Greetings!

By Jim McClure

Hello! My name is Jim McClure and I am your new Director of Ministry Support. Since coming on board in October, I have received a warm and wonderful welcome from so many members of the leadership team and the family of Christ here at Central. Your extension of fellowship has been a great encouragement to me and my family. My family consists of my wife, Alice, who has been involved with leadership of children's ministry, small groups and Bible studies for over 20 years. Our oldest daughter, Dawn, who will be married on November 12th, lives in Baltimore and is a Speech Pathologist. Our next daughter, Shannon, also lives in Baltimore and she is Director of Human Resources for a local nursing home. And, remaining at home, is our son, David, who is a sophomore at Dulaney High School.

Recently I have been asked, "What is the Director of Ministry Support?" So I'll briefly try to explain. As Director of Ministry Support, I have joined Pastors John and George as a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Under the leadership of the Session, the three of us are responsible for developing and implementing the strategies that will permit Central to become a "church without walls." My responsibilities are to provide strategic direction, oversight and support in the areas of administration, human resources, finance, legal concerns, facilities management, communications and information technology. I will also focus on management of staff, resources, processes, policies and procedures needed to support the church and its ministries. Ultimately, my goal will be to work closely with ministry team leaders operating both within and outside of church walls to ensure that they are appropriately resourced and supported to accomplish their mission.

I have over thirty years of experience in effectively converting organizational vision statements into tactical plans and implementing operational systems for private, public and not-for-profit organizations experiencing significant growth and change. Most recently, I was a partner in Hunt Valley Consultants, LLC, a management consulting firm. My spiritual gifts are leadership, administration and shepherding. I have served as an elder and leader in strategic planning, operational development, and small group ministries at my former church.

Central is a special place with a special vision for reaching the lost and equipping the saints for His work. I am excited by God's calling to Central and I look forward to boldly, but humbly, applying both my experience and spiritual giftedness to God's work at Central. Thank you again for your support as I begin addressing the exciting challenges that God has placed before me. Please pray for God's wisdom and discernment as I and my family step into this exciting calling.

(See also Welcome, Jim McClure)