Leaders Gather for Evangelism, Spiritual Renewal

Story by Francis Tuffour

Pastors and conference leaders from across the Ohio Conference recently gathered 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 church. His message laid a spiritual foundation for the gathering, reminding pastors of their dual role in ministry—engaging in the work God has entrusted to them while maintaining a personal, active relationship with Him.

Oswaldo Magaña, conference executive secretary, 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 offertory moments in worship as an opportunity for spiritual reflection.

Bob Cundiff, conference president, 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 with a devotional message by Yuliyan Filipov, senior pastor of the Worthington 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.

Evangelism remained central throughout the meeting. José D. Espósito, vice president for Evangelism and Multilingual Ministries at the Columbia Union Conference, reinforced Ohio Conference’s evangelistic momentum by highlighting measurable impact across the Ohio territory. He reported that collective efforts led to more than 1,220 individuals to Christ in 2025. He commended the enthusiasm demonstrated during Pentecost 2025 and affirmed the Ohio Conference’s leadership in member engagement in mission.

Departmental directors also shared updates highlighting ongoing ministry across Ohio, 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. Later, Bryant Smith, manager of spiritual care at Kettering Health, provided practical training on conducting effective evangelistic meetings.

A highlight of the gathering was the recognition of Pastor Marius Marton and the Elyria 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 Kojo Twumasi, conference Evangelism director, and others, and offered prayer for continued impact in leading individuals to Christ.