Church planting discussion planned

By Ralph Reinford Regional Pastor Are you interested in church planting? The Ohio Conference Ministry Development Team wants to initiate a conversation about growing new Visible Kingdom Communities, formerly known as church planting. This article is an invitation to anyone interested in, passionate for, or feeling a call to be a part of supporting new endeavors. We are planning a…

Ralph returns refreshed — a reflection on time away and re-engaging in ministry

What happened to Ohio Conference Regional Pastor Ralph Reinford during his three-month leave earlier this year, and how were rhinos and crocodiles involved? Listen to this episode of the Ohio Conference Cast to find out. Reflecting on his time away from his Ohio Conference work, Ralph talks with Ohio Conference Cast hosts Bill Seymour and Thomas Dunn about things he…

Event offers resources for new pastors

By Ralph Reinford Regional Pastor Fourteen members of Ohio Conference gathered for a New Pastor Orientation on Aug. 12 and 13, beginning Sunday evening and continuing all day on Monday. The gathering provided a time for new pastors to learn about resources and ask questions about the Ohio Conference. Sunday evening was a time for sharing finger foods and popcorn along with introductions…

Ralph Reinford begins three-month leave

As was announced at Annual Conference Assembly, Regional Pastor Ralph Reinford is taking a three-month leave from his duties with Ohio Conference. His leave will last from May 1 until the end of July. During May, June and July, contact Cliff Brubaker for any regional pastor work needed. Email Cliff at cliffbru7@gmail.com or call him at 517-398-2172. For any other…

Resolution in appreciation of regional pastors

We the delegates of Ohio Mennonite Conference wish to convey our deepest respect and appreciation to Ralph Reinford and Cliff Brubaker for faithfully and gracefully carrying heavy responsibilities for the good of the Conference. We acknowledge that we have not always appreciated nor affirmed them nor recognized the burdens they have carried on our behalf. We pledge our continued prayers…

A Day in the Life of Ralph

One of the main tasks of an Ohio Conference regional pastor is to serve as a pastor to pastors, but what does that phrase actually mean? And what else does the job entail? In this episode of the Ohio Conference Cast, co-hosts Thomas Dunn and Bill Seymour talk with Regional Pastor Ralph Reinford about his work with Ohio Conference — the…

What happened at CLC this time?

In this episode of the Ohio Conference Cast, hosts Thomas Dunn and Bill Seymour talk to Ohio Conference’s representatives to the Constituency Leaders Council (CLC), Jessica Schrock-Ringenberg, Ralph Reinford, and Bob Sauder. They discuss what happened at the March meeting of the CLC and they preview the Future Church Summit, which will take place at the denominational convention in Orlando…