The Adult Discipleship Leadership Team (ADLT) is an executive ministry team created by the Charge Conference to provide oversight and support to adult discipleship ministries. The Team works prayerfully, biblically, and creatively to encourage and equip those who lead discipleship ministries by providing the following: direct spiritual and logistical support, leadership development, continuing education and spiritual formation opportunities, and coordinating oversight among the various discipleship areas. This role of coordination includes managing the discipleship calendar so that FUMC serves those who wish to take a forward step as disciples of Jesus Christ in an effective and balanced way—wherever they are on their journey of faith. This site, deeperdiscipleship.org, is one of those efforts to provide our leaders with resources, information, and encouragement that support their ministries.
The ADLT reports regularly and is accountable to the Leadership Council during the year, just as all ministry teams and administrative committees are. Each year, the ADLT membership is nominated to the Charge Conference by the Committee on Lay Leadership as part of that committee's nominations report and elected by the members of the Charge Conference. Meet the current members of the ADLT below, and know that you are always welcome to contact us if we can provide support to you as an adult discipleship leader!
Roger Smidt has been an ADLT member since 2006 and currently chairs the Team. He has been active in Sunday School, is a small group facilitator, and has participated in Disciple Bible Study. Roger sits on the the Leadership Council representing the Love of Self ministry area and the ADLT. He has served on the Board of Trustees and is currently on the committee charged with renovating the Post Office Building recently purchased by FUMC. His wife Elizabeth and son Sam are both active in the Sunday School classes and other church activities. Roger finds great joy in supporting and encouraging the adult discipleship programs with the hope of connecting individuals in community.
Chris Anderson has been a member of FUMC since 1995, at which time she also became very active in Sunday School leadership, youth ministries, and the Emmaus community. After losing her husband Bill Kimball in 2001, Chris felt called to serve in Stephen Ministry and became actively involved in the growth and development of the Wellspring worship service. Chris has participated in or led several Bible studies, including Disciple, and has co-led Crown Financial and other small groups with her husband Scott. Chris served on the leadership council from 2005-2008 and joined the ADLT in 2009, where she hopes to help others find their connection in this wonderful family of faith.
Jon Kendzie has been a member of FUMC since 2004 and of the ADLT since 2006. He currently serves as a leader in the Faith Connections Adult Sunday School class, facilitates a small group Bible study, and has participated in Disciple Bible Study. Other contributions include driving the formation of the Discover FUMC! Orientation Class, and being an active Stephen Minister. John has recently been affirmed as a Certified Candidate for Ministry, working toward licensing as a local pastor in the United Methodist Church.
Clint Scofield and his wife JoAnn became members of FUMC in 2004. Clint has taught in the Canafax Sunday School Class, sung in the Wellspring worship band, participated in Disciple Bible Study, led numerous small groups, and is currently the Small Groups Coordinator. He has been a member of the ADLT since 2006 and has marveled at the increased opportunities for 'connecting' folks at FUMC through the many opportunities available to children, teens, and adults.
John Harman is the Adult Discipleship pastor at FUMC and has been a member of the ADLT since its inception in 2006. John provides staff leadership on the team as well as direct support to classes, studies, and groups throughout the adult discipleship ministries. He also participates as a teacher and facilitator in adult Sunday school classes, small groups, and Bible studies. As a part-time graduate student in Hebrew Bible, his greatest interests are in biblical studies and, in particular, the study of the Old Testament. Contact Pastor John Harman.