Leadership | Congregational Feedback Top Priorities
The Transition Team thanks all participants for their comments and engaging conversation during this part of our information gathering process. A complete report of all feedback will be provided to the ministries and is available for interested members of the congregation upon request. The Ministry chairs will lead the next steps in their respective areas and identify what further action is required to ensure alignment with our new mission statement.
Provided below is a summary of the top three priorities identified by each table received during the Congregational Conversation on November 16. Please note that those in bold print reflect that the same suggestion was received from multiple tables.
Human Resources
Priority 1
Oversee hiring, training, disciplinary action, and firing
Restore polity and power to the congregation
Priority 2
Confidentiality
Evaluation of staff in coordination with pastor and staff leadership
Full transparency and openness of process, selection, and dismissal of senior staff
Priority 3
HR experience preferred
Leadership time and talent development, deacon training, and leadership training for all
Evaluation of performance of senior staff (ensuring compliance with labor law)
Finance & Stewardship
Priority 1
Clear process for requesting funds from endowment funds
Stewardship/income
Priority 2
Responsible use of funds
Communicate the list of the endowment funds to the congregation
Priority 3
Cultivate relationships
Give money
Community Life/Congregational Care
Priority 1
Formation of small groups to identify new possibilities (lunch/dinner groups etc.)
Small groups – where “welcomed” techniques and interests lie within
Small group formation is the top priority
Pastoral Care Team – calls, letters, visits, transportation, meals trains
Priority 2
Congregational Care
Communication – REALM and evaluate workability
Let folks opt into small groups based upon interests
Community engagement – lunch, fellowship groups, hang out with pastors, Wednesday night dinners, book exchange, walking
Priority 3
Congregational Care – volunteers reaching out for home visits, hospital visits
Survey members for hobbies/interests
Support groups for life issues – care givers, health issues
Faith Formation/Worship & Music
Priority 1
Children education and youth programs Sunday and Sunday morning and afternoon
Children/Youth ministry including music
Reintroduce variety of music that reflects the ethnicity of congregation; reinitiate ushers/acolytes and prayer of confession
Priority 2
Membership joining class for adults and discipleship class for children
Adults
Membership joining classes
More Bible study/faith education during the week
Adult education events to engage with the larger community
Priority 3
Younger adults and couples' groups
Adult education events for the community
J21 (Jesus in the 21st Century) / F21 (Faith in the 21st Century)
Worship & Music (ONLY)
Priority 1
Behind scenes work to make a service happen (Action oriented)
Reflect different ethnic/religious music
Priority 2
Conduit for congregational feedback
Vary worship and education experience (no ushers, acolytes, involve children, close pew doors)
Priority 3
Offer classes in church to educate and develop (theological and music topics)
Processing choir
Faith Formation (ONLY)
Priority 1
Education from the pulpit, in Sunday School and J21 (Jesus in the 21st Century) / F21 (Faith in the 21st Century)
Discover and develop ideas for classes
Priority 2
Weekly Bible study (not on Sunday)
Young adult focus
Priority 3
Children and Youth focus
Facilities
Priority 1
Signage – update campus map and directional signs
Landscape
Ways to generate extra income and drive more people to church
Upkeep of existing campus
Campus/building maintenance (safety, sidewalks, sanctuary, grounds beautification)
Priority 2
System assessment & improvement (shop around and prioritize to save money)
Seasonal decoration on outside of building
Review the facilities to be matched with the best of their usefulness
Identify ways to publicize available resources
Rentals
Priority 3
Reach out to potential donors, vendors, clients, groups to use and rent our facilities
Paintings/religious art – iconography
Develop and publicize facilities upkeep plan
Technology
Youth and children’s area needs updating to be more attractive, welcoming, and well-equipped
Ministry of Justice (MOJO)
Priority 1
Economic (Social) – Support others with resources (i.e. Nourish Up, RITI, RAIN, Pride, and protests)
Environmental/Recycling
Focus on limited areas in economic, education, and environmental justice
Immigration – how can we get more involved
Priority 2
Education - Pinewood, Freedom School, and bilingual school
Pair with community organizations to bring youth, younger families to MOJO activities (i.e. schools etc.)
Hands on efforts/working together
Priority 3
Environmental – gardens, MPBC and Pinewood, recycling
RITI (Room In The Inn)
Include youth and younger adults in activities (ex. after school children and youth program)