About Us

NIC VOICE Moody Broadcast Network – WMBI 90.1 Interview:  FULL INTERVIEW NOW ON-LINE

NIC VOICE was interviewed recently by Roy Patterson, Community Relations Director at WMBI Chicago, part of the Moody Broadcasting Network.  The interview originally aired in the Chicago area on WMBI 90.1 FM on Monday, July 21 at 6:12 AM as part of the Morning Show segment, God at Work: with Roy Patterson.  Click Here to listen to this segment.

WMBI graciously provided the full interview, which was edited in length to fit the segment that aired on 7/21 (see above).  Click Here to listen to the full interview.

NIC VOICE Brochure

NIC VOICE BROCHURE (PDF)   

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Mission

NIC VOICE is a growing network of concerned laity whose purpose is to provide balanced information and dialog within the Northern Illinois Conference of the UMC about Doctrinal Issues raised by the Bishop Sprague Complaint & Dismissal.

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What We Affirm

 I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
    the Creator of heaven and earth,
    and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:

Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit,
    born of the Virgin Mary,
    suffered under Pontius Pilate,
    was crucified, died, and was buried.*

The third day He arose again from the dead.

He ascended into heaven
    and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty,
    whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic** church,
    the communion of saints,
    the forgiveness of sins,
    the resurrection of the body,
    and life everlasting.

Amen.

*He descended into hell.

**universal

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What we are

• The voice of concerned Northern Illinois Conference (NIC) laity within the United Methodist Church (UMC)

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What we are not

• Another renewal group

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• Introduction
• Time Line
• Participants
• Renewal Groups
• Complaint
• Authority of Scripture
• Doctrinal Issues
  • Christology
  • Resurrection of Christ
  • Salvation through Christ Alone
  • The Atonement of Jesus Christ
• Other Bishops’ Responses
• Complaint Summary and Status
• Response Team Recommendations and Complainant’s Response
• Bishop Sprague’s Statement
• Summary

NIC VOICE provides an open meeting package (see "How to Schedule an NIC Voice Meeting) to assist you in scheduling the meeting.

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• For Immediate Release November 3, 2003 The grass roots laity movement continued their mission to educate concerned laity regarding the doctrinal issues raised in the dismissal of the complaint of heresy against Chicago Methodist Bishop Joseph Sprague. This month, NIC VOICE concentrated their message in the Rockford District at, Pecatonica United Methodist Church, Fifth & Washington Streets, Pecatonica, IL, on Sunday, September 28, at 7:00 PM and at Cornerstone United Methodist Church, Russell & Muirhead Roads, Plato Center, IL (near Elgin) on Saturday, October 25, at 6:30 PM.
• For Immediate Release October 4, 2003 The grass roots laity movement challenging the dismissal of the complaint of heresy against Chicago Methodist Bishop Joseph Sprague continued at Wedron United Methodist Church on September 16^th. 
• For Immediate Release August 25, 2003 The grass roots laity movement challenging the dismissal of the complaint of heresy against Chicago Methodist Bishop Joseph Sprague continued at the Downers Grove Public Library on August 12^th.
• For Immediate Release May 29, 2003 NIC VOICE  provides a needed new voice for the Northern Illinois Conference (NIC) of the United Methodist Church (UMC)

For Immediate Release November 3, 2003
<<Word Document>>

Contact: nicvoice@nicvoice.org
Brenda Klockenga (815-459-6244)

Since their last Newsletter, the grass roots laity movement continued their mission to educate concerned laity regarding the doctrinal issues raised in the dismissal of the complaint of heresy against Chicago Methodist Bishop Joseph Sprague. This month, NIC VOICE concentrated their message in the Rockford District at, Pecatonica United Methodist Church, Fifth & Washington Streets, Pecatonica, IL, on Sunday, September 28, at 7:00 PM and at Cornerstone United Methodist Church, Russell & Muirhead Roads, Plato Center, IL (near Elgin) on Saturday, October 25, at 6:30 PM.

NIC VOICE presenters Darrell Rader (Cornerstone) and Brenda Klockenga (Pecatonica) conducted the presentation, "Watershed Moment". This slide show compares Bishop Sprague’s beliefs on 1) the virgin birth, 2) Jesus’ having been born the Son of God, 3) Christ’s having died for our sins and 4) the resurrection of the body to the teachings found in the Bible and in the Methodist Book of Discipline.

This effort continues this effort in harmony with the recommendations by the Supervisory Response Team's dismissal of charges.  They are urging the laity to become involved in the process of "serious theological reflection on issues of Biblical Authority, Christology and the Mission of the Church".

"The reactions from these concerned audiences of 59 people representing at least ten different churches reflect the interest they have in understanding the UMC position on core doctrines. In Pecatonica, there were many questions and the discussion continued for an hour after the presentation. They renewed their commitment to greater participation in the connectional life of the UMC and to continue deeper discussions about our essential doctrinal beliefs," said Ms. Klockenga.

Rev. Tom Kingery, pastor, Pecatonica United Methodist Church, expressed his reaction, "[The Watershed Moment] presentation was excellent, and, very pointed.  We need to hear some straight talk concerning the unorthodox ideas of the Bishop.  Sometimes it's hard to respect the office when you can't respect the person that's in it.  If he becomes the status quo for leadership in the Northern Illinois Conference, I will no longer be able to follow.  I feel that we are headed for a split in the denomination.  That may be the only way we can truly resolve these awkward theological issues."

Jim Blue, Chair Evangelism Commission, Des Plaines FUMC, Member Northern Illinois Conference Council on Finance and Administration, Chairperson Elgin District Board of Stewards and Chair of Northern Illinois Conference Evangelical Association (NICEA) was in attendance at both meetings. Regarding the Pecatonica meeting, Mr. Blue noted, "I had a sense last evening that some people wanted to spend more time discussing, even though we spent an hour after the presentation ended.  They wanted to consider how to help the UMC be faithful to Christ as expressed in the unchangeable Articles of Faith, based on the truth in God's Word.  NIC VOICE urges people to learn how to express their Faith."

Michael McKellar, who hosted the Cornerstone UMC open meeting, reflected that "The majority of the folks who came to the presentation were those who have been wounded in some way by the Bishop’s book or a like theology manifesting itself in their home churches. Those people, I believe, were looking for "affirmation", to coin a word, that they were indeed wounded and that others have been too."

Those who wish to view the presentation can download it from www.nicvoice.org. NIC VOICE encourages local Bible study groups, adult education classes and churches to use the Microsoft PowerPoint™ presentation to stimulate discussion of "the future of our church," Klockenga said.

Those in the Northern Illinois Conference who would like a member of NIC VOICE’s lay network to make a presentation at their church may contact NIC VOICE via the web site with their requests.

For Immediate Release - October 4, 2003
<<Word Document>>

Contact:  nicvoice@nicvoice.org
Brenda Klockenga           (815-459-6244)

The grass roots laity movement challenging the dismissal of the complaint of heresy against Chicago Methodist Bishop Joseph Sprague continued at Wedron United Methodist Church, DeKalb District on Tuesday, September 16, at 7:00 PM. 

NIC VOICE presenter Darrell Rader conducted the presentation, "Watershed Moment", the slide show that compares Bishop Sprague’s beliefs on the virgin birth, Jesus’ having been born the Son of God, Christ’s having died for our sins and the resurrection of the body with the teachings of the Bible and the Methodist Book of Discipline.

 “The reactions from this concerned audience of 33 people representing seven different churches ran the spectrum from incredulity and disbelief to deep sadness to determination to take action -- but there was general consensus that there is a pressing need to continue deeper discussions about our essential doctrinal beliefs," said Mr. Rader.

He continued,”Some of those participating had been told by leadership at their churches that the bishop's statements did not deny essential doctrines of orthodox, biblical Christian faith.  After seeing the presentation, they received requested information to help them discuss this with their church leaders.”

Mrs. Karen Michelini, Lay Leader, Pastor/Parish Chair, Worship Leader and member of the Finance Committee as well as the meeting’s host, said regarding the presentation, “A huge thank you to the Voice team for the presentation September 16, 2003. Thank you for your obedience to reveal the heresy and disobedience to our doctrinal standards. My heart is saddened to think of the masses who are sitting under these false teachings. No longer can we accept as unconditional truth that which the hierarchy presents to us as such. We must be held accountable for that which we believe. "The presenters encouraged us to do just that. They continued to encourage believers to stand up and be counted among the faithful who will not compromise the Word of God."”

Paul Marshall of Serena UMC commented, “I came to the meeting expecting that I was going to be asked to financially support some group with an agenda. In preparation, I did review many of the details of the complaint against the Bishop and its resolution before the meeting.  I was pleasantly surprised to find that the presenters were trying to inform Methodist laity with the facts of the matter and that their plea was for each attendee to become an active voice to defend a more orthodox scriptural interpretation.” 

He continued, “They were not trying to indict or oust anyone and did not even ask for an offering.  Their presentation was clear, organized, and compared to my prior reading was very factual.  I would highly recommend that anyone concerned about the overall future direction of the United Methodist Church should attend a "Voice of the Laity" presentation or spend a few hours reading details on the internet.  The presentation is a much more organized way to get the details and it allows for interaction with questions and discussion.” 

Mr. Marshall made this recommendation:  “Their presentation gives a disturbing message, but it is a message we should know.”

John McClimans (retired clergy) from Great Rivers Annual Conference said, "I thought the presentation was very well done. The presenters were simply presenting the facts and not attacking the Bishop." Then he went on to express how we all will be held accountable for that which we have spoken.  ""The presenters encouraged us to do just that. They continued to encourage believers to stand up and be counted among the faithful who will not compromise the Word of God.""

Those who wish to view the presentation can download it from www.nicvoice.org.  NIC VOICE encourages local Bible study groups, Sunday School classes and churches to use the Microsoft PowerPoint™ presentation to stimulate discussion of “the future of our church,” Klockenga said.

 Those in the Northern Illinois Conference who would like a member of NIC VOICE’s lay network to make a presentation at their church may contact NIC VOICE via the web site with their requests.

Already scheduled are presentations at:

NIC VOICE has been invited to speak at the Forum for Evangelical Theology at Garrett Seminary on October 7th at 12:30 PM. The topic is “Contending for the Faith."  The purpose of the Forum for Evangelical Theology (FET) is to engage in conversation about the Christian faith from an evangelical perspective.

You can discover more about the Forum at www.wesleyanforum.org/fet/.

Cornerstone United Methodist Church, Russell & Muirhead Roads, Plato Center, IL (near Elgin) on Saturday, October 25, at 6:30 PM.  Brenda Klockenga, Lay Member to NIC Annual Conference, FUMC Crystal Lake, IL, and editor, NIC VOICE.

 For additional information, contact Michael McKellar at MCKELLARM@aol.com or at (847) 695-1874.

For Immediate Release
May 29, 2003

Contact: nicvoice@nicvoice.org    (815) 444-8214

·        NIC VOICE, provides a needed new voice for the Northern Illinois Conference (NIC) of the United Methodist Church (UMC)

Crystal Lake, IL, DATE TBD  NIC VOICE is a growing network of concerned United Methodist Church (UMC) Northern Illinois Conference (NIC) lay persons whose purpose is to provide balanced information and dialog about Doctrinal Issues raised by the Bishop Sprague Complaint & Dismissal.

Bishop C. Joseph Sprague, Bishop of the Northern Illinois Conference, has been charged with "dissemination of doctrines contrary to the established standards of doctrine of the UMC" and "disobedience to the Order and discipline of the UMC".  A transcript of the Bishop's recorded speech made at Iliff Seminary in Denver, Colorado was included and reference was made to his newly published controversial book, Affirmations of a Dissenter.

The complaint called for Bishop Sprague to recant his positions or be removed from office. Although a 'Supervisory Response Team", headed by Bishop Ough has dismissed these charges, the team "recognizes this [complaint] as a potential Watershed Moment in our denomination.”

To become more fully informed about the book and the complaint, NIC VOICE has established a web site (www.nicvoice.org) with resources for education, as well as laity speakers to assist UMC laity in examining the theology behind Bishop Sprague's controversial statements.  The NIC VOICE presentation includes various responses made by other Bishops and additional information pertinent to all NIC churches.  This is in harmony with the recommendations by the Supervisory Response Team's dismissal of charges. They urged that the laity become involved in the open process of "serious theological reflection on issues of Biblical Authority, Christology and the Mission of the Church".

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Press Release
August 25, 2003

For Immediate Release

Contact:  nicvoice@nicvoice.org
Brenda Klockenga           (815-459-6244)

The grass roots laity movement challenging the dismissal of the complaint of heresy against Chicago Methodist Bishop Joseph Sprague continued at the Downers Grove Public Library on August 12^th.

NIC VOICE editor Brenda Klockenga made another presentation of "Watershed Moment", the slide show that compares Bishop Sprague’s beliefs on the virgin birth, Jesus’ having been born the Son of God, Christ’s having died for our sins and the resurrection of the body with the teachings of the Bible and the Methodist Book of Discipline.

“The reactions from this lively audience of about fifty people ran the spectrum from surprise, incredulity and disbelief to acquiescence, judgment-making and determination to take action -- but there was general consensus that there is a pressing need to continue deeper discussions about our essential doctrinal beliefs," said Mrs. Klockenga.

 Apparently, a few individuals may have attended the presentation for the express purpose of challenging the views presented.  "Because ‘Watershed Moment’ is designed to present a balanced combination of quotations from Bishop Sprague, the Holy Bible and the UMC's Book of Discipline, it is difficult for dissenters to disagree with the content,” explained Mrs. Klockenga.  She continued, "About all anyone can raise dissent about is their interpretation concerning the intent of the words and the possible meaning of quotations from any one of these three sources.  It is difficult to argue with the logical intent and meaning of such quotations".

“In fact,” she continued, “when those who hold the progressive view of Bishop Sprague see the Articles of Faith of the UMC’s Book of Discipline compared with Bishop Sprague’s statements, they are shocked to learn that these Articles may not be changed because they were ‘cast in stone’ with the foundation of the denomination.”

“Bishop Sprague has been invited to attend all of our presentations and to share the platform,” the NIC Editor explained.  “So far, the Bishop has been unavailable.  We hope that he will make himself available for a series of two-sided discussion of his views.” 

Those who wish to view the presentation can download it from www.nicvoice.org.  NIC VOICE encourages local Bible study groups, Sunday School classes and churches to use the Microsoft PowerPoint™ presentation to stimulate discussion of “the future of our church,” Klockenga said.

Those in the Northern Illinois Conference who would like a member of NIC VOICE’s lay network to make a presentation at their church may contact NIC VOICE via the web site with their requests.

Already scheduled are presentations at:

Wedron United Methodist Church on Tuesday, September 16, at 7:00 PM.  Darrel Rader, Lay Leader FUMC Woodstock, IL, and alternate delegate to Jurisdictional Conference, is the presenter.  For additional information, contact Karen Michelini at karenmichelini@yahoo.com or at (815) 638-2090.
 

Pecatonica United Methodist Church, Fifth and Washington Streets; Pecatonica, IL, on Sunday, September 28, at 7:00 PM. Brenda Klockenga, Lay Delegate to NIC Annual Conference FUMC Crystal Lake, IL, and editor, NIC VOICE, along with John Crissman, Lay Delegate to NIC Annual Conference, United Protestant Church of Grayslake, IL,  will be presenting.   For additional information, contact Rev. Tom Kingery at pecumc@aeroinc.net or at (815) 239-1110.

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NIC VOICE Acknowledgements

•  

  Laity of the North Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church added to the VOICE CIRCUIT – Get Connected:

  NIC VOICE recognized by Laity of the North Indiana Conference of the UMC Following is an excerpt from the Laity North Indiana Conference acknowledging NIC VOICE: “LOOK! A Laity Voice From The Northern Illinois Conference (This site "...is a growing network of concerned laity whose purpose is to provide balanced information and dialog within the Northern Illinois Conference of the UMC about Doctrinal Issues raised by the Bishop Sprague Complaint & Dismissal. This is in harmony with the recommendations by the Supervisory Response Team's dismissal of charges.  They urged that the laity become involved in the process of 'serious theological reflection on issues of Biblical Authority, Christology and the Mission of the Church'." This site is chock full of information.)”

• 
  NIC Voice:  Concerned laity whose purpose is to provide balanced information and dialog within the UMC.

• Letters to the Editor - Reporter Interactive June 25, 2003

  Elites losing control
  I can understand Bishop Joseph Sprague’s concern about the Northern Illinois Voice Web site started by a small group of laity (see Reporter, May 30). He said, “They are self-appointed and have not to my knowledge been in conversation with elected lay leadership of this annual conference.”

  The last thing we United Methodists need is for a grassroots group of laity to actually get involved in theological dialogue, especially without having gone through the proper conference channels. Can you imagine what might happen if such activity goes unchecked?

  A theological revival may sweep across the church and the elite leaders might lose their control. And that understandably, Bishop Sprague could not endure.

  John Battern, Sumner, Iowa

• NIC Voice recognized by United Methodist Reporter, May 27, 2003:
  Bishop Sprague [of the Chicago-area annual (regional) conference] was charged with heresy in December based on his statements at Iliff School of Theology and in his book, Affirmations of a Dissenter, that critics said contradicted orthodox teachings about the life of Christ. In February, a supervisory response team of church leaders led by Bishop Bruce Ough (Ohio West Area) dismissed the charges, but called for public dialogue and "theological reflection" among clergy and laity. << Read More >>
   
• NIC VOICE recognized by UM Voice
    In the July 18 Issue 69, Speaking Out For A Return To Biblical Authority, UM Voice, included information about NIC VOICE.    UM Voice's mission is to "inform, engage, and mobilize members of the UMC on issues that affect our denomination as well as our culture."

  At the religious level, we need to all get outraged at statements and actions like those of Bishop Sprague.  I am encouraged to see that a new group called "NIC Voice" has risen up to speak out against their conference's apostate Bishop, and my hope is that other groups of concerned laity would follow their example.  You can check into this new ministry at: www.nicvoice.org

  Questions or comments about UM Voice may be directed to http://www.dueber.org/umvoice/comments.htm.
  SUBSCRIPTIONS for UM Voice:http://www.dueber.org/umvoice/subscribe.htm

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