Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 43:19

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BUMC Family and Friends,

 

I am more excited than I have been since coming to BUMC over 14 months ago.  In this time, the Holy Spirit has been at work among us.  We have seen growth and new life galore as we completed the process of reopening after the pandemic; even as we continue do what you have always done—reach out to the world in Christian love.  And now, we are changing the way we administer our missions and ministries.  God is moving us in a new direction and God will help us build roads in the wilderness and put rivers in the desert as we move forward doing God’s will. 

 

On Sunday you all approved the adoption of what is officially called “A Simple Structure for Accountability and Missional Effectiveness.”  This mode of church governance is often referred to as the single board model.  We have talked at length about how this model will work, my purpose here today is to let you know what the transition process will look like. 

 

On September 19, your Nominations and Lay Leadership Committee met and began the process of selecting members for the first Leadership Board.  Over the next few weeks, we will be contacting people to ask them if they are willing to serve on the Board.  At the same time, the church staff, both paid and volunteer, are working to compile current policies and procedures that the new board can easily adopt.  For example, the Child Protection Policy, the employee handbook, and similar documents are part of these.  We are also in the process of establishing a budget to allow us to be more fiscally responsible.

 

As we finalize the list of board members, we will begin a training process to help the new board understand the new system.  It is vital that we follow the proper policies and procedures to ensure that we are being efficient, maintaining a focus on vision and mission, and holding each other accountable for goals that move our congregation toward our vision. 

 

On January 1, 2024, the new Leadership Board will begin their service.  As they prepare, know that God is at work in this congregation just as God was at work among the Nation of Israel in our Isaiah verse above.  God is moving us forward into a new and very different world than most of us grew up in.  We have to meet this world on its terms if we are going to effectively serve as God’s hands, feet, and voice.  Our new model of church governance is going to better allow us to do this.  Thank you all for your ongoing support in this endeavor.

 

Blessings,

 

Pastor Matt