($500 minimum investment for all notes) 

www.hisfund.com • 866-219-0820 (toll free) • 717-796-9784 

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. 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.

Leadership Connexion 4th QRT 2021

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