EFFECTIVE BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP TEAM

SUMMARY OF WORK

1. The EBL Team hosted “Healthy Leaders, Healthy Churches” webinars to support the holistic well-being of our church leaders.

2. The EBL Team hosted two webinars on AI to equip church leaders for the theological and ethical challenges of the digital landscape.

3. The EBL Team created the first Rural Pastor Cohort in partnership with Church Health, funded by the Center for Rural Ministry at Grove City College.

4. The EBL Team created the EPC Commissioned Pastor Certification Program at Knox Theological Seminary in partnership with Church Health.

5. Aided in planning the Small Church Summit, held at HOPE EPC in Raleigh in February 2026. 

6. Offered the “Tempered Resilience” online book group for pastors in fall 2025. 

7. Held periodic online gatherings for Presbytery caregivers to share resources and best practices for ministering to our pastors. 

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RECOMMENDATIONS

The Effecitve Biblical Leadership Team has no recommendations to present to the 46th General Assembly. 

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WORK OF THE COMMITTEE

The Effective Biblical Leadership Team has focused our work on three areas: Continual Spiritual Formation, Holistic Well-Being, and Leadership Effectiveness.

Continual Spiritual Formation:
• “Tempered Resilience” book group for pastors, facilitated by Jerry Van Auken and Bob Stauffer
• Online gatherings for Presbytery Caregivers (who minister to our pastors)

Holistic Well-Being:
• “Healthy Leaders, Healthy Churches” webinars for pastors, elders, and people married to pastors
• Rural Pastor Cohort, in partnership with Church Health
• Small Church Summit

Leadership Effectiveness:
• EPC Commissioned Pastor Certification Program at Knox Seminary, in partnership with Church Health
• Webinars on AI for pastors and elders

In this next year, we will continue our partnership with Church Health to sustain leaders who are Inwardly Strong and Outwardly Focused:

• “Better Together” Online Cohorts for Teaching Elders and Ruling Elders in EPC churches who want to grow in missional effectiveness
• “Embassies and Ambassadors” Storytelling Project, highlighting stories of churches who are living into their missional identity
• Rural Pastor Cohort, Round 2, beginning in January 2027–includes an expense-paid retreat!

We will also continue our “Healthy Leaders, Healthy Churches” series, encouraging the holistic well-being of our leaders and pointing to support resources.

And further ahead:
• Refresh EPC Pastors Retreat-Spouses Welcome, October 4-7, 2027 at Glen Eyrie in Colorado Springs

Special thanks to our previous and outgoing team members for their work in helping to support and equip Effective Biblical Leaders in the EPC!

Meg DeHaven
TE Bonnie Gatchell
TE Julie Hawkins
RE Dan Yoon

Effective Biblical Leadership – General Assembly 2026
Gut Check: How Are EPC Pastors Doing, and How Can We Grow?
Culture of EBL Team

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RECOMMENDATIONS (DETAILED)

The Effecitve Biblical Leadership Team has no recommendations to present to the 46th General Assembly.

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COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Roy Yanke
RE, Presbytery of the Midwest

Dan Yoon
RE, Presbytery of the Coastal Mid-Atlantic

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MEETING DATES

August 21, 2025: Video Conference
September 18, 2025: Video Conference
October 16, 2025: Video Conference
November 20, 2025: Video Conference
January 22, 2026: Video Conference 
February 19, 2026: Video Conference
March 19, 2026: Video Conference
April 8-10, 2026: Office of the General Assembly (Orlando, FL)
May 21, 2026: Video Conference

Respectfully submitted,

Annie Rose, National Director of Ministerial Health
June 2026

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