There is a belief in every human being and organization that if I, or we, know something everyone knows it as well. When we make a decision or complete a task, we assume that everyone knows about the decision and that the task is completed. This belief is in every relationship; i.e., between friends, spouses, parents and children, bosses and employees, and those who worship and work together in a church. I was thinking about this belief driving home on Sunday afternoon. I asked myself, “Self - what do you know that you assume everyone else knows at Epiphany?” I began to make a list which is the subject of this blog.
There are three things happening in the search for a new senior pastor that top my list. First, the Council will meet tonight, Tuesday, May 10, to take a final vote on a new purpose statement for Epiphany. This is the third time the Council will discuss Epiphany’s purpose. The impetus for looking at Epiphany’s purpose is the search for a new senior pastor. After last week’s meeting, the Council defined Epiphany’s purpose as “Epiphany serves Jesus by serving others.” Over the last seven days, some other suggestions have been put on the table. These are “Epiphany loves Jesus by serving others” or “Epiphany honors Jesus by serving others.” In the two previous conversations about Epiphany’s purpose, service is a dominant theme. From personal observation, service is compatible with my impression that Epiphany is a congregation that wants to “give back” because God has given so much to our congregation and its members.
Second, once the Council has voted on Epiphany’s purpose, it will begin the task of describing what Epiphany will look like in the year 2021. Bishop Holloway said such a statement was one of the most important documents that Epiphany can submit to candidates being considered to be the next senior pastor. This vision of the future will guide ministry decision making over the next decade.
Third, nine disciples at Epiphany have accepted a position on the Call Committee. These disciples are Bill Serr, Debbie Derr, Scott Watameniuk, Kirsten Light, Chris Zeihler, Terri Quick, Jan Panning, Wenday Dereix, and Wayne Jansen. The committee will begin its work by filling out a long document describing Epiphany, its ministries, and demographic information about the geographical area Epiphany serves. This document, along with Epiphany’s purpose and vision, will be sent to the Southern Ohio Synod.
If you have questions about the process of calling a senior pastor, please ask. I promise to give you the best answers available when I answer your questions.
My $0.02 - Epiphany serves Jesus by serving others.
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