Vance P. Ross Named Deputy General Secretary of the General Board of Discipleship

NASHVILLE, Tenn.,April 2, 2008 /GBOD/ --The Rev. Vance P. Ross, associate general secretary of Leadership Ministries (Discipleship Ministries Division), has been named deputy general secretary for External Connectional Relations and Strategic Initiatives for the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship.

According to the Rev. Karen Greenwaldt, the top executive for the General Board of Discipleship, “the role and function of general agencies are changing rapidly.”

Greenwaldt believes it is “essential that GBOD has a group of staff committed to developing relationships and partnerships with key leaders across the church.”

By opening this Office of Deputy General Secretary for Connectional Relations and Strategic Initiatives, GBOD is placing a high value on building -- together with key leaders (bishops, district superintendents, directors of connectional ministries, seminary deans and presidents, and conference lay leaders) -- new paths for effective communication and ministry development across the denomination.

"I am excited about the promotion of Vance Ross to deputy general secretary of GBOD. Vance is uniquely qualified to help GBOD with its many connections across the church and around the world. In this new position he will be freed to help shape and share the GBOD vision of making world-changing disciples," said Bishop Michael J. Coyner, president of the General Board of Discipleship and Resident Bishop of the Indiana Episcopal Area.

This is the first time in GBOD’s history that the agency has elected a deputy general secretary.
“I am so excited about this restructuring by our general secretary, Karen Greenwaldt; especially the newly created position which will be filled by Vance Ross. Vance brings such gifts and talents needed in this day and age.

His ministry in the local church, innovations and leadership as administrator for Discipleship Ministries Division for GBOD; and his connections across the denomination will help GBOD cultivate fresh and new partnerships,” said the Rev. Dr. Tyrone Gordon, chair of the Discipleship Ministries Division of GBOD and pastor of St. Luke ‘Community’ United Methodist Church, Dallas, Texas.

“As an extension of the General Secretary’s office, Vance will be a great asset to the Board's ability to reach out in new areas and articulate its mission to the General Church. I feel this offers the agency and The United Methodist Church outstanding opportunities,” Gordon said.

In addition to the changing role of general agencies, no longer are the agency staff seen as the only experts who hold knowledge about the mission and ministry of the church. Knowledge, learning, and experimentation in ministry are held in many places.

Relationships need to be built among the various players. Information gathered needs to be shared and partnerships for ministry need to be developed in ways that move the church into deeper practice about what it means to be in ministry in this day and age.

“Vance P. Ross brings exceptional ability to build new and deepened relationships in order to advance key strategic initiatives that link knowledge and learning about the emerging patterns of ministry together with networks of leaders across the church,” said Greenwaldt.

“Vance Ross has the vision and experience to lead us in these strategic partnerships and is well suited to fill this critically important position within GBOD. I am delighted that he has accepted the challenge and opportunities this work brings,” Greenwaldt added.

Ross is a member of the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference.