Proposed Elder Structure Strategic Planning Committee and Working

Proposed Elder Structure Strategic Planning Committee and Working Group 2 Congregational Q&A Meeting 1/8/17 1

Why Make This Change? • TAG findings – Issues with lines of authority between staff and Session – Recommendation to focus Session on policy and vision • Interviews with other churches with creative Session structures • Year’s study of elder role as shepherd and discipler 2

What It Will Accomplish • Enable and enhance Biblical focus on elder’s role as shepherds and disciplers • Provide for a smaller and more efficient governing elder team • Focus Session on setting policy and providing vision • Empower staff to lead ministry teams and accomplish objectives 3

Governing Elders • Governing Elders (12 -15) – Must be existing elders and will serve three year terms – Will constitute the Session along with the Senior Pastor and all Associate Pastors – 5 Committees – “Heads In, Hands On” • Personnel (includes responsibility for Senior Pastor’s review) • Budget and Stewardship • Officer Nominations and Development • Strategic Planning • Denominational Connection – Tactical leadership delegated to staff and ministry teams – “Heads In, Hands Off” • Regular reporting on life and ministry at Third and ECO polity responsibilities 4

Shepherding Elders • Shepherding Elders (unlimited number) – Made up of previously ordained and newly elected elders – Focus will be serving on a team as a Parish Leader of Parish Group Leader • Parish leadership teams will be made up of Shepherding elders, Deacons, and other lay leaders – Candidates for Shepherding elder should be members who exhibit gifts in shepherding or discipling or are already involved in some form of ministry, e. g. , leading a parish group or small group, teaching class, heading a ministry, etc. 5

Next Steps • Continue as currently organized with all elders on Session serving in either (a) Shepherding team role or (b) Session committee role (addition of Denominational Connection Committee) • Continue preparation for enhanced shepherding and discipling roles • Present (a) changes in By-Laws and (b) slate of Governing Elders for approval by the congregation first quarter 2017 • Implement the Session structure change following By-Laws approval • Develop the team of Shepherding elders throughout 2017 as WG 3 further defines the vision for discipleship and parish organization 6

Motion • That the Session adopt the following proposed structure for elder alignment and implement the plan following congregational approval of changes in the By-Laws in early 2017. 7

Elders as Shepherding Elders Gover ning Elders 8

New Proposed Structure • Redefined view of the essential role of elders as Shepherds • Primary expression of elders in continuous leadership as shepherds and disciplers • Short term temporary service by Shepherding elders on Governing team 9

Shepherding Elders • Sources of Shepherding elders – Some currently serving on Session will join the Shepherding elder team – Approach previously ordained elders not currently on Session – Nominating Committee will nominate those expressing shepherding gifts as Shepherding elders 10

Shepherding Elders • Will receive training in shepherding and discipleship • Given vision and direction by Discipleship plan developed by Working Group 3 • Serve in one of several shepherding and discipleship roles that may vary over time • Serve in these roles without terms and may request leave in active service • Meet periodically throughout the year for prayer and vision for shepherding and discipleship with pastoral leadership 11

Governing Elders • Governing elders along with Senior Pastor and all Associate Pastors constitute the Session • Policy setting and strategic vision as key role • Chair or serve on one of 5 Session committees (Heads In, Hands On) • Provide definition and boundaries by policy but delegate to staff the leadership of tactical ministry (Heads In, Hands Off) • Receive regular reporting on all aspects of their oversight as defined in ECO Polity and the Narrative on the Health of Mission and Ministry 12