David BROWN
In 2001 my wife had just gone home to be with the Lord after an extended illness. I was looking for a church where the Word of God was being proclaimed and where the congregation had a strong desire to serve the Lord. I found Bethany, a church committed to growing in the Lord, possessing a heart to reach out to others, and singing the great hymns of the faith
In 2006 I married my present wife, Kathy, whose husband had previously passed on. Together we have six children and eight grandchildren. We enjoy spending time with family and traveling.
It is really a joy to see how the Lord is working in families and individual lives at Bethany. I find it a privilege to pray daily for our Bethany flock and the work being accomplished for His glory at Bethany. I enjoy joining the other Elders in prayer at our monthly Elders’ meeting. The Lord has blessed our fellowship as we see people growing in the Lord and new families being led to Bethany.
“He made Him Who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Every time I read this verse I am amazed that the one and only triune God, Who is holy, all powerful, all knowing, would love us so much that He would offer His only begotten Son Who knew no sin to be sacrificed for us. This is the heart of the Gospel, that we can be reconciled to God through God’s Son Jesus Christ. We who are lost, without hope, can become joint heirs with Christ and live forever with Him.
Jim DERKIN
I was four years old when my parents joined four other core families and began meeting at the Toledo Tennis club in Ottawa Hills. Bethany has had a significant place in my life and I have enjoyed both worship of my Lord and service in His name for many years.
I was blessed to have met my wife, MariJo, through the Young Life Ministry at Northview High School where I attended. We met in the fall of 1979, fell in love and married September 13, 1980. God has blessed us with four sons: Joel, a graphic artist and designer; Benjamin, a professional photographer; Samuel, soon to graduate from high school; and Joseph who is active in the church youth group and Bible quiz team.
Scripture tells us that it is “a fine work” to be called as an elder. The “fine work” includes praying for the congregation, teaching , encouraging and exhorting. To see God’s people grow in spiritual wisdom and worship is deeply rewarding. To see the hand of God moving in a person’s life is great joy. To see His people being rich in good works and acting more Christ-like is an answer to my prayer.
“But when the kindness of God our Savior and His Love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, Whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning all things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men” (Titus 3:4-8). The life I live is God’s work, not mine. I stand before Him washed from the stain of sin, regenerated from my spiritually dead condition and declared spiritually “not guilty” in God’s celestial court–despite overwhelming evidence given to the contrary–all because of Christ’s finished work on the cross. I am adopted by the Creator of the universe and have a spiritual hope that stretches to the far reaches of eternity. My response then, is to show my love for my heavenly Father through works and a lifestyle that honor His matchless name.
Max K. McCULLOUGH, Pastor
I began my ministry at BCF on May 17, 2004. God used the search committee and the Bethany family to make me aware of a great opportunity to serve the Lord in the Sylvania area. After several visits, much prayer, considering the will of the people and the Lord, I began my ministry here. I was attracted by the serious desire of the church family to learn and live God’s Word in a practical way and to experience spiritual growth. BCF has also been blessed with a prime property that can be a tremendous asset in achieving that goal.
My wife, Carol, and I have three daughters who are married and are serving the Lord with their families in eastern Ohio and south-central Pennsylvania. We are blessed with three fine sons-in-law and ten wonderful grandchildren. We have made it a priority to gather each New Year as well as to enjoy a family vacation together every other year.
There are various ministries that I enjoy as an elder. I would say that teaching the “Elder Instruction” part of the Elders’ meetings, teaching the Young Adult Sunday School class, preaching, and teaching the “Future Preacher’s” group are highlights. To sum it up, the clear answer as to what I enjoy most about being an elder would be teaching God’s Word.
“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will be qualified to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). Being the pastor/teacher at Bethany gives me the opportunity to teach the Word of God and “entrust” it to others who “will be qualified to teach others also.” It has been rewarding to see several from past years who have given their lives to serve in “full time” ministry as missionaries, seminary professors, camp staff, church staff, Christian school teachers, pastors and more.
Tim MEYER
My family and I came to Bethany in 2000. We were looking for a new church home that was biblically based, preached the Word, and had a body of believers that had love and concern for one another. We knew another family at Bethany and had the opportunity to meet the Pastor and talked with him. We attended services and have been here ever since.
My wife Debra and I have been married 35 years and have six children ranging in age from 28 to five; the eldest four are daughters and the youngest two, ages nine and five, are sons. Deb and I see our responsibilities as parents to be one of our most important callings. God has given us the responsibility to raise the children He has given us.
The thing I enjoy most about being an elder at Bethany is the fellowship with the other elders and the way God has challenged me through His Word and my fellow elders. I am truly blessed by my time with them, and the time we spend in prayer for the people here at Bethany and for each other.
Colossians 2:8-10 reminds us to see to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception according to the traditions of men, according to the elementary principles of the world rather than according to Christ. As this world turns away from God we are reminded that those who are His are not to follow the world’s philosophy but remain true to the Word of God, the One who loves us enough to sacrifice His only Son that we might be reconciled to God.
Bryan TROUTMAN
We were invited to Bethany several times by the Bentschneider family. We started attending in 2005. We especially appreciated the Bible teaching, friendliness and music.
Jennifer and I were married in 1981. I have been teaching in the Toledo Public Schools since 1992 and Jennifer is a registered nurse for Promedica. We have four children – Sarah, Ken, Abby and Rob, and a dog named Knightly.
It is a blessing to handle God’s Word as we search it for answers to questions and problems. The interaction among the elders as we work through decisions is encouraging.
It was 35 years ago when I read Romans 5:8, and it seemed to jump off the page. “But God showed His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Christ is the beginning and the end of our salvation, not man. He is the “author and finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:2).
Glenn WEBSTER
We came to Bethany in March of 2004. We were drawn to the Biblical preaching and teaching. The music was and is God-honoring. We felt that the church was not pushed or pulled by every passing program or fad. There was a sense of a solid foundation, and that foundation is the Word of God.
This year will be the 30th year of marriage for my wife and me. We are amazed at how God has worked in our lives to bring us to this point. We know that it is a miracle that our marriage not only has lasted this long, but the Lord has brought great joy, contentment, and unity as well. We rejoice at the work of the Lord in this area.
For our first seven years of marriage I was afraid to have children. The Lord changed my heart and helped me to trust in Him. We now have the rich blessing of seven children. The Lord has worked in our family to bring about a love for one another, plus joy, and peace in our household. The riches of God’s grace have been poured out on us. We rejoice at God’s work in our family.
I enjoy working with my brothers (fellows elders) to care for the people the Lord has in our fellowship. We have seen the hand of God direct our steps and accomplish the seemingly impossible in our midst as we seek the Lord for the body of believers at Bethany.
Colossians 1:9-14 – this is Paul’s prayer for the Colossian church. This prayer calls us to a high and lofty calling of the Lord on our lives. The prayer speaks of our continual growth in the Lord, and His ways. It speaks of the fruit that comes about as we walk with the Lord. The passage calls on God to give us strength according to the measure of His power. We should realize that we have the limitless power of God available to strengthen us! The passage speaks of thankfulness to God for His great salvation through Jesus Christ. I have been delivered from the power of darkness into the kingdom of the Creator of the universe! Praise the Lord! Thank you, Lord! The impact has been the hope, strength, patience, joy, and thankfulness that has come about in my life as I have prayed this prayer.
Ben KRUEGER, Ministerial Intern
I began attending Bethany in the Fall of 2005. The centrality of Scripture and the warm fellowship of the body of Christ are two of the major things that brought me to Bethany. I have many dear friends that attend Bethany, and the warm group of fellow believers quickly felt like home.
On May 29, 2009 the Lord gave me the joy of marrying my best friend, Ashley. I also have three younger brothers and my entire family also attends Bethany.
One of my primary roles as intern has been leading our high school youth group. All of the teens are always so cheerful and energetic and they just love spending time together. There is a certain contagious energy that we all share when we are together.
Another of my favorite opportunities is being able to have staff meetings with Pastor Max every week. I have learned so many practical things about ministry, from going on visits with him to just spending time hearing about his ministry experience.
One of the most impacting Scripture in my life has been 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. “So we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For this light and momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, for what is seen is temporary, what is unseen is eternal.” This passage always encourages me to continually refocus on eternal things and to not get caught up in the momentary things that bog us down, but in the bigger picture. It’s only eternal things that truly matter.