86th Annual Network Council and Leadership Seminar
APRIL 26 - 27, 2022
BILLINGS NORTHERN HOTEL
ORDINATION SERVICE
April 26, 2022 in Billings, MT featuring guest speaker John BongiornoWEDNESDAY EVENING GATHERING
April 27, 2022 Network Council in Billings, Montana featuring guest speaker John Bongiorno
JOHN BONGIORNO
GUEST SPEAKER
John Bongiorno, originally of Erie, PA, is a businessman and visionary leader. As president of WorldServe International, an economic development organization, he became known as a renowned bridge-builder between the realms of business and charity. John’s greatest passion is connecting high-level business leaders with economic development opportunities in poor communities.
The creation and development of Maji-Tech Engineering is perhaps the best example of this. John was a founder of Maji-Tech Engineering and has been intimately involved in leadership of the company since its start in 2001. Under John’s leadership, Maji-Tech has grown from just an idea to the largest private water drilling company in Tanzania with a fleet of seven drilling crews in the region. Ordained as a minister of the Gospel in 2020 through the Assemblies of God, John and his wife, Sandi, reside in Springfield, MO. One of their greatest joys is spending precious time with their grandchildren
SESSION SPEAKERS
RICK HEITZ - MISSIONARY ASSOCIATE
Rick Heitz was confronted by huge obstacles when he was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Sjogren’s, with symptoms similar to Multiple Sclerosis. He serves in some volunteer roles helping others who are impacted by disability to overcome their challenges. Rick’s passion is to help the church become more involved in the lives of people with disabilities.
JILL RILEY
Jill Riley serves with the Evangelical Covenant Church. She is an award winning freelance writer for the denominations online and quarterly publications. Jill, a minister of 30 years, is a staunch advocate for good mental health care and conversation in faith communities. As one who struggles with mental illness herself, she recognizes the need for awareness by and for ministers about trauma and mental health.
JOE EPLEY
When the local church scans the horizon, it seems lie no conversation looms larger than discipleship in and around the topic of LGBTQ. Issues of leadership, discipleship, biblical authority, and appropriate compassion are all at the forefront of meaningfully engaging people who identify as LGBTQ. In the middle of this is the local pastor, who juggles these concerns and seeks to chart a path forward for themselves and their church in uncertain waters. Today’s workship will seek to equip the pastor with practical-minded and biblical stepst to take in engaging the conversation around Jesus and LGBTQ.