Central's New Ministry Structure
Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why Are We Changing Our Organizational Structure?
   These changes all come from a deep desire to be more faithful and more purposeful in carrying out God's call for Central Presbyterian Church. As we strive together to "move people toward Christ," the new structure is designed to free more people to minister with their God-given gifts and passions.

2. What Is Central's Organizational New Structure?
   Session continues to be the main governing body of the church, but is being reduced in size from 21 to 9 serving elders plus the ordained pastors. A new body has been formed, called the Ministry Empowerment Team, to manage and coordinate the day-to-day ministry of the church within the framework set by Session. Self-organizing ministry teams will carry out the various ministries of the church.

   Session -> Ministry Empowerment Team -> Ministry Teams

3. How Does the New Structure Differ From the Way Things Were?
   The fundamental difference is that authority and responsibility for ministry will now lie much closer to the actual ministry. Where ministry used to be approved by committee and then Session, now authority comes from Central's mission and is guided by our values and philosophy of ministry-everything that passes through these filters is permitted and encouraged!

4. How Is Session's Role Changing (and Why Are They Downsizing)?
   Session will now focus on developing Central's long-term vision and goals, setting policies, and handling denominational issues. Session is currently undergoing a process of downsizing in order to strengthen it in order to carry out its new role. A smaller session 1) Creates an atmosphere that is conducive for in-depth discussion on deep issues and allows community to be built within the team, and 2) Frees 12 elders from time-consuming meetings and releases them to participate in hands-on ministry based on their spiritual design.

5. What Is the Ministry Empowerment Team (MET)?
   The MET will take the vision and goals set by Session and translate them into practical ministry planning. That means the MET will focus on coordinating the various Ministry Teams, mobilizing and equipping them to fulfill the overall mission and goals. On a day-to-day level, the MET will oversee scheduling, resource allocation, troubleshooting, etc., and will provide a liaison for every Ministry Team to the pastors and Session. The MET currently consists of the pastors (George Antonakos and Jerry Cooper), paid ministry staff (Rhonda Herman, Bill Pitts, Andy Gathman, and Alida Oosthuizen), the office manager (Janice Chubski), and two volunteers, who fill the roles of Facilities Manager (Al Finch) and Empowerment Facilitator (Kathy Vaselkiv).

6. What Is a Ministry Team?
   A Ministry Team is a group of people with similar passions that comes together to fulfill a ministry need. Each new Ministry Team will be required to develop a covenant that includes its mission, vision, and goals, and that explains how the ministry fits into Central's overall mission. Existing groups will undergo a process of their own design, assisted by the MET, to become a Ministry Team that is in line with Central's Philosophy of Ministry. Ministry Teams will be given support and be held accountable to their covenant by the MET.

7. What Difference Do These Changes Make For Me?
   Whether you are a long-time member of Central, a newcomer to this church, or somewhere in between, these changes are all about giving ministry away-to you! With Central's mission as the guide and supported by the MET, the changes are moving authority and responsibility away from the powerful few, and is being entrusted to each member. In this way, every person in this body is being given opportunity to serve Christ as he or she is called.

See also NV-1/27: The Ministry Empowerment Team and NV-6/2: The Ministry Empowerment Team.