Ertell Whigham has been appointed to a second two-year term as Executive Minister of Franconia Conference. This term, which will begin in February of 2013, was approved by the conference board at their June 11 meeting in Harleysville, Pa.
Whigham, who has been on the staff of Franconia Conference since 2000, was first appointed to the position of Executive Minister in February of 2011. He was tasked with helping the conference to work at being intercultural, missional and formational, “and to bring those to the center in such a way everyone embraces them as the driving force behind why we do ministry and how we do ministry,” Whigham said in an interview with Mennonite World Review soon after he began his new role.
The appointment to a second term reflects the board’s affirmation that he has successfully led the conference leadership and community through a time of restoration, healing, improved communication, and renewed vision, said conference moderator John Goshow (Blooming Glen congregation) last week in a letter announcing the appointment to conference staff.
Members of the board expressed glowing appreciation for Whigham’s work, acknowledging his energy in moving the conference toward shared goals and his healthy interactions with conference staff, said Goshow.
“He is a visionary leader who connects well with our churches,” said board member-at-large, Rina Rampogu (Plains congregation). “His passion and energy are vibrant and we are truly blessed to have his executive presence not only in our local community but in the broader Mennonite church.”
Whigham has brought significant leadership experience to his role as executive minister. In addition to working in management in the corporate sector for twenty-seven years, Whigham has served as pastor of Diamond Street Mennonite Church of Philadelphia and Bethel Mennonite Church of Norristown, Pa. He is currently an associate pastor at Nueva Vida Norristown New Life.
“I continue to be blessed, humbled, and challenged in transformative ways as I learn more about God, myself and others,” said Whigham as he reflected on his appointment to a second term. “I am also energized by the opportunities that are before us and believe I will continue to be equipped by God for the call to serve during this next season of ministry. My sincere appreciation to the conference board, staff, and community for your prayers, grace, and spirit of cooperation. I look forward with great expectation to the God possibilities!”
The opinions expressed in articles posted on Mosaic’s website are those of the author and may not reflect the official policy of Mosaic Conference. Mosaic is a large conference, crossing ethnicities, geographies, generations, theologies, and politics. Each person can only speak for themselves; no one can represent “the conference.” May God give us the grace to hear what the Spirit is speaking to us through people with whom we disagree and the humility and courage to love one another even when those disagreements can’t be bridged.