The Mid-America Union Executive Committee convened virtually on Oct. 7, 2021, to discuss and vote on agenda items related to the MAUC Constituency Session held on Sept. 12, 2021.
MAUC president Gary Thurber chaired the meeting, during which he welcomed 12 new members to the committee. An attendance of 33 members remained steady throughout the meeting.
Following a prayer offered by Hubert J. Morel, Jr., vice president of administration for the Mid-America Union, committee members voted in favor of adding newly-elected MAUC vice president of finance David VandeVere’s name to the union’s financial accounts.
A discussion of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s response to vaccinations that had originally been on the agenda was tabled.
The committee also considered requests from the Central States Conference for ordaining two pastors in their territory. Roger Bernard, president of the Central States Conferences, presented background information on each candidate, including education, experience and the results of their ministries. These names were considered without regard to gender, as voted by delegates at the recent Mid-America Union Constituency Session.
Pastor Kimberly Bulgin is currently the lead pastor of the New Beginnings Church in Wichita, Kansas. Over the past 15 years, she has served in a variety of ministries in the United States and abroad. Pastor Bulgin is a graduate of Andrews University with a bachelor’s degree in music education, and a graduate from Trinity Lutheran Seminary with a master’s degree in music and theology.
In 2018 Pastor Brian Irby accepted a call to pastor in the Central States Conference at the Philadelphia Church and the New Life Christian Ministries Company, both in the state of Iowa. He also serves Central States as the Prayer Ministries coordinator. Pastor Irby is a graduate of Oakwood University, with a Bachelor of Arts in theology. Additionally, he holds a master’s degree in divinity from Andrews University Theological Seminary. He has traveled to six different countries around the world preaching the gospel.
MAUC Executive Committee members voted 100 percent in favor of ordaining Pastor Irby and 90 percent in favor of ordaining Pastor Bulgin. The Central States Conference has planned an ordination ceremony for Oct. 23. Pastor Bulgin’s credentials will only be recognized in conferences that ordain without regard to gender, as explained during the union’s constituency session.
In addition, the committee voted 97 percent in favor of extending an invitation to a well qualified individual to serve as the MAUC Ministerial director; he is currently considering the invitation.
The next meeting of the MAUC Executive Committee is scheduled for Nov. 18 during Mid-America Union’s Year End Meetings. It will also be held virtually.
