Last Wednesday, April 20, I was the program at the Council of Elders (a senior’s ministry).  My responsibility was to answer the questions of those gathered.  One of the questions was, “What are the strengths and weaknesses of Epiphany?”  If you were asked that question, how would you answer?  Following are my answers.
    The first strength that I mentioned was the leadership of the Church Council.  Council members are totally dedicated to the current and future ministries of Epiphany.  They are open to new ways to deliver ministries to Epiphany’s disciples and to Centerville and beyond.  And, they have worked hard to take the high ground in decisions concerning transactions with Living Water.
    Put into context, the strength of the Council is extraordinary.  It would have been easy for the Council to “circle the wagons” after January 1 to protect what already existed.  In psychological terms, it would have been normal to become passive-aggressive by adopting a “poor us” attitude.  But the Council defies “circle the wagons” and “poor us.”  Again, using psychological terms, the Council has been assertive in facing current challenges and future opportunities.  This assertiveness, to me, is a great strength.
    A second strength is the program staff.  Enough cannot be said about the dedication of Pastor Sara, Ken Proehl, Cindy Dahlman, Jane Lane, Dick Lane, Andy Addy, Megan Rund, Heather Phillips, and April Barrett.  Each has provided leadership in their areas of responsibilities.  When I first arrived, I would not have been surprised to find a staff that felt beaten down but this was not the case.  I acknowledge the great effort put forth by these leaders as I hope you do.
    A third strength is the creativity and enthusiasm of Epiphany’s laity.  It feels to me like permission has been given for members to become creative and excited about ministry.  Three examples are: the benefit for Kay Wean, Operation Prom Dress, and the Easter Picnic.  Many have said to me “the old spirit has returned to our church.”  I have thoroughly enjoyed the laughter, joking, and bantering that occurs in the gathering space and around the building. 
    Now, what about the weaknesses?  I don’t see weaknesses.  What I see are great challenges ahead.  The question is, “How will these challenges be met?”  The Council is in the process of discerning God’s vision for Epiphany.  They will write a document describing what Epiphany will look like in 10 years.  The description will include the size of the congregations, the ministries offered, the administrative structure that undergirds ministries, and the program staff needed to deliver ministry.  This document will be shared with the congregation and with candidates to be the new senior pastor.
    Another challenge is going to be financial.  Epiphany is NOT in a desperate financial situation.  On the other hand, it would be foolish to say there are no financial issues.  Giving has been strong in the first quarter of the year.  We are watching closely what giving will be like in the second quarter.  The real test is going to be when the new senior pastor arrives and is drawing a full salary.
    A third challenge is going to be rebuilding the program staff.  We have already hired a new youth director.  There will need to be a third full-time pastor in the future.  The vision document described above will describe the responsibilities of additional staff.
    What would you add to my impressions of Epiphany?
Pastor Pete