 |
|
MGLC Council Meeting Minutes
November 10, 2005
Members Present: Todd Treml, Steve Hanson, Steve Wagner, Shelly Halverson, Sue Schwedler, Kathy Bruha, Erik Scott, Dave Palm, Laura Winge, Patty Branch and Paul Backer
Members Absent: Mike Eggers
Staff Present: Pastor Durk, Pastor Chris and Melinda Nelson
Erik Scott shared scripture and opened with prayer.
President’s Comments
Todd stated that we are at a turning point for our congregation in confidence and faith. The vote shows that it is not about the money, it is about the vision. As we continue to grow, our facilities will continue to grow and be enhanced. He is gratified by the work of the steering committee, the executive committee and the council. It was a landslide vote. The congregation seems to have good faith in their leadership.
Organizational Structure Task Force
A large handout was given to each member of the committee outlining the new organization structure proposal. Another handout was also given detailing information about the change in term lengths. We will turn over the council in a rotational basis. This structure helps us drive our purpose statement. The nominating committee will be helpful in identifying people to fill these roles. The by-laws have been updated to reflect this new structure. It was suggested that a bullet be added – to be a faithful worshipper and steward of MGLC.
Question about the mission statement – has the vision and mission statement in the by-laws been flushed out. The Organization Task Force didn’t spend time on the vision/mission. They looked to the Purpose Team to help with this. Vision/Mission comes next – we had to set up a structure first. Vision/Mission/Purpose all fit together – as well as a 3-5 year strategic plan.
Question about the connection between the new purpose and the old vision/mission. Currently no one is in charge of the Vision/Mission because we don’t have a team doing that today.
It would be great if everything could be updated – it should be noted that beliefs, vision and mission are in the constitution per Pastor Durk and it really could be struck from the by-laws.
Comment – Concern about the youth as part of the church – no place for them in this leadership structure. It is very hard to consider doing three-year terms with youth. Could do leader mentoring and not have them vote, but include them in the process. Their involvement could be done at the committee level, depending on the topic that they were passionate about.
Ministry Teams are really the centerpieces of this structure – youth can be a part of that and spin off their own teams. An ex officio youth on the council could be an option, but how many youth will want to use their time that way if their voice doesn’t really count?
Concern about job descriptions in the bylaws and needing to make the revisions now.
Concern about staff supporting the ministry teams, not directing them, as often happens now. Question about who really has the authority – staff that is at church 24/7 or volunteers who are here more infrequently?
The youth position resources a number of resource teams. Staff will be relating to a lot of different areas. Each staff person will be assigned to a team or two. They will interface with the team for that project. Each committee has a connection to council. Council doesn’t vote on what the committees are doing. Staff could be pulled in many directions with this structure.
Pastor Chris commented that this organization structure is a theological statement – it is a change, a shift for the congregation. You are being commissioned – being sent out – freeing from more responsibilities.
How does the budget flow with this system?
People have identified where items fall now and where future areas would be. Each team would be given an allocation and at the committee level will work on how these dollars will be spent.
Currently we can act as a champion for a ministry area. The champion now becomes a ministry area with the new structure; it just isn’t inside the council anymore.
Are we missing an accountability path? Did you notice that a gifts director is listed as a staff member? This would be a goal. A gifts director to identify gifts – what are people’s passions in daily ministry? This hopefully will help people plug into ministry areas. We should be doing that process now. People in this room should go through a gift analysis. This is different thinking and empowers people.
Each of the new ministry teams will have a purpose statement for their team that goes along with the congregational purpose statement. Ministry teams should be commissioned in the congregation – rather than just by council. We should consider a quarterly commissioning service.
Bring this plan to your committees – talk to them about this. Organizational teams will come and present to the nominating team to help them understand.
We need a motion to approve the new organizational structure recommended by the task force.
Shelly said that while the structure looks like a good tool, all pieces are not in place with the by-laws and can’t feel comfortable voting on this tonight. Others agreed. Melinda will e-mail to Steve Hanson documents. He will merge the new and old versions together and send to us by Friday. We will review and reconvene to vote on this topic on Sunday, November 13 at Noon in the conference room.
Facility Team
Currently 21 people have responded that they would like to serve on the facility team. We need a workable group of about 7-9 people. Todd and Durk sent a letter to everyone asking for background information and what skill sets they could bring to the team. They will receive these over the next week or two and then begin formation of the team.
Facility Team Charter
There was a joint building and steering team meeting two weeks ago. The facility team will be given a budget and they will have decision-making power. We reviewed the job description and charter of the team. We want a facility team that reports to council and we appoint the team.
With the number of people who have come forward, can you break up that team to give them tasks? We discussed this some, as we don’t want people to feel not involved. There are needs for the Capital Fund Drive and we should explore their gifts. Pass on the names and gifts to the ministry team leaders also. We would like to add a sub team bullet to the charter – Sub teams may be formed to help accomplish tasks. Steve Wagner motioned that we approve the appointment of a facilities team, Steven Hanson seconded – all approved.
Pastor’s Reports
Pastor Durk invited us to his home after the December council meeting for dessert. He is excited about the new members joining and a big thank you to the Organizational Team for their work and the detail they have put into this plan.
Pastor Chris asked if we had noticed our worship space as a new Arts and Environment team has been very active – they are doing a great job and looking at ALL spaces of our church. Pastor Chris is now serving on the Global Mission Team with the Minneapolis Area Synod, where she hopes she will learn beneficial information.
Leading on Purpose Book Discussion
This will be completed at the December meeting.
Appeal Advisory Committee
Laura advised that they are recruiting and training the first teams, then all other teams will follow. We want to connect with everybody in the congregation, so that it’s not just getting something in the mail. Mailings will go out two weeks before you bring it back. They are working on a number, a goal, a logo and a theme – then stuff will really start to happen. The regular stewardship has been good – we are making up and dollars are coming in the door. The appeal advisory committee is a short-term commitment – she will try to keep us updated – they are sprinting through this! People are involved in a lot of things – need it all put together by Sunday. Kairos has been very encouraging and helpful!
Nominating Committee
Chris Soderholm is no longer a member at MGLC and therefore can’t serve on the nominating committee as a former council rep. Daleen Stamas is willing to be on the team. Shelly motioned to accept Daleen as a former council member on the nominating committee, Sue Schwedler seconded – all approved.
Budget Worksheet
Melinda distributed a budget worksheet for everyone to review. Personnel team will meet next week and those numbers will be adjusted.
Financial Update
Steve Wagner gave an update that October was a good month – we ended a little ahead for the month. Kairos is our biggest expense currently. We are a little behind on income and a little behind on expenses – so they offset each other. Melinda and Steve had lunch with our banker – Scott Johnson to discuss options for future financing. We currently have a very good interest rate – if we refinance today it would be at 7-½%, which is 2 points higher than currently. The rates and terms quoted were reasonable – all have gone up substantially. Our loan balloons in August 2007. If we could sell the land and not pay off any debt and put the cash in the bank – we could use it and keep the 5-¾ rate for another year – we would have capacity for borrowing because of equity in the building. $141,000 did come in for the easement. We didn’t sell the land, we gave an easement to the city and they compensated us for this. This is a gift for capital.
New Business
We would like to hire Dean Gulstad as the Communication Coordinator for the 10 hour a week position. Dean just joined our church and is also co-chair of the communication team for the appeal. We made him an offer and he countered. His first tasks will be Messenger and Ministry Notes. Web design could be done at a higher wage. The 10 hours per week comes from the Worship Director position. We will get him up to speed slowly. Kathy motioned to accept this hiring, Laura seconded – all approved.
Comment – Saturday will be cleaning out the storage area day. Sue has wanted to get this project done for years. She has suggested it many times and never gotten a response. Pastor Chris says it needs to happen and it is. Sue is very glad that it is happening.
Comment – Shelly brought up the concern about stewardship not asking youth that are confirmed members of the congregation for their pledges. Information only goes to head of house, not to youth (even youth who currently pledge). This has been brought up before and should be corrected.
Comment – Erik Scott shared a joy. He meet someone today and they talked about churches – the person asked “Are you the church that does the pig roast?” People are watching and noticing – keep inviting!
Approve Minutes
Steve Hanson motioned that we approve minutes from the October meeting, Sue S. seconded – all approved.
Pastor Chris closed us with prayer.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:15 pm with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Shelly Halverson
Next Council Meeting: Sunday, November 13, 2005, Noon, MGLC