USMB hires director of development

J Epp to use Nebraska as home base for contacts

USMB Press Release

J Edward Epp has been hired as the USMB director of development. Epp will begin this full-time position Oct. 1 and will work from his home in Henderson, Neb.

USMB initiated the position of director of development in 2011 to enable the organization to strengthen connections and relationships with churches and partner agencies throughout the constituency. Prior to Epp’s appointment, the position was filled on a part-time basis.

As director of development, Epp is responsible for coordinating public relations initiatives and designing and implementing fund development programs. He will be developing a holistic program that includes major gift fund raising, capital development, planned giving and annual giving. Epp will travel extensively throughout the USMB constituency.

“I think that the US Mennonite Brethren Conference is in a unique position to serve and compliment the local church as they fulfill the mission God has for us,” says Epp. “I believe that together as a group of churches we can do more for the kingdom that we can do separately.”

Epp says, “As the director of development for the USMB Conference, I hope to promote how we can work together and the role our national organization has in the local church. I look forward to being part of this team and I am anxious to see how God will use the USMB conference in the near future to further his cause.”

Epp, a 1995 graduate of MB Biblical Seminary, has 16 years of pastoral experience in USMB congregations. Most recently he was the Henderson (Neb.) MB Church lead pastor, serving that congregation from July 2001 to December 2011. Prior to that, Epp served at Lustre (Mont.) MB Church (1995-2001).

Epp has been actively involved in the work of the Central District Conference (CDC) and the national conference. He was a member of the CDC Board of Faith and Life (BFL) for 13 years, chairing the board for three years. He also served as the district vice chair and was a member of the CDC Church Planting Board. Epp was a member of the USMB BFL for three years.

For two years (1986-1988), Epp served with Mennonite Central Committee as the program director for SWAP (Serving With Appalachian People). He also worked with Central California Mennonite Residential Services, In., as the administrative assistant and resident director.

"We are pleased to be able to add J to our national staff ministry team,” says Ed Boschman, USMB executive director. “His faithful and effective service within our conference is a tribute to his faithfulness to God's call on his life and his love for the church. J’s desire for us to maximize our USMB kingdom impact will serve us well.”

Boschman says, “We look forward to his work to strengthen our partnership with our local churches throughout the nation and ask for your prayers as J transitions into this new ministry assignment.”