The Charis Fellowship has seen many changes in leadership over the past two years. Executive directors of three national ministries stepped into retirement, as well as the coordinator for the Charis Fellowship.
In May 2020, Ken Seyfert retired after 23 years at Grace Brethren Investment Foundation, in September 2020 Ed Lewis retired after 47 years at CE National (now Momentum Ministry Partners), in July 2020 Tom Avey retired after 23 years as the Charis Fellowship Coordinator, and in October 2021 Liz Cutler Gates retired after 11 years at Brethren Missionary Herald Company (BMH Books and GraceConnect).
Below is a roundup of stories honoring these retired executives, originally featured in the GraceConnect Magazine.
Ken Seyfert, Grace Brethren Investment Foundation
Ken Seyfert served the Grace Brethren Investment Foundation (GBIF) for 23 years in a variety of roles. Ken left his career as an investment banker in Pennsylvania to join GBIF in the late 1990s, and led the foundation through many seasons and cultural challenges. Read about Ken’s time with GBIF here.
Ed Lewis, CE National
Ed Lewis has dedicated his live to living on mission for Jesus. During his 47 years at CE National, he served as president of the organization and director of the Urban Hope Training Center in Philadelphia. Ed has retired to Hawaii where he continues to live on mission and minister to everyone around him. Read about Ed’s time with CE National here.
Tom Avey, Charis Fellowship
Tom Avey faithfully served the Charis Fellowship for 23 years with his organizational skills and relational connections. He facilitated Fellowship Council and corporation meetings, served as a center for information in the Fellowship, and found ways to connect pastors and leaders wherever possible. Read about Tom’s time with the Charis Fellowship here.
Liz Cutler Gates, Brethren Missionary Herald Company
Liz Cutler Gates lead the Brethren Missionary Herald Company through many changes during her 11 years as executive director, facilitating a rebrand and mission focus. She worked with authors under BMH Books, and shared news, preserved history, and created connections under GraceConnect. Read about Liz’s time with the Brethren Missionary Herald Company here.
This story appeared in GraceConnect eNews. To subscribe to the weekly e-newsletter that includes news and information from congregations in the Charis Fellowship, click here.