POTOMAC MINISTRY NETWORK
NOMINATION RESOURCES
As we prepare to meet this September 30 – October 2, 2024 at The Gathering in Winchester, Virginia, please review the information below for important instructions on the Potomac Ministry Network's Superintendent nomination and selection process.
In addition to encouraging all members of our fellowship to fast and pray September 25 - 27th in the days leading up to this important special session, please familiarize yourself with how you can participate in the voting process. Thank you in advance for your prayers and partnership!
LOCATION & TIMES
The 107th District Council of the Potomac Ministry Network will take place September 30 – October 2, 2024, at Victory Church: 2870 Middle Road, Winchester, Virginia, 22601.
The Council will elect a new Superintendent, to fulfill the current unexpired term, as a part of our event called The Gathering. This webpage introduces the nominees for Superintendent.
The Gathering will begin Monday, September 30th with a Welcome Dinner at 6:00 PM, followed by Prayer and Worship at 7:30 PM.
The Business Session will begin approximately at 9:10 AM on Tuesday, October 1st. All attendees must be checked-in by 9:00 AM in order to participate in the session. Registration opens at 8:00 AM. No latecomers - no exceptions! (Thank you for your understanding so we can stay on schedule!)
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
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Any registered guest for The Gathering Conference may attend the 9AM Business Session, but only Credentialed Ministers or registered church delegates may participate in the voting during this session. Only General Council and District Council affiliated churches may register a delegate (one (1) each), and must bring a signed delegate form to the event.
NOTE: Individuals who previously registered as delegates for the May 2024 Business session are eligible to serve at delegates for the upcoming session as well, but still are required to bring an updated delegate form with them.
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Business Sessions will not be streamed online or recorded for replay. Only those attending in person will be able to participate in voting and ratification.
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The Business Session will begin approximately at 9:10 AM on Tuesday, October 1st. All attendees must be checked-in by 9:00 AM in order to participate in the session. Registration opens at 8:00 AM. No latecomers - no exceptions! (Thank you for your understanding so we can stay on schedule!)
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All voting will be done using your personal smart device (mobile cellphone), so please plan to bring that with you to the session. We will use a tool called “Poll Everywhere” to conduct our voting, but you do not need to download any software or app to participate. (As long as your phone has texting capabilities, you’re all set!) A very limited number of paper ballots will also be available for those who do not have access to a smart device.
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As the first order of business during the 9AM session, the Board of Directors is advancing a referendum for consideration ahead of the electoral ballot. Please click here to see the referendum.
We will be electing a new Superintendent, to fulfill the current unexpired term. Click here to download a brochure with the candidate bios and interview responses or scroll to the bottom of this page to view the information online.
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The Network Leadership Team invites you to join with us for three days of Prayer & Fasting, Wednesday, Sept 25th – Friday, Sept 27th. Please follow along on Facebook or Instagram for daily prompts. We encourage you and the ministries you serve to use these as we pray for the Potomac Ministry Network.
DAY 1 (Wed Sept 25th): Pray for CHRIST to be GLORIFIED - That Christ would be glorified in our lives, in our churches, in our ministries, and in the Potomac Ministry Network.
Colossians 3:17 (NIV) “17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
DAY 2 (Thurs Sept 26th): Pray for INCREASING UNITY in our Network so that God’s mission will be fulfilled in us and through us.
John 17:20-23 (NLT) “20 I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. 22 “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.
DAY 3 (Fri Sept 27th): Pray for Hope to ABOUND – That the hope we have in Jesus, for now and for eternity would be seen in all we say and do.
Romans 15:13 (NLT) “13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
THE NOMINATION PROCESS
*FOR NOMINATION TO FULFILL THE CURRENT UNEXPIRED TERM*
Ballots were mailed to all Potomac Ministry Network credentialed ministers in July 2024, to allow for an open nomination process. Following the balloting process, the Nominating Committee met on August 6, 2024, to count ballots. The committee formed a list of those receiving enough nominations to meet the bylaws threshold. The chairman contacted each of the persons on the list to determine their willingness to be considered for the position. Those willing to be considered were scheduled for interviews. The chairman led the process for nominees. Each interview included members of the nominating team. Additionally, each nominee has been subject to the background checks typically made for current credential candidates. The nominating team forwarded a list of nominees to the Board of Directors. The board approved the slate of nominees that are published here.
THE NOMINEES
*SHOWN IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER*
Biographical information and answers to questions were supplied by the nominees.
If you have additional questions for the nominees, please reach out to their provided emails.
Dr. KEITH EDWARDS
EDUCATION
Doctor of Ministry, Regent University, 2006
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, 1992
Bachelor of Science in Youth and Music, University of Valley Forge, 1985
EMPLOYMENT, MINISTRY & LEADERSHIP HISTORY
Lead Pastor, Centerpointe Church, Fairfax, VA, 2011-Present
Associate Pastor, TrinityLife, Lutherville, MD, 2006-2011
PMN Church Development & Home Missions Director, 2003-2006
Lead Pastor, Bethel Assembly of God, Martinsburg, WV, 1994-2002
Assistant Pastor, Good News Assembly of God, Bridgeton, NJ, 1992-1994
Assistant Pastor, Abundant Life, Stephens City, VA, 1988-1990
PMN Washington Regional Executive Presbyter, 2019-Present
PMN Church Planting GROW Team, 2007-Present
Adjunct Professor for University of Valley Forge, Virginia Campus, 2016-2019
CMN Leadership Team: Developer and Trainer for Church Plant Coaches, 2004-2006
ACC Certified Coach, International Coaching Federation, 2021-Present
Owner and Creator of Enjoy the Journey Leadership Coaching, 2021-Present
Coach Trainer with Coach Approach Ministries, 2021-Present
“What do you believe the role of the Superintendent is and what are some ways you plan to fulfill those responsibilities?”
KEITH: The Potomac Ministry Network is rich in history, diversity, wisdom, resources, and passion. The superintendent’s primary responsibility is to tenaciously align the network’s resources to support our local churches and ministers in their mission to reach the lost and make disciples. If elected, I will work closely with our directors and presbyters to ensure our ministers and ministries remain strong and healthy.
We will continue to push forward with church planting, fostering multicultural churches, empowering women in ministry, and investing in the next generation of emerging leaders. In addition, we will expand our corporate prayer times, form a conflict resolution team, create a ministerial health team that offers counseling, coaching, and mentoring, build a vision team to guide us forward and establish an elders' council to provide wisdom, prayer, and discernment. Our ultimate measure of success will be the success and well-being of our ministers and the ministries they lead.
“What is a pressing challenge you see facing our Network and its credential holders and how would you address that challenge?”
KEITH: Right now, our network is facing a challenge of engagement. Many of our ministers ask themselves if what they’re doing makes a difference and why they should remain connected to our fellowship. To meet this challenge, we need to reignite a deeper sense of community by refocusing on what truly matters: passionately loving Jesus, spiritual formation, building authentic relationships, serving the world, and enjoying the journey together.
“How has your life and ministry demonstrated a lifelong commitment to expanding God's Kingdom through the Great Commission?”
KEITH: At 21, God called me to the University of Valley Forge to pursue ministry, where my love for His Word and the church deepened. It’s also where I met my wife, Esther. We married in 1988, and from day one, we have dedicated our lives to serving the body of Christ and impacting the local community and world through whatever assignments God placed before us.
Our journey reflects a lifelong commitment to teaching, preaching, leading, mentoring, coaching, making disciples, and missions. Our greatest joys have been: 1) watching our daughters grow up in ministry and love the Lord, 2) serving the local church, and 3) helping ministers walk confidently in their calling and purpose.
MARK LEHMANN
*PLEASE NOTE: If elected as Superintendent, Mark intends to serve in a Dual Role as Network Superintendent and Pastor of Cornerstone Church.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in Bible, Central Bible College, 1981
Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, Southeastern University, 2006
EMPLOYMENT, MINISTRY & LEADERSHIP HISTORY
Lead Pastor, Cornerstone Church, Bowie, MD, 1993-Present
Assistant Pastor, Warren Assembly of God, Warren, OH, 1990-1993
Lead Pastor, Burton Assembly of God, Burton, OH, 1983-1989
Assistant Pastor, Burton Assembly of God, Burton, OH, 1981-1983
Assistant Superintendent Potomac Ministry Network, 2006 to Present
Potomac Network Missions Director, 2009 to Present
General Presbytery Assemblies of God, 2006 to Present
Unsion International Chairman/Board, 2003 to Present
China Bible College Chairman, 2012 to Present
Live Dead Elder Board, 2014 to Present
Project Rescue Elder Board, 2018 to Present
Global University Trustee, 2011-2021
Structural Working Group Assemblies of God National Office, 2015-2017
University of Valley Forge Trustee, 2006-2015
Southeastern University Advisory Board, 2003-2009
Teen Challenge Board, 1995-2007
Washington Region Presbyter, 2004-2006
World Missions Board Member AGWM
Various Network Committees
Conference Speaker in the US and Other Nations
“What do you believe the role of the Superintendent is and what are some ways you plan to fulfill those responsibilities?”
MARK: The Superintendent should inspire and empower network ministers to fulfill God's mission for their ministries and our network. By embracing collaborative leadership with the Network leadership team, as well as pastors and leaders from churches and ministries of all sizes, we can achieve this mission. Serving in both roles as a Local Church Pastor and Network Leader offers a unique insight into the real-world challenges faced by our ministers and churches. This dual role is successfully practiced in several networks across the United States and around the world, yielding significant benefits.
“What is a pressing challenge you see facing our Network and its credential holders and how would you address that challenge?”
MARK: Forty-one percent of pastors have considered leaving ministry due to stress, loneliness, and political division. I am dedicated to fostering a diverse and supportive community where both male and female leaders are valued. Through initiatives like Pastoral Care, Mentoring, Acts 2 Journey, Leadership Development, and Ascent College we can create a more effective and collaborative ministry environment for current and NextGen leaders. In today’s world, it’s important that we serve together and unite our efforts to have a lasting, eternal impact on our network and our world. (Acts 2:42-47)
“How has your life and ministry demonstrated a lifelong commitment to expanding God's Kingdom through the Great Commission?”
MARK: My life and ministry have been dedicated to the Great Commission. This is vividly demonstrated through Cornerstone Church’s partnership with hundreds of US and global ministries. We are reaching the unreached, planting churches, training, empowering leaders, and showing compassion, including feeding seven thousand children daily. We fulfill Jesus’ mandate by expanding God’s Kingdom locally and globally. The great commission is our mission, which can and must be accomplished as we work together.
Dr. RIC LEWELLEN
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, University of Toledo, 1986
Master of Divinity, Louisiana Baptist Seminary, 2006
Doctor of Philosophy Biblical Studies, Louisiana Bible University, 2021
EMPLOYMENT, MINISTRY & LEADERSHIP HISTORY
Lead Pastor, Springfield Assembly of God, Springfield, WV 2018-Present
Lead Pastor, Dryfork Assembly, Dryfork, WV, 2006-2018
Assistant Director, Heartland Conference Retreat Center, Ohio District Council, 2003-2006
Worship & Discipleship Pastor, First Assembly of God, Bellefontaine, OH, 1994-1999
Interim Pastor, North Dayton Church of God, Dayton, OH, July-December 1993
Discipleship Pastor, Family Worship Center, Battle Creek, MI, 1991-1992
Youth Pastor, Family Worship Center, Battle Creek, MI, 1989-1991
Regional Operations Manager, Michigan Gas Utilities, Coldwater, MI, 1989-1993
Adjunct Professor, Fishers of Men Bible Institute, Mindanao, Philippines, 2021-Present
Regional Executive Presbyter, Western Region, 2019-Present
PMN At-Large Regional Executive Presbyter, Small Church, 2018-2019
PMN Circle Presbyter, 2016-2018
PMN Sectional Presbyter, Western Section, 2015-2016
Director of Curriculum Development, Fishers of Men Bible Institute, 2015-2021
“What do you believe the role of the Superintendent is and what are some ways you plan to fulfill those responsibilities?”
RIC: Promoting the evangelization (Matthew 28:19) of our region is the utmost priority. This is accomplished by engaging the under-reached communities through church planting, enhancing multi-cultural ministries, and encouraging and equipping local churches in their efforts to impact their world. We must also equip emerging leaders to enter this effort at all levels.
The establishment of a coaching/mentoring network is essential to this vision. It is imperative that we come alongside ministers to ensure they are adequately equipped (Ephesians 4:12) for this expansion of ministry. This is practical training but must also include spiritual and emotional equipping as well.
“What is a pressing challenge you see facing our Network and its credential holders and how would you address that challenge?”
RIC: In an increasingly antagonistic culture, we need strong ministers. Since Minister’s Health is a stated goal of our Network, I believe we need a focused approach centering upon emotional, physical and spiritual health. Well-rounded, healthy ministers are needed to declare the Gospel in this time. In addition to the present relational network in place, the above-mentioned coaching/mentoring network will be an additional building block in the Minister’s Health structure.
“How has your life and ministry demonstrated a lifelong commitment to expanding God's Kingdom through the Great Commission?”
RIC: As a teenager, I knocked on doors. Local evangelistic efforts became regional and global through partnerships with campus ministries, recovery centers and missionaries. Currently, I am educating and feeding kids at a school we built in Kenya and planting a church in Uganda. I also founded a pastors conference in Kenya that equipped over 300 pastors from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda last year. Additionally, we have partnered with organizations that do these same things worldwide.