UPDATE ON THE PASTORAL TRANSITION TEAM

Over the past two months, the Board of Directors and Rev. Melody have been identifying and recruiting individuals to serve on the Pastoral Transition Team. The primary role of the Pastoral Transition Team is as follows:

-Developing, implementing and evaluating the specifics of the Transitional Strategic Planning Process. (a 9 -12 month process)

-Developing a tentative timeframe for action.

-Updating the BOD and the congregation on the Pastoral Transition Process.

Once the Transitional Strategic Planning Process is completed, the Pastoral Transition Team dissolves and the Pastoral Search Committee begins the search for the Senior Pastor.

The BOD determined that the Transition Team will be comprised of two BOD members, one member of the Board of Trustees who does not also serve on the BOD, and three congregants. As Interim Pastor, Rev. Melody is also a member of the Transition Team and is responsible for guiding the team through the Transitional Strategic Planning Process. In selecting individuals to serve on the team, the following criteria were considered:

-Knowledge of and commitment to the church.

-Experience in effectively working with individuals.

-Teamwork experience.

-Professional knowledge and expertise in strategic planning and organizational change.

-Experience in developing and presenting workshops, seminars and congregational forums.

-Professional expertise in teaching, education, and training.

-Professional experience in mediation, conflict resolution, or arbitration.

-The willingness and ability to receive and provide constructive feedback from other members of the Transition Team and the congregation

without responding defensively.

-No partners/spouses will serve together on the team

We are very grateful to the following individuals who have agreed to serve on the Pastoral Transition Team:

Scotty C. (BOD), Maurice H. (BOD), Steve O. (BOT), Rebecca S. (Congregant), Linda P. (Congregant), Rick C. (Congregant)

On April 8-10, Rev. Melody will be attending the "The Fundamentals of Interim Ministry" training sponsored by the Interim Ministry Network in Techny, IL. The Interim Ministry Network is a national organization that trains Interim Pastors. Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, Moderator of MCC and Rev. Elder Diane Fisher have made arrangements for the denomination to cover the cost of the training. The Transition Team will formally begin its work after Rev. Melody returns from the training. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Rev. Melody at 513-661-6464 or revmelody@newspiritmcc.com.