Around the Table

Guests: Tim Lehman, Fred Witzig

Guest: Becky Gerber, Lynn & Ronda Fiechter, Rod Stoller

Guests: Becky Gerber, Lynn & Ronda Fiechter, Rod Stoller

Guests: Lynn Fiechter, Damon Knobloch, Dan Moser, Duane Rocke

Guests: Lynn Fiechter, Damon Knobloch, Dan Moser, Duane Rocke

Guests: Harvey Kaeb, Mark Roth

Guests: Jason Dotterer, Jeff Waibel

Guests: Randy Beer, Matt Kaufmann, Mark Streitmatter

Guests: Randy Beer, Matt Kaufmann, Mark Streitmatter

Guests: Lucas Frank, Tom Klotzle

Guests: Greg Lehman, Brian Wenninger

Guests: Randy Gudeman, Tim Lehman, Ted Steffen

Guests:  Randy Gudeman, Tim Lehman, Ted Steffen

Guests: James Fehr, Craig and Jacki Stickling

Guests: Randy Beer, Matt Manz, Kevin Ryan

Guests: Randy Beer, Matt Manz, Kevin Ryan

Guests:Barry Dietz, Joe Gerber, Eric Strassheim

Guests:Neil Knobloch, Greg Lehman, Leah Walder

Guests: Matt Gerber, Grant Herrmann, Mike Leman, Todd Stoller

Guests: Matt Gerber, Grant Herrmann, Mike Leman, Todd Stoller

Guests:Lucas FrankJoe GerberMatt Kaufmann

Guests:Jason DottererDave Lanz

Guests: Les Kaeb, Kirk Plattner

Guests:Mike Leman, Frank Sauder, Jeff Wiegand

Guests:Mike Leman, Frank Sauder, Jeff WiegandShow notes:Lots of interesting scriptural observations on "the Church", including in the OT.Fascinating comparisons/contrasts of the Church today to the Church in the Wilderness with Moses.Lots of good thought-provoking ideas (reign of King David, baptism, worldly pursuits, denominations, OT congregational splits).God works with the entire Body.

Guests: Wayne Hartzler, Fred Witzig, Ken WuethrichShow notes:Jesus taught closeness(personal) and reverence together.How we started using these pronounsGerman Bible refers to God using familiar language.Language has changed over the past 80 years.How do we navigate this language change in the church?Emphasize heart reverence.Support those who desire to continue use of thee/thou language to reflect their heart.Support those who desire to express their close personal relationship with God using personal language.It's okay to change our language depending on our audience.There can be a difference in our personal prayers and our corporate prayers and not be hypocritical.Encourage people to pray!Don't need to be afraid to pray corporately; express your heart.We all need to be understanding and respectful of each other.Praying to please others is not authentic.Desire to be reverential to God and bring audience together is being authentic.Goal is to honor God and respect each other.

Guests:  Tony Manz, Steve Ringger, Brent Walder

Guests:Tony Manz, Steve Ringger, Brent Walder

Guests:Brian Wenninger, Kevin Knapp

Guests: Brett Lanz, Adam Uhler, Paul VirklerShow notes:Share where we serve (our situations).Attempt to follow the biblical model.Leadership and membership work together.Biblical examples of leadership.Our roles are not completely defined scripturally.Why increase in ordained deacons? Expectation for increased elder responsibilities; more communication needed for our congregations.Responsibilities of a deacon, ordained deacon, elder.Bible uses various titles for leadership.Increased emphasis on sharing of duties historically expected of elders.Different roles when a congregation doesn't have a local elder.How are we each accountable?Blessings of working together.Importance of our wives in these roles.Roles are grown into.

Guests:Lynn Fiechter, Trent Meiss, Ted Witzig, Jr.Show notes:Importance of and definition of terms.We are seeking to keep from yielding to societal pressures.Consider our purpose and vision.Need to embrace biblical truth and show compassion to others (both are needed and biblical).Is our church position changing? Recap of unchangeable truth.Sin is wrong, regardless of what it is (Jesus died on the cross for our sin).What has changed? Societal views of sin; sin is more front and center in the world.We elders are required to speak into this topic more than in the past due to its increased prevalence in our culture.Also, families need more support than in the past.We also need to help those who are struggling with these issues (we want to walk with struggling individuals who are trying to live out their faith).We can show Christ's love to those who are struggling and interact with them.Risks in stepping into this topic: compromise truth and/or don't love.Elder body is settled on the truth; it's more difficult to apply the truth.How to talk to and help those that are struggling with these attractions? Need Jesus! Call unbelievers to repent; invite believers to fellowship.Affirm the truth of I Cor. 6:10-11.How to respond to someone that may attend our church while embracing this lifestyle? The gospel is always first; everyone should feel loved in our church and hear the truth.We need to love the unlovable so they can experience the love of Christ through receiving the gospel.No room for un-Christlike behavior!Need to teach and model God's design to our kids.Provide an open dialogue for our kids to get their questions answered.We want all to know the love of Christ; Christ is the only answer!

Guests: Matt Kaufmann, Mark Streitmatter, John WiegandShow notes:Evangelism risks.How do we keep from being negatively influenced by the world? Our foundation is critical.We are to conform to Christ.Recognize the influences around us.Interesting observation: risks are all around us whether we prioritize evangelism or not.Maturity is important in navigating challenges.  New believers shouldn't think they are not called to evangelize.  They just need to be connected to others in the church for accountability.Q: Do we understand the gospel correctly?Don't overcomplicate; it's Jesus.Gospel may be more nuanced today than 40 years ago (need to be observant of what people are lacking today and emphasize that part of the gospel).Loneliness is a big part of today's culture.Be careful not to legitimize individualism, but to invite people to be like Jesus.Find peace; free from addiction.Q: How do I share the gospel?First pray; ask for opportunities.Build relationships.Then, be bold enough to share Jesus.Helpful to evangelize myself (remind myself of His presence).Know ourselves (use our gifts).Q: How do I share the gospel if there is a power differential (I am an employer)?No pressure. Be aware of our influence.Q: How can I be successful in sharing the gospel?Practice helps.Sharing the gospel is a discipline.Engage!

Guests:Matt Kaufmann, Mark Streitmatter, John WiegandShow notes:Opportunity for us to grow and discipleship is fundamental to who we are.How is it fundamental and deeply rooted?Discipleship is a way of life.Discipleship and evangelism are inseparable.Discipleship is an intentional conversation with believers.Evangelism is an intentional conversation with unbelievers.Our gifting needs to be lived into.Def. of discipleshipDef. of evangelismTied into Conference presentation.Where does evangelism happen?Starts outside of the church, but ends up in the church.What is the church?Where we gather or in community (both)?Convicting to consider we are the church 24/7 wherever we are.Church is a hub.We are in this together.Worshipping together.Gifting is effective as we come together.How do we preserve what has blessed us as we expand into evangelism?We need to prioritize knowing Christ, not just how we got here.We should add to what we have (grow).

Guest: Rod Bajema, Lucas Frank, Nick Gutwein, Greg LehmanShow notes:Affirmations and cautions around doctrine of discipline.Should not be used to manipulate or punish.God ultimately punishes unrepentant sin in judgement.Caution against the thought that God will not punish unrepentant sin.Affirm that God wants a right relationship with Him.Affirm God's design that we be in community."Love in the presence of humility brings healing"."We can't share more love than we have received".Affirm that we must be willing to receive love.Corrective discipline takes time.Sanctification is accomplished by the Holy Spirit.Spiritual disciplines help us receive God's grace.Caution against checking boxes of spiritual disciplines; they are not for justification before God.Spiritual disciplines should bring humility.Corporate discipline in the Church: the entire Body should be involved in Church discipline.Don't want to isolate individuals or publically humiliate.Don't want to hide sin to avoid conflict.Perfect love does not give in to fear, but leans into individuals and their families.Our desire (and God's) is a glorious Church.

Guests:Rod Bajema, Lucas Frank, Nick Gutwein, Greg LehmanShow notes:What was it like to study discipline?God desires that we have a peaceful/restful relationship with Him.Many scriptures regarding discipline.Discipline should be mostly proactive.It expresses God's love.Restores a right relationship.Reviewed updated SoF statement.Various forms of discipline.Value of spiritual disciplines (self), interpersonal discipline & church.Goal is Image of Christ.What does a disciplined Church look like?

Guests: Frank Sauder, Lynn Stieglitz

Guests:Bruce FrankJoe GerberShow notes:God can relate to us because of the incarnation.Incarnation models selflessness, servant leadership, humility, and obedience to the Father,Incarnation brought us our perfect example.Incarnation is a model for preaching the gospel.Incarnation is a model for sacrificial living.Incarnation was necessary for salvation.

Guests: Brad Eisenmann, Lynn Fiechter, Wayne Hartzler, Nick Gutwein, Ben WiegandShow notes:Arranged in 3 buckets.Update process evolved from 3 documents to one document.Not to be just a document used in counseling converts, but one that impacts every phase of our life.Onward Media to help put a discussion guide together.Emphasis on the document live on the website.Written by the Holy Spirit; also the work of men.SoF not perfect, but can be useful with the Holy Spirit's helpPeriodic review expected, similar to other documents.We want to be open to increasing clarity in what we believe.Plan for updating Walking in the Teachings document.SoF, Purpose Vision Mission Statement, Guiding Principles meant to work together.Helpful for every generation to examine what they really believe.Emphasis on the importance of Church and community in living out our faith.Praise God for enabling us to work through some initial trepidation and bring us to a settledness; with God leading, we don't need to fear.

Guests:Isaac Funk, Jonathan Sauder, Mark StreitmatterShow notes:Purpose: develop biblical principles on discerning emerging technologies (ET).Defined what it is.Examples of ET.Historically, some have been fearful of ET.Culture we grew up in influences how we view ET.Important to have conversations about ET to learn how to use technology well.Technology is a tool to accelerate what we can do.Use technologies wisely.Be careful not to label a technology as completely good or completely bad.Maintain a biblical worldview.Explanation of ChatGPT and other types of AI (interesting).AI is not always accurate.AI does not do all things well; humans do some things better.Makes us think about what it means to bear the image of God.Church needs to help guide these conversations.

Guests:Tim FunkKyle WalterCarla WuethrichShow notes:Why the image of God is a relevant topicHow does it help us understand God and our relationship with him?Helps us balance out who we are with what we do.Has both a vocational and relational aspect.Jesus is the ultimate image of God who came to earth.Image of God is also our identity; this identity is also personally unique.How does sin and brokenness impact the image of God?Sin causes this reflected image to lose some of its luster.While there is distance and strain in our relationship, God still pursues us and desires reconciliation.Even in our brokenness, we are still loved by God and reflect his image.How do we share these truths with others?God making us in his image is his universal love language to us.We thrive and grow as we share this with others.

GuestsJoe & Heidi GerberAdam Uhler

Guests:Crystal Frank, Tim Funk, Blake WidmerShow notes:We need to look to the Bible for how to be godly men & women, not our culture.Two teams looking at this: one team of brothers and one team of sisters.Additional communications planned.Teams contain brothers & sisters from various ages, cultural contexts, urban/rural, & linguistic environments.5 stages to be investigated (1-what it means to be human? 2-how do we represent the image of God? 3-what does it mean to be created male & female? 4-living as godly men & women. 5-interactions with evangelism & discipleship)Being human is more than physical; also includes thoughts, soul, spirit.Be careful not to elevate one aspect of humanity above another.There is a part of us that is of the earth and a part of us that is of God.Benefit of study: Our God-given body is good.Implications of viewing human as whole, both body & soul: God wanting to dwell with us is an embodied reality in the incarnation.What happens if we separate body & soul or elevate one above another? We struggle with self-worth instead of seeing ourself as a tabernacle; we struggle to resolve the tension we feel when we think of ourselves as only body or soul (we don't need to feel bad that we have a body); we might say 'my body doesn't really matter that much', when actually it is very valuable, especially knowing that Jesus will return with a body; we may tend to minimize the body when the body dies, when the reality is that our body will be resurrected.Other important discoveries of this study: humanity is one (male & female) - this is significant especially for those that struggle with their identity, value and worth.This study should lead us to worship God.Plans for additional studies and podcasts on this topic.

Guests:Jeff Grimm, Peggy Jackson, Ted Steffen, Michelle Strahm, Ted Witzig, Jr.Show Notes:How can our congregations help support and protect church leadership?Get to know your elder/ordained deacon couple; get to know their needs.Remember your leader's children at home when travelling for church business.Offer to sit with children in church.Give grace to leader's children like you would your own.Find out what needs to be done around their home; offer your skills.Gifts/acts of kindness are helpful, whether it is help with a vacation or thoughtful gifts periodically like gift cards.Take care of church visitors from the community; don't expect leadership to do it all.Encourage converts.Be willing to serve in church offices when asked.Pray for us.A text or email can be very helpful; we get down too.Don't expect leadership to be perfect; give grace; expect good intentions.Sometimes we can't share certain things; please be patient.Don't think leadership is too busy to talk about life or get together for dinner.Sometimes we need to make hard decisions; please be understanding.Our wives have to bear with us when leadership is hard.Challenges and blessings being in church leadership:Challenging to disengage from leadership responsibilities and spend quiet time with the Lord.Blessing to see first hand what God is doing in people's lives.Challenging seeing all the hard things going on in your congregation.Blessing being invited into people's precious moments (death bed, premarital counseling, etc.)Challenging for our wives to balance family issues and husband's busy schedule.Challenging managing pressure from others' opinions and expectations for our children.Blessing when financial burdens are shared.

Guests:Jeff Grimm, Peggy Jackson, Ted Steffen, Michelle Strahm, Ted Witzig, Jr.Show notes:Tools - Wellness assessment to examine how we are doing; email goes out quarterly to look at various areas; coach newly ordained couples; promote mentoring within elder body; facilitate elder/wife meeting at a conference once a year.What is 360 Wellness? Approved ad hoc committee to help church leadership, establish healthy practices, and avoid leadership risks.Committee initially looked at preventing bad things; began looking at areas of growth needed for successful leadership.Areas of growth:Personal stewardshipMarriage & familyShepherding & relationship (managing personalities, minister team, conflict)Expanded to help deacons & ministers and their wives.Leadership recommendations:Maintain relationship connections; don't isolate.Set and maintain healthy boundaries.Should always have time each day for quiet time.Keep time open each day for family.Get enough rest; we need it.Don't think it all depends on me.Jesus modeled these recommendations.Need to work from a healthy reserve, not the bottom of the barrel.Be careful about seeing our identity defined by how things are going. Our identity is a son/daughter of God.Watch our self-talk; don't let it go down rabbit trails and things we can't control.

Guests:Jason DottererLucas FrankShow notes:Reason(s) for different format.Benefits of different format.Challenges with changing format.Changed format allows addressing more issues due to audience having multiple choices.Identified items (format) that have not changed.Resulted in better attendance than recent past conferences.Increased fellowship periods.Remain focused on Jesus and his Word, and being bound together.Moving 2025 General Conference to Saturday.Will continue to monitor and adjust format in the future.

Guests:Gwen Leuthold, Gina Martin, Ron MessnerShow notes:Looking at additional ways to communicate events to singles and to connect.Humans, not just singles, have an inherent need for connection.Singles desire more healthy and meaningful interactions with all brothers & sisters.Receiving compliments, notes, and cards (little things) are very important to singles.Take the time to build relationships with singles.Many singles are content being single; don't assume they all want to be married.Many singles struggle with not being married; don't assume they are content being single.Pray for the singles who are struggling.Singles need to share their desires & concerns with others. Others need to validate these concerns; pray with them; show them they are cared for.Each of us listening to the Holy Spirit brings about healthy change for all in the body.Next steps: recommendations for the national and local body.Praying for singles from the pulpit is humbling and appreciated.

Guest:Gwen LeutholdGina MartinRon MessnerShow notes:Review/Update on survey of our Singles.Goal - how to better be one body; how to better serve in the body.Wanted to hear the heart of the singles.Singles are wondering what change the survey will bring.Both the process in making/doing the survey and the data has been valuable.Positives: committed to church (local and national); grateful for being included in church roles; grateful when married families include them in their lives.Singles needs: more support from local congregation; help in dealing with loneliness; balance with life & church; dealing with sexual needs; need to be married.How to help singles? What season of life are they in?Testimony and instruction of ultimately looking to Christ to have needs met, and not relying on marriage to be complete.Personal experience: easier to be single in a small church (singleness is not an identity); larger churches tend to group singles together as an identity.

Guests: Brad Eisenmann, Gerry Hertzel, Trent Meiss Brad StrahmShow notes:We respond to what God did by believing, repenting, having faith...Justification is us being right with God.Sanctification is us partaking in God's holiness; rooted in love.Sanctification is God's work. We tend to place too much attention on self.Sanctification happens in two parts: immediately upon faith, and over time.Jesus' death and shed blood allow us to come into God's presence and for God to dwell within us.We are left amazed at what God did for us in salvation!

Guests:Brad Eisenmann, Gerry Hertzel, Trent Meiss Brad StrahmShow notes:Studying salvation helps us better know what we believe.Salvation is more than just saving our souls.God's part is great; our part is small (response).There is beauty in God's salvation.Multiple terms associated with salvation.Our perspective makes certain terms more meaningful.God is setting all things right again through Christ.

Guests:Tim LehmanGwen LeutholdBrad StrahmShow Notes:People have various levels of interest in politics, from being disinterested or intentionally avoidant to very interested and involved.Our problem: we are drawn to rely on earthly governments.Governments are God's servants.Government can't solve our problems.All earthly governments will fail; only God's government will not fail.Our government invites us to participate. How should we participate?Should we vote? The Bible is silent on whether we should vote. Perhaps this is because representative forms of governments did not exist in biblical times.How do we navigate whether to vote for a flawed candidate? HOT BUTTON QUESTION! Seek direction from God. Pray for spiritual discernment.How should I process or discern my level of involvement? Make sure I represent Christ's nature.Be careful to not assign bad intentions to those who hold positions I may disagree with.We need to separate issues from the candidates, and not accept a position simply because it comes from a certain party.Evaluate issues biblically, or if the Bible is silent, what is the Christian perspective?Remember: our citizenship is in Christ.Pray for our government.Recognize God is sovereign over governments.