STORY
Ohio Conference Concludes Two-Day Pastors' Meeting Focused on Evangelism and Ministry Support
March 4, 2025
Francis Tuffour
The Ohio Conference concluded a two-day pastors’ meeting in Dayton from Monday, March 3, to Tuesday, March 4. The event, held at the conference headquarters, Integrity Hall, brought together pastors from churches across the conference territory for spiritual renewal, training, and evangelistic retooling.
The meeting began with a welcome and opening prayer from Oswaldo Magaña, Executive Secretary. In his devotional message, Bob Cundiff, President of the Ohio Conference, affirmed the importance of pastoral ministry and expressed appreciation for pastors' dedication. He acknowledged the challenges of ministry, particularly the sense of isolation some pastors experience.
"I know sometimes it feels that way because you are geographically separated from other colleagues. That is why meetings like this are so important—to come together and be reminded of the high, holy, and sacred calling of the work God has given us to do," Cundiff said. "You are here today, you are loved, you are with friends, and we celebrate you. We thank you—we say it all the time because we mean it and feel it so deeply and genuinely."
Training on Preventing Abuse and Protecting the Vulnerable
Phil Swartley of GuideOne Insurance led a seminar titled "Sexual Misconduct: Abuse and Molestation Guidance." His presentation emphasized the importance of thorough screening for employees and volunteers, training on working with youth and vulnerable individuals, identifying and preventing abuse, reporting procedures, and cooperation with authorities during investigations. He also discussed how organizations can evaluate incidents and update policies or procedures to enhance safety measures and prevent future occurrences.
Stewardship
Rudy Salazar, the North American Division's stewardship director, presented stewardship principles and concluded with the spiritual dangers of neglecting prayer and Bible study.
Evangelism and Pentecost 2025 Initiative
A major focus of the meeting was evangelism and the Pentecost 2025 initiative. Conference administrators announced that $675,000 has been allocated this year to support evangelism efforts. Through the initiative, 101 churches and schools across the Ohio Conference will participate in public evangelism, with pastors expecting to baptize more than 1,000 new members.
Attendees prayed for the upcoming evangelistic efforts and other ministry needs. Reflecting on the role of the Holy Spirit in evangelism, Cundiff emphasized the necessity of spiritual preparation.
"The Holy Spirit comes where hearts desire Him, where they invite Him, and where they have properly prepared to receive Him," Cundiff stated. "The Holy Spirit is not going to impose Himself."
Magaña added, "Pentecost is about receiving the power of the Holy Spirit to preach the Gospel. It is not power that comes from us, but power that comes from on high, granted to us by the Holy Spirit."
Innovative Evangelism: The BLAST Model
Pastor Kojo Twumasi presented two sessions on creative approaches to evangelism in the 21st century under the theme "MAKE EVANGELISM A BLAST." He introduced BLAST as an acronym for "Building Lives Around Solid Truth."
Twumasi emphasized that successful evangelism requires careful preparation and the formation of teams with diverse roles. Recognizing the challenge of attracting people to evangelistic meetings, he shared his approach to digital outreach through Facebook and Instagram ad campaigns. He explained that he begins by defining his target audience within a six-mile radius, ensuring his message reaches the right people. He then creates engaging advertisements with incentives and a clear call to action. To secure attendance, he requires participants to register in advance through an online form, which also facilitates effective follow-up. Additionally, he utilizes registrants' contact information to send reminder text messages, increasing the likelihood of attendance.
Twumasi highlighted that the BLAST model has proven effective, leading to strong attendance, numerous baptisms, and a retention strategy to integrate new members into the church community.
Human Resources Updates
Oswaldo Magaña and Karen Alvarez from the Human Resources Department provided an updated overview of the Ohio Conference Employee Handbook. They outlined various policies, procedures, and guidelines to help employees understand their rights and responsibilities.
Pastoral Reflections
Reflecting on the meetings, Pastor Ron Anderson, who serves the Chillicothe, Jackson, Portsmouth, and Portsmouth Hispanic churches, shared his enthusiasm.
"It was very inspiring—almost overwhelming—because there are so many things I would love to do," Anderson said. "We will see what we can implement in our churches because there are many wonderful things the Holy Spirit has for us."
His key takeaway? "To do more of the BLAST approach—something that engages both adults and children while meeting the community's needs."
The two-day gathering provided Ohio Conference pastors with practical training, spiritual encouragement, and a renewed vision for evangelism.
share this
Related Stories
Pastors and conference leaders from across the Ohio Conference gathered on March 16–17, 2026, at Integrity Hall in Dayton, Ohio, for a two-day pastors' meeting focused on evangelism, spiritual renewal, and ministry effectiveness. The gathering emphasized equipping leaders to engage their communities, strengthen discipleship, and advance the church's mission across the territory. The meeting opened with a devotional by Shane Hochstetler, senior pastor of the Columbus Eastwood Seventh-day Adventist Church, titled "Called to Build, Invited to Enter." His message laid a spiritual foundation for the gathering, reminding pastors of their dual role in ministry—building the work God has entrusted to them while maintaining a personal, active relationship with Him. Oswaldo Magaña, executive secretary of the Ohio Conference, followed with a presentation on stewardship, framing it as a vital component of spiritual life rather than a mere obligation. He encouraged pastors to teach members that faithfulness to God brings joy and to present the offertory moment in worship as an opportunity for spiritual reflection. Magaña reminded attendees that returning tithe and offerings is not only an act of giving, but also a recognition of God as both Creator and Owner of all things. Ohio Conference President Bob Cundiff offered practical counsel to pastors on maintaining integrity in ministry. He emphasized the importance of ethical conduct, healthy boundaries, and wise decision-making in relationships, finances, and daily interactions. Cundiff underscored that safeguarding personal integrity is essential not only for individual ministry but also for protecting the church's reputation and mission. The spiritual focus continued on the second day with a devotional message by Yuliyan Filipov, senior pastor of the Worthington Seventh-day Adventist Church, who called on pastors to engage in personal reflection and renewal. He reminded attendees that while ministry provides unique opportunities to witness God's work, proximity to spiritual activity does not guarantee personal transformation. Challenging pastors to examine their own spiritual lives, he urged them to ensure that the gospel they preach is actively shaping their hearts. Filipov warned that the greatest danger is not distance from Christ, but remaining unchanged despite being close to Him, encouraging leaders to embrace genuine repentance and ongoing transformation. Evangelism remained central throughout the meeting. Dr. José Espósito, assistant to the president for evangelism at the Columbia Union Conference, reinforced the conference's evangelistic momentum by highlighting measurable impact across the Ohio territory. He reported that collective efforts led more than 1,220 individuals to Christ in 2025. He also commended the enthusiasm demonstrated during Pentecost 2025 and affirmed the Ohio Conference's leadership in member engagement in mission. According to the data presented, it took an average of 18 members in Ohio to lead one person to Jesus—surpassing the Union average of 22. His remarks underscored both the effectiveness of collaborative evangelism and the importance of continued commitment to sharing Christ. Departmental directors also shared updates highlighting ongoing ministry across the Ohio Conference, reflecting a broad and coordinated effort to support local pastors and churches and advance evangelistic outreach. Reports from various ministries demonstrated continued growth, strategic initiatives, and a shared commitment to equipping congregations for effective mission in their communities. A highlight of the gathering was the recognition of Pastor Marius Marton and the Elyria Seventh-day Adventist Church for a significant evangelistic milestone. The congregation celebrated 172 baptisms over the past year, reflecting a strong commitment to outreach and discipleship. Conference leaders acknowledged the collaborative efforts behind this growth, including the support of Evangelism Director Kojo Twumasi and others, and offered prayer for continued impact in leading individuals to Christ. Dr. Bryant Smith, a chaplain at Kettering Health, provided practical training on conducting effective evangelistic meetings. He emphasized that successful outreach is rooted in the work of the Holy Spirit and highlighted the importance of mobilizing church members to participate actively. Encouraging pastors to understand their members' personal faith journeys, he noted that individuals are often most passionate about the ministries that led them to Christ. Smith also underscored the value of building relationships within the community. He encouraged churches to partner with local organizations and participate in community initiatives, noting that such collaboration can expand the church's reach while strengthening trust and visibility. By engaging where people are already gathering, churches can create natural pathways for outreach and ministry. Kojo Twumasi addressed the critical issue of member retention and emphasized the need for intentional discipleship following evangelistic success. Sharing both biblical insight and current data, he noted that while many individuals join the church, a significant number eventually disengage—often not because of conflict but because of gradual spiritual drift. Twumasi stressed that churches must create environments that foster connection, belonging, and spiritual growth. He highlighted the importance of timely follow-up, strong relationships, and small group ministries in helping new members remain engaged. "Retention is not accidental," he emphasized, calling on pastors to invest deeply in discipleship and to ensure that every new believer finds meaningful relationships and a sense of purpose within the church community. He concluded with a reminder that while not every individual will remain, the impact of those who do is significant. Pastors were encouraged to remain committed to evangelism, trusting that God will use their efforts to transform lives and strengthen the church. Throughout the two-day meeting, pastors engaged in prayer, collaboration, and strategic discussion, united by a shared commitment to advance the mission of evangelism across Ohio.
Lima, Ohio — In response to the devastating hurricane that struck Jamaica last year, the Lima Seventh-day Adventist Church led a large-scale community relief effort that resulted in the shipment of a full 40-foot container of humanitarian supplies to the island nation. Dr. Courtney Simons, a member of the Lima Seventh-day Adventist Church and an associate professor at Wright State University–Lake Campus, coordinated the initiative. The relief shipment included essential food items, clothing, sanitary products, and cleaning supplies. Support for the effort was widespread, with generous donations from the Lima Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Piqua Seventh-day Adventist Church, and the Bellefontaine Seventh-day Adventist Church, as well as from individuals throughout the Lima area and surrounding communities. The largest contribution came from Beckman & Gast Co., a food company based in St. Henry, Ohio. Under the leadership of Operations Manager Paul Moorman, the company donated a substantial amount of canned food and provided significant financial support to help offset the container's shipping costs. "The generosity shown by Beckman & Gast Co. was truly instrumental in making this effort possible," said Dr. Courtney Simons. Wright State University-Lake Campus also played a key role in supporting the initiative. The University's Outreach Department, led by Dr. Dane Daniel, organized a food drive that collected several boxes of non-perishable items for shipment. "This partnership reflects what can happen when universities and communities work together to serve others," said Dr. Daniel. One especially moving story from the outreach effort featured Brynn Leyman, an 11-year-old sixth-grader at Celina Elementary School. After learning about the hurricane's impact on Jamaica, Brynn remembered that her second-grade teacher was from the country. Motivated by that personal connection, she organized her family and members of her community to donate several boxes of supplies. "Brynn's initiative reminds us that compassion has no age limit," said Pastor Carl Brooks, pastor of the Lima Seventh-day Adventist district of churches. Representing the corporate partner that made the largest contribution, Paul Moorman emphasized the company's long-standing commitment to giving back. "Since the founding of our company nearly 100 years ago, the principle of stewardship has been part of who we are," said Moorman. "When Dr. Simons shared this project with me, it was a natural fit. We were able to develop a plan to help people in great need while also promoting the value of stewardship." Church leaders expressed sincere gratitude for the collective generosity that enabled them to fill and ship an entire 40-foot container of relief supplies. The effort stands as a powerful example of how faith organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and individuals can work together to respond meaningfully to global crises.
With more than two decades of experience in youth camp ministry and operations, Russell Hallman has joined the Ohio Conference as the new Camp Ranger for Camp Mohaven. Having lived and worked at multiple Adventist camps across the country, Hallman brings a lifelong passion for outdoor ministry, hands-on service, and creating spaces where people can encounter God and enjoy nature. The Camp Mohaven Ranger position became vacant following the transition of Elias Esquivel, who faithfully served in the role before accepting a call to the Northern California Conference, where he now serves as Camp Director at Leoni Meadows. Hallman steps into the position eager to continue building on the strong foundation laid by Esquivel and previous leaders. Hallman’s journey into camp life began early. As a child, he moved frequently, living at three Adventist camps—Camp Berkshire, Camp Kulaqua, and Laurel Lake Camp—before starting high school. He attended Blue Mountain Academy in Hamburg, Pennsylvania, for four years, and later continued his education at Southern Adventist University and Southwestern Adventist University, earning a Bachelor of Business Science in Business Management. He also holds an Associate of Science in Automotive Technology from Owens Community College in Toledo, Ohio. Hallman brings over 22 summers of experience at five different camps, including 10 years in full-time camp management and maintenance. He has also worked as an automotive technician for 12 years and served as co-director of facilities for a five-center daycare company. Reflecting on his lifelong connection to camp ministry, Hallman shared, “Camp is in my blood, and when the opportunity opened to return to camp ministry, I jumped on it.” He added that seeing the potential of Camp Mohaven and the strong support from the conference office made the opportunity especially appealing. In his role as Camp Ranger, Hallman oversees the day-to-day operations of Camp Mohaven, ensuring that all facilities are well-maintained, safe, and continually improving. His responsibilities include managing maintenance projects, coordinating with vendors, welcoming guest groups, and contributing to the creation of a positive experience that encourages visitors to return and share their experiences with others. During his first year, Hallman plans to focus on learning the full scope of the camp’s operations, evaluating current systems and facility needs, and implementing processes to enhance both efficiency and guest satisfaction. He also hopes to begin making visible upgrades that will further improve the camp experience for all who visit. Hallman believes that camp is a sacred place where people encounter God in a unique and personal way. His vision is to help Camp Mohaven become a destination where individuals, families, and groups can reconnect with God through the beauty of nature and the power of community. “Nature is God’s first book,” he shared, “and Mohaven has so much beauty that the possibilities are endless.” Working closely with the Mohaven Operating Committee (MOCOM) and the Ohio Conference, Hallman is excited to help shape a vision that will make Camp Mohaven a premier destination for guests from across Ohio and beyond—a place where people not only enjoy recreation but also experience spiritual renewal. Future plans include upgrading cabins, expanding lodging options, improving infrastructure and kitchen facilities, adding new RV sites, and introducing more activities for guests of all ages. For Hallman, faith is the foundation of both his life and ministry. He draws daily strength from Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” He and his wife, Kristen, have been married for more than 26 years and share a deep passion for camp ministry. He met her while working at Camp Winnekeag in Massachusetts. Together, they enjoy spending time outdoors, connecting with friends and family, and engaging in activities such as sports, crafting, and woodworking projects. The Hallmans look forward to seeing how God will use their time at Camp Mohaven to advance His kingdom and inspire others to grow in faith. As they begin this new chapter, Russell and Kristen Hallman are eager to connect with members across the Ohio Conference. “We want everyone to know that Camp Mohaven is your camp and that you are always welcome,” Hallman shared. He encourages churches, families, and ministries to participate in what Mohaven offers—whether by attending events, utilizing the facilities for ministry, or supporting its mission through prayer and donations. “We’re looking forward to meeting and getting to know as many of you as possible,” he added.
STAY UP TO DATE
GET CONFERENCE'S LATEST
Receive monthly updates from the conference, and get a heads up on upcoming events.
Contact Us
