The Centinel - January 2001, Issue 13

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Session Reorganization

By Richard Ames-Ledbetter

Central has long been blessed with gifted and dedicated elders. Even so, as the church has grown and its ministries and programs have multiplied, the Session has struggled with how to both lead existing ministries and, at the same time, chart a course for the future. In addition, with a session as large as Central's (21 elders), we found that it was sometimes difficult, when meeting as a full session, to have the kinds of discussions necessary to formulate new strategic initiatives or develop solutions to challenges that inevitably arise in a dynamic, thriving congregation. The Session's Executive Committee provided a forum, at times, for those discussions to take place, but there were short-comings with that structure.

Because the Executive Committee was composed of the chairs of the standing committees, we found we were overburdening a few elders, and not always matching interests or gifts with responsibilities. There was also concern that over-reliance on the Executive Committee resulted in decisions being made by a small group of elders that should be made by the entire session.

As you may have heard, some of the church consultants that we interacted with over the course of the last year suggested that we significantly decrease the size of the Session and change our current committee structure. While these are suggestions that the Session is still carefully considering, it became clear that the interim period was probably not the time to make such a change. Instead, we have begun to address these issues by replacing the Executive Committee with a Steering Committee. We believe that the change represents not just a change in name, but a whole change in approach and philosophy.

Last September, the elders selected four of their number that they believed had the gifts of discernment and leadership. They are: Scott Corey, Al Finch, Doug Turner, and Mark Vaselkiv. These four; along with George, Jerry, and myself as Clerk of Session; make up the Steering Committee, and we meet together twice a month. One of the primary tasks of the committee is monitoring and shepherding the progress of the Vision 2001 goals adopted last summer. For greater accountability, we have divided primary responsibility for the seven major categories of goals among the committee: Prayer - Mark, Outward Focus - Richard; Staff Support and Development - Al; Assimilation - Jerry; Financial Stewardship - Scott; Leadership Development - Doug; Visioning - George.

As you have concerns, suggestions, information or dreams related to these goal areas, I would encourage you to bring them to these individuals.

Another major commitment of the Steering Committee is to spend time each month with the Senior Pastor for support, encouragement, accountability and review of priorities. As you can imagine, there is the potential for more things to be loaded on George's plate than would be healthy for any one individual to consume. Beyond the worthy goal of assisting George during this interim period, it is our hope that we can develop a consistent process of accountability and encouragement that we can continue with the new Senior Pastor.

Please, continue to lift the Session in prayer, particularly the Clerk as he stumbles through new challenges.

Pastor's Pen

The start of a new year (and a new millennium) is an appropriate time to talk about change and transition. Certainly, there is no lack of either here at Central Presbyterian. I've been reading a book by Bill Bridges called Managing Transitions, and found its contents timely for thinking about our current situation as a congregation in an interim period.

Chapter one, paragraph one goes like this: "It isn't the changes that do you in, its the transition. Change is not the same as transition. Change is situational: the new site, the new boss, the new team roles, the new policy. Transition is the psychological process people go through to come to terms with the new situation. Change is external, transition is internal." Bridges (aptly named, heh?) goes on to say, "the starting point for transition is not the outcome but the ending you will have to make to leave the old situation behind." Once this truth is embraced and a transition begins (by letting go of something), a person or group enters a second step which Bridges calls the "neutral zone." He defines this neutral zone as "the limbo between the old reality and the new . . . the old sense of identity and the new. It is a time when the old way is gone and the new doesn't feel comfortable yet." Only by facing the neutral zone and acknowledging it and grieving well can we truly be ready for a new beginning.

In reflecting on this premise, I understand in a new way the disequilebrium of these times for Central Church. Not only have we entered into a season of change by virtue of pastoral change, but we also face a major change in the New Year with the introduction of the third service schedule. I have often bragged to others on Central's willingness to experiment, and to risk in this interim time. It indicates a willingness to corporately die to self and is pointed evidence of a deep collective faith that has its center in our Lord Jesus. Like Peter, Central Church today exclaims, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He says, "Come." (Talk about a neutral zone.) You know the rest of the story.

As long as we focus squarely on Jesus and keep walking on a shifting sea-surface of change, all will be well. And even if we do go knee or neck-deep into some turbulence, His hand is stretched out to save us. So let's hold onto Jesus, and discover together what we shall be and become in these times of change and transition.

Grace and Peace,
George

P.S. I am thrilled, honored and privileged to be along for this wonderful ride with you. I love it! And you too!

Living Like Jesus
(2nd Christian Growth Speaker Series)

By Niles Ellingson

A current fashion among some Christians is to approach daily life by asking a simple question, "What Would Jesus Do?" (WWJD). The commercialization of this trend has led to a variety of WWJD items that can be found in any Christian bookstore. What would be the result, however, in our churches, communities and the world if every Christian would include this concept in their daily activities?

Living Like Jesus will be the theme of the Second Annual Christian Growth Conference to be held at Central the weekend of March 9-11, 2001. Dr. Ronald J. Sider is our scheduled conference speaker. In his current book, Living Like Jesus, Dr. Sider states, "God has decided to use human beings, not angels, to spread the gospel and change the world." He presents 11 principles for growing a genuine faith and some solid answers to "What Would Jesus Do?"

Dr. Sider (Ph.D., Yale University), Professor of Theology and Culture at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, is president of Evangelicals for Social Action and publisher for Prism and Creation Care magazines. He is the author of over 20 books, including the best-selling Rich Christian in an Age of Hunger. Four of his books, including Living Like Jesus, are available for sale at reduced prices through the Social Action Committee.

Look for further notices on this important event.

Small Groups & Assimilation Into Membership at Central

By Neil Pohlhaus

The November meeting of the Session included a brief presentation and recommendation by John Sackett regarding the regular use of small groups as an integral part of the new member experience. His recommendation included the participation of elders and other leaders in the small groups formed for new members.

As he spoke, my thoughts turned to my own experience of small groups and their deep impact on my spiritual development. During my 28 years as a believer in Christ, and five plus years as an elder, few things have affected me more.

In my view, there are several keys to small groups that make them so very effective:

• Regular interaction with other believers
• Deeper relationships, genuine friendships and fuller fellowship
• Support and comfort in difficult times
• Better understanding of God's Word
• Clearer discernment of God's will
• Accountability, forgiveness and sanctification made more alive and effective

Each of us should remain open to the ways in which God may choose to use us in leading others into this vital aspect of Christian growth. If you have any questions please feel free to give me a call.