The WCG churches in Beaumont, San Bernardino, and Victorville, CA, pastored by Tom Ecker, hosted two Ministry Coach Training Workshops: in Glendora on Nov. 3 and in Beaumont on Nov. 4. The workshops were facilitated by Randy Bloom (director of Church Multiplication Ministries) and Ken Williams (Regional Pastoral Leader).

What is a "ministry coach"? A ministry coach is one who joins in the spiritual journey of someone else to help him or her discern God’s call and to be fruitful in ministry. Good coaching increases ministry effectiveness by helping people develop their gifts, establish ministry goals, stay focused and make progress.

Workshop participants learned about the importance of ministry coaching to ministry growth and development. Statistics show that new churches whose pastors had no ministry coaching experienced an 80 percent failure rate, while new churches whose pastors had a ministry coach found the opposite to be true—they experienced an 80 percent success rate.

The presenters led the group into several enjoyable and educational exercises that were designed to help participants develop "listening and question-asking" skills—the two overarching skills required of good coaches. Each exercise illustrated the point that effective communication is a skill that needs to be properly developed.

Effective listening and questioning skills are practiced within a coaching framework referred to as the five "R’s" of coaching:

• Relate—establish relationship and agenda

• Reflect—discover and explore key issues

• Refocus—decide priorities and actions steps

• Resource—support and encourage

• Review—evaluate, celebrate, and revise plans

One of the attendees, Tammy Nijssen, Worship Ministry Team Leader in Victorville, gave this review, "The most important thing I got out of the workshop was not to be so quick to give advice or answers. Listen to the other person and just keep on listening.… This doesn’t only apply to spiritual coaching, but in our daily lives. It is all about giving to others our time and attention, not being so quick to offer opinions or give orders. Thank you Ken and Randy for giving us this wonderful information."

Elders who attended along with team members from the churches they serve included Dennis and Lorraine Pelley, Bermie Dizon, Leonard Raught, Paul and Leigh Sniffen, Raul and Sylvia Ramos, and Tom and Alberta Ecker.

This one-day workshop exposes participants to an effective tool for producing "disciples who make disciples" and ministry leaders. If you haven’t had the blessing of this workshop, and would like to be trained as a ministry coach, why not contact Church Administration & Development for details on how you can enjoy this special training opportunity? —Todd & Lela Duncan with Tom & Alberta Ecker

Randy Bloom, Church Multiplication Ministries director, conducted a church multiplication workshop for the Pasadena Spanish congregation (right). The workshop, titled "Prepare to Parent," explores the key characteristics of a church that reproduces (plants) new churches. It also addresses the major misperceptions and obstacles related to church planting.

Randy preached a sermon prior to the workshop entitled "Connecting People to God Through New Churches." Translation for the day was provided by Raul Ramos, pastor of the Pasadena Spanish congregation, and Gustavo Aguilar. To schedule a workshop for your congregation, contact Randy Bloom at randy.bloom@wcg.org.

Randy has also scheduled several Church Next training sessions for 2008. See www.wcg.org/events for locations and dates.

Ken Williams, district superintendent for the western U.S., conducted two assessor training sessions—one in Memphis, TN and one in Glendora, CA. These assessors help potential church plant leaders clarify their gifts and calling for church planting.

In Memphis, George Hart, Frederick Moore and Mike Rasmussen received training. In Glendora, Bermie and Carmelita Dizon, Tom and Alberta Eckert, and Raul and Sylvia Ramos received training. So far in 2007, 19 assessors have been trained. For information about assessor training, contact Ken Williams at Ken.Williams@wcg.org.

The CMM assessment team interviewed two ministry leaders as potential church plant pastors. Kevin Phillips, from Lancaster, SC, was interviewed on June 20, and Anthony Mullins, from Kennesaw, GA, was interviewed on September 26. Assessment team members believe these two have strong potential for church planting leadership.

The assessment interview does not guarantee results; it only serves as a predictor of potential effectiveness in church planting ministry. The assessment team makes recommendations to Church Administration & Development regarding licensing and hiring church plant pastors.

Kevin and Anthony are in the process of developing their "New Church Proposal"—a comprehensive plan for launching their new churches. This plan includes:

• developing a team of gifted ministry leaders,

• developing culturally relevant ministries and worship services,

• financing their new churches.

Kevin and Anthony need your prayers. If you or your congregation would like to partner with them in their challenging new ministries, please contact Randy Bloom.

A wonderful community-wide Thanksgiving service was held in Big Sandy, TX, on the evening of Sunday, Nov. 18. New Beginnings Christian Fellowship WCG was privileged to host the event, which is sponsored each year by the Big Sandy Ministerial Alliance. There was much to be thankful for.

At least ten churches were represented, with 175 men, women and children in attendance, of varied denominations and ethnic backgrounds. Overflow seating with a television hookup was provided in the fellowship hall adjacent to the sanctuary.

After the welcome and opening prayer by New Beginnings Pastor Sonny Parsons, the service featured heartfelt congregational singing and pledges to the American and Christian flags. Then, presentations providing recognition of two successful Alliance ministries this year were made: the fourth annual Community-Wide Vacation Bible School, presented by Pastor Liz Elkins of Gospel Lighthouse Church, and the Agape House, a food, clothing and financial ministry to the needy operating year-round in Big Sandy, presented by Sharon Hill of Solid Rock Fellowship. An offering of over 1,000 dollars was taken up in support of the Agape House Ministry.

Afterwards, the community-wide congregation was treated to musical performances by eight church singing groups and choirs. The musical variety found in the Body of Christ was enjoyed by all, especially the performance by the children’s group from Rock of Calvary, a black church in Big Sandy.

Following the music, a short message was given by Pastor Parsons, expressing thankfulness to God for his blessing of unity in the people of Christ in Big Sandy, and encouraging everyone to remember and practice the "one-another" verses in the Bible: love one another, pray for one another, care for one another, etc.

After the benediction, a time of fellowship (and lots of good food!) was had in the fellowship hall, strengthening the bonds of Christian love even more.

After two years of planning, God blessed New Covenant Community Bible Church (WCG Philadelphia, PA) with a successful Vacation Bible School. Instead of the normal through-the-week format, the church hosted the VBS on four consecutive Sunday afternoons in August. This enabled over a dozen widely-scattered volunteers to participate without missing work during the week.

One of the WCG churches from Georgia kindly passed on VBS materials they had used last year, enabling the church to keep costs down. Twenty-four children participated and enjoyed praising and worshipping God, working on crafts and many other activities. Most importantly, they were taught God’s Word.

The event was spearheaded by Hinka Gilbert and Ruby Reid, and honorable mention goes to the artistic Ford family, who provided beautiful hand-painted backgrounds, signs, and even a stuffed moose to go along with the Arctic Adventure theme.

The recent "Gathering in the Harvest for Jesus" convention held on Oct. 4-7 at the Springmaid Convention Center in Myrtle Beach, SC, was inspirational and uplifting.

The speakers for this convention were Paul David Kurts, Charles Young, Dan Rogers, Keith Brittain, and Howard Blakeney. We were enlightened daily with the presence of God by the singing of various choirs, leading of the praise and worship teams and the inspiring sermons, A family dance with a variety of music was enjoyed by all. Many attended seminars on marriage, youth, and finances. In a worship service at the Street Reach Homeless Shelter, where we served the needy a meal, we were blessed to share the love of Jesus. We donated $500 each to the MS Foundation, the Street Reach Homeless Shelter and WCG Next.

During this convention eleven people accepted Jesus Christ as Savior. We give him all the honor and praise. There were 280 people in attendance on the final day of the convention.

From Aug. 25 to Sept. 1, 90 members from all over Italy and guests from various parts of the world gathered in Alghero, on the island of Sardinia, for a celebration of Christ.

The theme of the Festival was "Faith Today." Worship services, prayer meetings, celebrations of the Lord’s Supper and Praise and Worship evenings reminded us of the fact that Jesus Christ is both the author and perfecter of our faith, and that without faith we cannot please God.

Excursions to the surrounding area (land and sea), eating meals together and other activities helped renew and build new relationships with members from all parts of the world.

The guest speaker this year was John Halford. Other guests included representatives of local evangelical organizations. We also had a local bookstore displaying a cross-section of Italian evangelical literature in our meeting hall. A significant part of the profits of the sales were given to our church in the form of a special offering.

Festival participants valued and enjoyed the spiritual edification they received and the warm fellowship that took place. Location and dates of next year’s festival will be announced shortly. Members from all over the world will again be cordially invited!

—Daniel Boesch, Italian National Director, boesch@tin.it

The Sisters in Christ of Kalamazoo, MI, is a women’s ministry that includes women from nearby church areas. They are involved in outreach programs and services along with spiritual growth and development.

The August meeting was hosted by Catharine Sturdivant. The theme was "being helpers of one another’s faith," from Romans 1:11-12. The meeting began with the song "Light Your Candle, Go Light Your World," by Kathy Trocolli.

After lunch the women gave testimonies about what and who had inspired or encouraged them. They shared stories of mentors/people, music, trials, and testimonies. Scriptures were provided to augment and expound further to assist the women in their quest for faithfulness and helping each other.

A handout with questions to motivate the women for a "spiritual tune-up" was given with numbers on them that corresponded with a gift.

The WCG church in Tyler, TX, celebrated its 30th anniversary on Sept. 30. Around 35 were in attendance. Past ministers Richard Bydlon and Kenneth Swisher and current minister David Orban attended. Mr. Swisher gave the sermon on the topic of trusting God’s providence.

The Tyler church was started by Donald Ward on July 2, 1977. Over the 30-year history of the church, the WCG congregation in Tyler has moved the location of its worship services six times, changed its name to New Covenant Fellowship and moved its services to Sundays. Five charter members remain: Adam Adair, Lindsay and Ozie Cary, Everteen Ford, and Larry Kepler.

After services, members and guests gathered at a park for a barbeque picnic. After lunch the children played football, horseshoes and tug-of-war with the adults. Past and present photo albums were available for members to view.

Luciano Cozzi, WCG pastor in West Warwick, RI, received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from St. Thomas Christian College & Theological Seminary on Oct. 7. Dr. Zamekio Jackson, president of St. Thomas Christian College, traveled to Rhode Island to present the award.

In more than 20 years of ministry, Pastor Cozzi has received various awards and certifications. He is a certified biblical counselor of the International Association of Biblical Counselors, a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), a certified credit counselor, is certified in Critical Incident Stress Management, is the secretary and a board member of the Rotary Club of Pawtuxet Valley, an alumnus of Leadership Rhode Island and a certified mediator and conflict resolution specialist.

Pastor Cozzi began his education in Italy, where he was born. He came to the United States in 1980 to attend Ambassador College, where he earned his B.A. in Theology with distinction. He also received a M.A. in Biblical Counseling with high distinction from Trinity Theological Seminary in Newburg, IN, and was awarded a gold membership in the National Omicron-Psi Honor Society for academic excellence and community service. He is currently a candidate for a Ph.D. in Biblical Counseling.

Dr. Howard Eyrich and Luciano co-authored a textbook entitled Marriage and Family Counseling, which has been adopted by two Christian colleges. He has also authored a number of journal articles and booklets, including "A Glimpse Into Eternity," "Finding Peace With God," and "The Problem of Suffering: A Biblical Theodicy."

Luciano Cozzi has been a pastor for more than 20 years and is constantly seeking new and better ways to serve the church and the community. He is the Senior Pastor of Grace Family Church of Rhode Island, in West Warwick, and of the Living Hope Christian Fellowship in Gales Ferry, CT. He teaches Biblical Counseling to a number of individuals from different churches and charitable organizations in the community.

His classes are accredited for certification by IABC, and the church is in the process of being recognized as an affiliated biblical counseling center. In addition to regular weekly services in both congregations, pastor Cozzi holds two Bible studies each week, one for the congregation and the other for medium-security inmates of the Adult Correctional Institute. He produces the Word of Hope Sermon Series through a collaboration of the two churches he pastors, which send sermon CDs to 14 states in the US and ten other countries, including several in Africa and Asia.

Luciano and Suzanne have been married for 25 years and have two children: Daniel and Elisabeth (Cozzi) Iannelli. Luciano and Suzanne are a great example of love and of a family that works together in love. Because the churches he pastors are family-oriented churches, they are always looking for ways to reach out to the community and lead new people into the family of God. In the words of Naomi Bone, a deaconess of Grace Family Church of Rhode Island, "God has blessed us tremendously by sending Luciano, Sue and their children to our neck of the woods."

Gloria Walker, member in Detroit East, MI, was featured in her employer’s employee newsletter.

Here’s the article:

 Gloria Walker has been with HOV Services since 1982, and is currently working as a Bindery Operator II. Gloria is a single mother of three: one daughter, Annette, and two sons, Anthony and Erick. She is also a grandmother of six: three girls and three boys.

 Aside from her duties here at HOV Services, Gloria leads a very busy life. Gloria has always had a desire to sing. This passion started as a young girl of 16, when she joined Farious Church Choir. The Choir director was so impresses with Gloria’s voice that he chose her to be the soloist.

 Gloria also founded the Gospel Choir called: IMANI Gospel Family Choir. With this Choir, Gloria was able to sing at Marygrove College. Her dream is to someday make a CD for the Lord.

 While Gloria is very active within her Church doing various duties, she also gives of herself and her time to a Women’s Support Group called “Rambling Roses.” They help divorced women, widows and singles with life’s everyday issues. They meet once per month.

 Gloria feels her journey in life is to touch someone in some way, no matter how small. She feels we should all be thankful for what we have, and count our blessings.

Gloria’s philosophy: “You are your word.” When you say you are going to do something… Do it! Don’t back down because you suddenly feel it’s too hard, or you’re too busy.

Gloria’s favorite thing to do: Cook for her family and friends and sing.

Gloria’s gift to others: She hopes to touch someone with her singing. If she can sing and it makes one person smile, it makes her happy inside and out.

From Gloria: “Be thankful for what you have… Count your blessings. We all need to smile more, regardless of what life throws at you. When you frown all the time, it makes you an unhappy person on the inside, and it spreads to others. Always concentrate on the good in life. The gifts and talents we have are important. We should all recognize that and genuinely care for each other.”

Copyright 2007 Worldwide Church of God