And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
John 14:13-14

Thank you for the ways you support Ohio Mennonite Conference!

The Gifts Discernment Committee is tasked with filling all Conference committee positions. Sometimes their work is quick and smooth. At other times, it is difficult and daunting. As of this writing, eleven people have been asked to fill the position of moderator elect. For various reasons all of them have declined to serve. Given the heavy agenda that Conference has addressed in recent years, is it surprising that people might hesitate? Yet the moderator and moderator elect do not do this meaningful work alone. They work with gifted leaders who also desire the best for this network of congregations.

The moderator elect position is part of the structure change adopted at Annual Conference Assembly this past March. This position serves on Leadership Council for two years, learning about the work of moderator and filling in if needed. After two years, they move to the moderator position for two more years. Due to this time of transition between old and new structure, however, the person filling the moderator elect role will only serve until March 31, 2025, when they will become the moderator for the next two years.

Yet the question remains – who can fill this position? We are Ohio Conference, and in this challenge we need each other. Consider your giftings. Consider giftings in others. And pray. We already know about the importance of prayer; and we need to pray. Pray that Gifts Discernment will know whom to ask. Pray that the person for this position will be willing to recognize their giftings and accept. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s intervention, wisdom, and guidance. Prayer works. Let us not forget that.

Thank you for praying. Thank you for tapping shoulders. Thank you for listening to the Spirit.