Leaders Communicating Through Change

By Kathy Vaselkiv

Meeting God in Change is the title of our present sermon series. Leaders Communicating through Change is the focus of this article. While Central's mission has not changed over the past several years, our congregation has welcomed new pastoral leadership and several new ministry staff members, developed a vision statement, embarked on a major building expansion and seen significant changes in the ways our leaders fulfill their roles within the boundaries of our Presbyterian polity. One change that is still needed is timely and consistent communication between our leaders and the congregation.

As one means of addressing this challenge, you will find a new leadership column inside News & Views designed to keep you informed about the current work of our Senior Leadership Team, Session, Deacons and Trustees. One of these teams each week (Session today) will use this column to share their thoughts and decisions in order to keep you informed, invite input, solicit your prayers for wisdom and help all of us to better comprehend and live out our vision of moving people toward Christ where we live, work, and play!

Many of you may find a brief description of how each of these teams fits into our leadership structure at Central helpful. Our Senior Leadership Team is comprised of our Senior Pastor, Associate Pastor and Director of Ministry Support. In addition to their individual responsibilities for preaching, teaching, and ministry support, they share leadership in the areas of staff management and strategic planning. Our Session, comprised of our Pastors, Clerk and nine Elders in active service, are broadly responsible for the mission and governance of the church. The Deacons' mission is to equip the congregation to be Christ's heart of compassion and hands of mercy among people within our congregation and beyond our walls who need his love and care. The six Trustees are corporate officers and carry authority to manage the physical assets of Central Presbyterian Church. Session has also asked the Trustees to support the Elders in the areas of financial management and stewardship education. A listing of contact information for Pastors, staff, Elders, Deacons, and Trustees can be found at the back of the church directory.

In the time of prayer and study at the beginning of the April Session meeting, Pastor John reminded Elders that the most significant difference between King Saul and King David was the latter's consistent inquiry of the Lord when faced with opportunities and challenges in leadership. Elders were reminded of the importance of intentional prayerful listening to God in order to discern His plans and purposes for our congregation. We covet your prayers for Central's leadership and communication about what the Holy Spirit might lay on your heart for our congregation. Our Pastors and leaders gather to pray on Thursday mornings from 6:30-7:30 am at Central. We invite any who are able to join us in asking for God's guidance as we seek to be faithful disciples of Christ at Central Church.