The Leadership Council (LC) met on October 4th to discuss the next steps forward. The meeting began with devotions and prayer. There are a number of requirements that need to be completed for the disaffiliation from The United Methodist Church. Ron Fauquher is overseeing those details along with the needed legal paperwork for us to take ownership of our properties and resources.
The LC discussed which direction we need to pursue at this time. Do we move to the Global Methodist Church or the Wesleyan Church or another denomination? Do we go independent? We decided not to rush in too quickly researching and aligning ourselves with another denomination. This process will take some time. The church has been through a lot. In some ways, it is like a divorce; the members have separated from a church denomination that they loved dearly at one time. The solution is not to run out and join the first denomination that looks good. The LC is in process of completing all the paperwork required by the UMC, which will allow this group of believers to function as an independent church until they are ready to make that decision. The LC also wants to keep in mind what is best for the long term future and survival of our congregation as different options are explored. We do not want to drag this process on, but want to wait upon the Lord for guidance. “The Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel says, ‘Only in returning to me and waiting for me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength…’” Isaiah 30:15.
There are several issues though that must be acted upon immediately. The church must have a name by December 1st. The name for our church will need to fit no matter which direction or denomination is selected. If you look around most churches no longer even include the denomination or even the word church as part of the name: examples Connect, Commonway, The Jar, Community of Hope, The Gathering, etc. The LC is reaching out to you, our church family, to help us come up with possible names. Think of names that might describe our mission, or our hopes for this body of believers. Think of names tied to our Wesleyan tradition. Think of names tied to our location or heritage. Think of names unique to our church or church family. Then send those suggestions to me, Gayle Gernand by October 24th. You can hand me your suggestions on a piece of paper, email them to ggernand@gmail.com, or call me at 765-760-2229. The LC will then look at all these suggestions for a church name, pare it down to a few, and put them out for a vote by the members of the congregation.
The other pressing issue is finding a pastor to help lead us through the process. I am sure you are wondering how can we find a pastor, if we don’t know which denomination we belong to or if we are staying independent. We are going to be trusting God to help make that happen. He has pulled off bigger miracles! As SPR chair, I have already been approached by a couple of pastors that are interested and willing to work with us as we discern our next steps. The LC is meeting again next week to draw up a pastoral profile to post to make others aware of our need. The LC will then interview, and do our best to keep things running smoothly.
There are two big things we need from each of you:
Pray for our church every day. Pray for our Leadership Council and Pastor Matthew. Pray for the selection of a pastor. Pray for wisdom, guidance, and direction as we seek God’s will for our church.
Think of a meaningful name for our church and send those suggestions to me or any LC member.
Submitted by Gayle Gernand
