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Interim Minister and President Takes Office in February

January/February 2005

The snow on the ground was high in early January, and it was bitter cold outside the Framingham Conference Center when the newly appointed Interim Minister and President visited the office he will occupy for 18 months or more starting February 9th.  But the weather had little effect on Rev. Dr. Stephen Sterner.  At his home in Arizona, Sterner usually runs five to six miles a day; so his outdoor activities may get a little sidetracked in the early weeks of his administration in snowy New England.  Nevertheless, he looks forward to meeting the people of the local churches and seeing how ministry is done in Massachusetts.

“I've heard churches in Massachusetts are really creative in their worship and ministries, especially with youth activities, in multi-cultural and multi-racial communities, and in their progressive thoughts on Christian identity,” comments Sterner.  “During my time here, I will try to visit as many local churches as possible and see what gifts and talents each offers to help the church grow in the future.”

“My role is not to just temporarily occupy the president's office space, but to continue the vision, growth, and vitality that Nancy Taylor initiated and provided so masterfully throughout her leadership,” said Sterner.

Sterner was selected by the Massachusetts Conference Board of Directors from a group of candidates suggested by National and Conference staff, Board members, and other members of our local churches. According to Rev. Mr. Donald Remick, Chair of the Board, the Interim Minister and President is given the task to carry out the MACUCC's vision, so all of the candidates’ qualities and abilities were seriously weighed before an appointment was made to this leadership position.

Remick also reported that Sterner wrote in his profile that he saw leadership as the task of helping the community confront its challenges and problems and achieve a common vision. The Board and Staff are in the midst of the process to reaffirm and fine-tune the Conference’s Vision for Renewal and Growth. “This vision will continue, to call us to revitalize existing churches, start new ministries, and reach out to those who have yet to hear or feel embraced by the Good News,” says Remick.  “Steve’s faith, passion and experience along with his perspective, humor and deep pastoral spirit are the critical ingredients we need to help us as we continue this process from Conference offices to Conference churches.”

“While I have not personally met Steve Sterner,” comments Taylor, “he is held in high regard by all who know him. The members of the Board of Directors who interviewed him and talked to his references are very, very excited by the prospect of his leadership. I know that you will warmly welcome his leadership and come to know and trust him in a very short time.”

“Steve has a rich and varied background,” continued Remick.  Sterner has served as a pastor for a number of churches including a new church start, a mid-sized church and a church of over a thousand members.  He has served on staff at the national offices where he worked on church development and stewardship.  And Sterner also served as the Director and President of a number of multi-staffed social service

agencies.”

“Steve's arrival makes it slightly easier, if possible, to say goodbye to Nancy Taylor,” Remick said.  “We are going to go from one good person to another.  And with Dale and Susan helping during the month's gap between Nancy's departure in January and Steve's commencement in February, their strengths will just flow smoothly from one administration to another.”

Rev. Dale Hempen, dean of the Area Ministers, is serving as the Acting Minister and President; Susan Dickerman is serving as Acting Associate Minister and President during the gap and both will assist Sterner in getting up to speed.  Dickerman, Associate Con-ference Minister for Leadership Development, assures everyone that the changeover will go smoothly.  “We have been through these transitions in the past and are confident that the team can respond to any concerns that arise. Nancy's style was of empowerment so people do what they do best and the staff can seamlessly take care of the day-to-day operations.”

“I am looking forward to working with Steve,” said Dickerman.  “He brings years of experience of local church ministry around the country, knowledge of national staff operations, and spiritual leadership in a variety of settings to a conference that welcomes new opportunities to be creative about ministry.”

Sterner said, “I love the church and am committed to gospel and believe as much as humanly allows that I was called to where God's presence is needed in our world.”  For the next 18 months, Sterner will be filling that need at the Massachusetts Conference.

Sterner celebrated his 35th wedding anniversary last year with wife Judy and has two grown children – a son and daughter presently living in Georgia.  Originally from Pennsylvania, Sterner served in Georgia, Michigan, Texas, Oregon, and Arizona.  He and Judy enjoy bird watching and nature.  A lover of books, Sterner looks forward to getting involved in the “Massachusetts Conference Reads” program.