Ron Halvorsen Jr., Ohio Conference president, has turned down the Montana Conference invitation to serve as its next conference president. Halvorsen was elected by Montana delegates at the June 18 constituency session to replace Merlin Knowles who has retired.
Halvorsen, who served from 2002–2005 as pastor/chaplain at Mount Ellis Academy in Bozeman, Mont., said that both he and his wife, Buffy, believed the Lord still wanted them to continue their ministry in Ohio.
John Freedman, North Pacific Union Conference president, has asked the Montana Conference board of trustees to meet on Sunday, Aug. 13 to review a new list of potential candidates for the role of conference president. According to the conference bylaws, the board of trustees is tasked to fill such vacancies as needed between regular constituency sessions.
Freedman has invited Montana members to pray for the continuing process.
“The Lord sometimes takes us on an extended journey to get us to the place where we need to be," says Freedman. "Our instructions in Luke 18:1–8 are to constantly pray and not give up hope. The prayers of God’s people reveal their faith in Him. Faith will be confirmed by our prayers. Remember we can always fill a position. But our desire is to find the one anointed by God to lead the Montana Conference.”
Watch GleanerNow.com for updated information on for the Montana Conference search in the weeks ahead.
