Interim Update – Elder Edition
May 2026 Discernment
I'm sure you have read and heard about our discernment process, about big group meetings and small group meetings. I'm here to give you an update.
We entered this process to prepare ourselves for a new minister by arming that person with good input from a unified faith driven congregation. Everyone was invited to take part.
So what is discernment?
It is a process for making decisions that draws on wisdom and requires opening oneself to outside sources such as friends, experts, community and literature; spiritual practices and faith in God.
The process of discerning requires us to: Slow down, reflect on our experiences, and listen to external voices. It means setting aside our ideas, wants and needs so that we can entertain new insights and see things from a new perspective. Discernment opens us up and allows for the possibility of being changed, gaining a deeper understanding, and/or discovering different pathways for living and serving God together.
So where are we?
The 24 or so folks that are taking part have worked hard together and have had fun, too.
- We are getting to know each other better.
- Most of us started by reading the book called the "Weird Church", which provided insight on the struggles of the church today and what some churches have done to adapt.
- We have reviewed the history of our church from its beginning to the present.
- We have discussed ways to communicate better.
- We have shared what the church means to each of us and how it has impacted our lives.
- We have reviewed what things we do well and what things we could improve.
- We have explored how we can serve our community better and how we can serve our congregation and each other better.
The goal is to use all the above to gain a clearer understanding of our church's identity, what we stand for in our community and where we want to go. Then, use all that as input for a new minister.
We are well into the process – it is not too late to join in.
Respectively, John King
