Moravian Church Western District
Executive Board

Rev. James T. Hicks, President

"God sends the church as Christ's body into the world. In gratitude we encourage, challenge and equip leaders to discern and act upon the Holy Spirit's sending of their congregation."
- Western District Executive Board, Spring 2009

This statement conveys the District Board's understanding of our work, in support of the many leaders of our congregations. Each of the "Work Areas" described below seek to implement that vision. It is a joy to witness vital ministries occurring through the local churches of the Western District!

Kay Wipperfurth, Vice-President Fund Development

The WDEB has recognized the vital importance of leadership development for both clergy and laity as we move forward in Christ’s work in “equipping the saints for the work of ministry to build up the Body of Christ” (Ephesians 4) and I have volunteered to organize the work of the District Board in seeking funding for both clergy and lay leadership development. The reality is that we are unable to fund all that needs to be accomplished (whether lay leadership development workshops within individual congregations or regional work; clergy coaching and counseling for both new and established clergy; joint board orientation, strategic planning, or identification of a congregation’s assets; etc.) through the assigning of quotas and thus, seek to raise funds outside the quota system in order to sustain this goal into the future. We firmly believe that the work of the Director of Congregational Leadership and Resources, the Barnabus Ministry program, and the Clergy Leadership Group training--as well as individual coaching in leadership--are vital to the future of our district as we seek to reach out and do God’s mission in the world.

Bruce Loppnow, Secretary Pastoral Recruitment / Call Process

The process of pastoral recruitment, and the call process, together are an important work area of the Western District Board. The learning curve for me to understand the issues and needs in this area has been longer than I had hoped. This work represents the “human resources” dimension of the work of the WDEB as we seek to recruit and appropriately place clergy throughout the district. This work area includes the process of vocational development as we seek to draw men and women into pastoral ministry, as well as the process of making the best use of the gifts and talents of the clergy through the process of call.

Rev. Jason Andersen Communication

I head up the Communications Work Area, which oversees not only this website, but all communications issues within the Western District. The more that we can be in conversation and sharing with one another, the better. I would love to see this website get more interactive, allowing for sharing of ideas, suggestions, what works, what doesn't, etc. It can be a place we can turn to online for support, encouragement, and help. We are a church that treasures fellowship and it is my hope that the Communications Work Area can enhance the ties that bind us together in Christ! Let me know if you have ideas or if you'd like to help out.

Jeff Bradley Finances

The financial work area encompasses district matters pertaining to money, budgets, and assessments. As stewards, we are call to manage that which is given to do God’s work. It is our hope that should questions arise about district finances, I encourage you to contact me and I will do my best to answer them.

Diane Klawikowski Lay Ministry

A new subcommittee of the Western District Executive Board charged with working with the Director of Congregational Leadership and Resources has started addressing their task. The team members are Rev. Kerry Krauss from Hope Moravian, Rita Andersen from Rudolph Moravian, Shelia Petroni from Sister Bay Moravian, Tom Zimmer from Unionville Moravian, Judy Anderson from Main Street Moravian, Diane Klawikowski from Wisconsin Rapids Moravian, and Rev. Betsy Miller, DCLR.

Rev. Bruce Nelson Pastoral Support

I am overseeing the pastoral/clergy support work area of the Western District Board. While I am still formulating thoughts about this I will probably send out occasional emails to encourage our pastors to care for themselves and also to be accountable to others. This work will be done in addition to and in close conversation with our director of leadership and congregational resources. If any of our clergy or laity have ideas to help in this area, feel free to contact me.

Moravian Church Western District Executive Board