The Bible presents different models for how the church is brought into being. One is through the authority of apostles, bishops and priests calling the people to faith and leading them in ministry. Another is the Holy Spirit moving among the gathered community, "inspiring" all believers with a variety of gifts, calling them all to witness and service. Most churches include some mixture of models, but emphasize one more than others.
In our church we emphasize the model found in the second chapter of The Acts of the Apostles where God’s Holy Spirit moves among all the gathered believers. Like the Protestant reformers, we affirm "the priesthood of all believers." We believe that our Christian faith calls us into direct relationship with God, a relationship for which we are responsible as individuals and as a community. Therefore, our form of church government is "Congregationalist." Every member of the congregation is called to invest time, talent, and treasure in the Christian ministry we share. The congregational meeting of church members makes decisions about our mission and ministry, our budget and other commitments, and calls ordained ministers to serve among us as pastors and teachers.
Committees and a cabinet of officers elected by the congregational meeting organize the work of the church with our pastors and other staff. We aim for every member to take some role in advancing the work of the church.
In all that we do we are guided by the study of scripture, the movement of God’s Spirit through worship and prayer, and the faithfulness of the Christian community witnessing to the truth of God’s love.
Officers of the church may be contacted by
e-mail, Office@KentUCC.org, or telephone, 330-673-9534
Moderator - Larry Francis • Vice Moderator - Jackie Peck • Treasurer - John Hetrick
Clerk - Mary Jane Boos • Historian - Ed Hall
Diaconate - Bill Lillich • Education - Eileen West • Evangelism&Marketing - Marcia White • Endowment - Bill Hoover
Fellowship - Julie Wallace • Music&Arts - Johnna Lillich • Nominating - Judy Kletzien • Outreach - Barb Watson
Personnel - Martha Williams • Property&Finance - Barbara Donaho • Stewardship - Barbara Hanniford
At-large members of cabinet - Beth Kloskoski & Pam Quellhorst