[PDF]Executive Pastor Report August 21, 2012 Greetings...
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Executive Pastor Report August 21, 2012 Greetings Board! Do you remember how often I was quoting Proverbs 15:22 early last year? “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed,” became a bit of a leadership mantra around here as we recovered from unexpected leadership change, healed together, and began to move forward in ministry again. You know that I don’t shirk from the responsibilities of leadership, but lead collaboratively. I’m a strong believer in teamwork. You can see it clearly in the life of Paul, who I’m dying to meet someday (pun intended). He frequently thanks the Lord for those strong friends whose “partnership in the gospel” (Phil 1:5) made his ministry possible. The ministry of Gloria Dei is a testimony to the value of teamwork in the cause of Christ! That certainly includes all of you, who I count among our most committed leaders. I am tremendously optimistic about Gloria Dei’s future, and genuinely excited about the fall season of ministry we are entering. I know reports don’t always convey excitement – but hopefully, this one will at least give you a glimpse! I. 2012‐2013 Objectives I believe Jon will include agenda time to discuss our new one‐year goals in the context of the great work accomplished toward articulating our Vision Proper. (For now, I have been thinking of that as “Gloria Dei will transform the lives of children and students in our community in the name of Jesus.”) With 1.6 work pending, I will report this month using the existing One‐Year Goals. Policy 1.6: One‐Year Goals 1.6.1 Prepare Gloria Dei Lutheran Church to receive a new Senior Pastor I believe progress has been steadily moving forward in God’s timing. My last letter on the subject to our congregation (July 30, 2012) was well received, and generated a cross‐section of feedback. I will speak to that in person (Executive Session) at our meeting. In light of those responses, I have been personally visiting a number of ministry groups to discuss the call process and prayerful discernment. To date I have visited with Choir (August 8), Friendship Club (August 10) and Roustabouts (August 7). I will be the guest speaker for the Women’s Bible Study Brunch on September 5. We are gradually ramping up the prayer mentions and emphasis, and will be intentional with some teaching announcements as we approach the interviews. Gloria or I will e‐mail you interview and congregation reception schedules as they are firmed up. Various Call Committee members have made site visits and will be sharing feedback from those visits. I will make a site visit to Pastor Troy’s church this Sunday and to Pastor Nate’s church on September 2. I have visited Pastor Dan’s church on several previous occasions.
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Executive Pastor Report – August 21, 2012
In consultation with Harv Hartman and Jon Keeney, we are developing a Call Committee Forum and Q & A for August 30th at 7:00. This 75‐90 minute event will include a time of devotion, teaching, status update, and Q & A. I encourage you to attend if you are available. 1.6.2 Continue building community and developing leaders within the church. We are continuing to teach, preach, and mentor this behavior in all environments. A. Our summer interns, Megan Pogue, Dana Lisk, Kirsten Cargill, and Paige Bailey had a successful tenure. Their maturity in the faith and leadership abilities are to be commended. B. Impact Week: Our youth continue to amaze me. True leaders are being developed and rising to the top as they accept new tasks, grow in the Word, and build relationships. We received several thank you notes from the community applauding their service. Look at our website for more details. (ALWAYS look at the Evidenced By page!) C. Community and leadership development are a big part of Crash and Mid‐week. We are pleased with the growth in these environments and looking forward to greater participation as Ross Owens’ personal involvement and leadership take hold. D. Leadership Network’s Leadership Development Learning Community: I am eager to begin our participation in this two‐year process. Joel, Pastor Lonnie and I will attend the initial meeting next week in Dallas. I believe that leadership development may be THE strategic issue for Gloria Dei in coming years. (If not #1, certainly in the top 3!) I am looking forward to the opportunity to concentrate on it more intently when we are more fully staffed. Below is an excerpt from a note I recently sent our Call Committee. I’m copying you both to seed your thinking about our candidates, and to show you the churches we will be working with towards developing our internal leadership pipeline. (The numbers immediately after the church name are weekend attendance in all venues/number of sites.) Hi again team! As I’ve started to spend some time on our candidate’s websites, I’d like to throw these thoughts into the mix: scale and complexity. Don’t worry – I ‘m not trying to make our task any larger or more complicated! Early last year, I asked Rev. Dr. Jerry DeSobe (who does a lot of work with the United Methodist denomination in the area of clergy placement) what commonalities he’s seen with pastors who effectively led a church of 1000-1500 members, but subsequently failed when they moved to a church of 2500 – 3000 members. (There are quite a few UMC that size in Texas.) His response was, “sometimes a pastor’s meaningful deficiencies or significant pathologies do not manifest until the scope and size of the ministry are sufficient for them to do so.” I interpreted his response as some guys do just fine in a certain size pond without too many kinds of fish swimming in many directions, but can’t handle the demands of a bigger pond, and the stress of greater variety and more fish. Not to sound self-aggrandizing, but GDLC is a pretty big pond, with the complexity of many fish. For illustration, I think our pond is more akin to the churches of Leadership Network than it is to most other LC-MS churches.
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Starting next month, Pastor Lonnie, Joel, I, & our new pastor (once he’s here) will be engaged in a 2-year long learning community for the purpose of designing and implementing leadership engines within our churches. The idea is to have a highly functioning leadership development pipeline within each of our congregations. Here is the list of churches (and their websites) that we’ll be working with: Beulah Alliance Church, Edmonton, AB, 8000/3, www.beulah.ca Christ Fellowship, Palmetto Bay, FL, 8,000/6, www.cfmiami.org Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Houston, TX, 1200/1, www.gdlc.org Hope Community Church, Raleigh, NC, 7500/3, www.gethope.net Keypoint Church, Bentonville, AR, 800/2, http://keypointchurch.com/ Mountain Springs Church, Colorado Springs, CO, 2500/2, www.mountainsprings.org NorthRidge Church, Plymouth, MI, 7500/3 physical, 1 on-line, www.northridgechurch.com Pantano Christian Church, Tucson, AZ, 2500/3, www.pantanochristian.org Riverview Church, Holt, MI, 3000/2, www.RivChurch.com Seacoast Church, Mount Pleasant, SC, 12000/14, www.seacoastchurch.org SeaCoast Grace Church, Cypress, CA, 2700/3, www.seacoastgrace.org Westminster Chapel, Bellevue, WA, 1200/1, www.westminster.org While visiting our candidate’s websites, I was taken with the comparatively small scale of staff and ministry structures. Some of our candidates have a staff of 3 or 4 FT people and about the same PT. There is nothing wrong with that. There is nothing inherently deficient in a small church or superior in a large one; however, they are very different animals. Gloria Dei is a complex organism. I’m articulating this as we move into more site visits and personal interactions to remind us to try to size up both how effective a guy has been where God has him currently serving, and how well do we think he will function in a considerably more complex setting. We don’t need a genius with a thousand helpers. We need someone who is – or is willing to grow into – a high-level leader. Can he hang with a capable staff? With strong, high achieving lay leaders? Within disciplined operations? What’s the evidence? How has he faced challenges in his setting? What has he done to develop transferable skills? What does his staff and lay leaders say about his leadership? How will our next pastor lead and inspire Gloria Dei’s entrepreneurial leaders to move from ideas to implementation to kingdom impact? Again, none of these questions are intended to make this undertaking more difficult. They are to help us move through the significant work of assessing sermon development and delivery to the more global assessment of pastoral leadership and potential.
I remain grateful for all of you ‐ evidence of God’s provision for me and all His people called Gloria Dei! E. Futures Forum – September 8, 8:00‐12:00 (Please register if you have not already done so.) Our keynote speaker is Reggie McNeal, on the topic “What’s Next – Looking Over the Next Hill for Gloria Dei and the Church.” Reggie is tops in his field, a noted author and church leadership guy. (I almost said guru.) He is also a tremendously enjoyable presenter. He is very effective as outside “authenticator” of ideas, strategies, etc. He will authenticate our Vision Proper effectively. We’re going to maximize our investment by using Reggie in a number of ways. On Friday, September 7, he will be a special guest speaker with Friendship Club on the topic of generational change, particularly in the church. How are younger generations articulating/experiencing/authenticating their faith? What do they expect from their church? How do they live out the gospel? It is a different lens and set of expectations than the builders
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and the boomers. Reggie “gets it” and can share it convincingly. I’m looking forward to his time with the Friendship Club! (You and staff are invited too.) On Friday afternoon, Reggie will be with our staff, sharing what he sees as keys to ministry effective for ministry staff people. It was interesting to me that when I mentioned Reggie some of our new staff (Ross, John, Amy, and Stephanie) lit up with excitement for the opportunity to spend quality time with him. 1.6.3 Develop definitions of our Life Measures and deploy an instrument to measure spiritual growth using our Life Measures. A. Status Update a. The test version of the on‐line assessment tool functions well. b. We have run into some difficulty identifying suitable resources for a participant to use. We tend to think of resources as books, studies, etc. However, for an individual using the tool in real‐time, resources like prayers, songs, video clips, simple exercises and tools are more useful. We don’t have a lot of those at our fingertips. Bruce has been tasked with gathering resources from staff for the Life Measures Assessment instrument. His deadline is August 31. c. I believe we will still implement this fall. 1.6.4 Create a team to develop a small group structure that will be supported by leadership. Staff and resource this team to enable rolling this structure out to the congregation in Spring 2012. A. Small Groups a. Two challenges here. First is keeping the purpose of Neighborhood Small Groups in front of our people. Neighborhood Small Groups exist at Gloria Dei to: Pray, Care, Study, Serve, Witness, and Fellowship. Those elements collectively are Neighboring. Many of our existing groups are effectively care and social groups, and some are that plus study. The leadership challenge is in continually pointing to and casting vision for the fullness of the faith – not just the internals! The second challenge is the high bar set by the success of 40 Days in the Word, when over 800 people met regularly in small groups and were engaged in dozens of Micah 6:8 service projects. We will register for Neighborhood Small Groups in worship on September 9th and 16th. The book, Staggering Love, by Pastor John H. Kieschnick will be our basis of study. The author will have a book signing in the Life Center Auditorium on September 16th. Pastor Kieschnick will be our guest speaker in worship on September 23 for the kick‐off, with Neighborhood Small Groups encouraged to launch that week. Book production is on schedule. Video production will be close! Pray! b. Cost: The production of Staggering Love is funded out of the CSP‐2007 fund. Proceeds are expected to exceed costs and will flow back into CSP‐2007.
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II. Financials/Land A. The June financials are posted. We ended 2011‐2012 in the black – yeah God! Due to Becky and me not overlapping in recent days, July financials will not be posted until early next week. However, giving in July was amazing – with the month ending roughly $20K in the black. August is also off to a great start. It’s all evidence of God’s grace and provision! B. Land a. City of League City staff now indicates our Right‐of‐Way Abandonment will be on the 8/28 City Council Agenda. Pray for that meeting! b. Update on LCEF/Finance Committee – I’d like Delinda to give a verbal update on current status. Attached are three e‐mails to LCEF that will help you get up to speed. III. Compliance Reports Compliance reports are posted: 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 and 4.7 4.3.1 – In compliance 4.3.2 – In compliance 4.3.3 – Out of compliance (note detail on compliance report regarding interpretation) 4.3.4 – In compliance 4.4.1 through 4.4.9 – In compliance 4.5.1 – 4.5.11 – In compliance 4.7 – In compliance (I think our recent revision to this one will work well, thanks!)
********************************** Policy 3.2 Means of Monitoring Results 3.2.3 is reproduced below. I request an action to change 3.2.3 as noted in red to better align with our fiscal year. 3.2.3
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Annual Reporting Requirements At a minimum of once per year in February, the Senior Pastor shall lead a discussion on the perceived effects on Gloria Dei due to the economic, sociological, legal and political conditions of the local community/communities where Gloria Dei is actively engaged in ministry (including but not limited to church campuses, organizations in which Gloria Dei is a significant contributor, and missions abroad). This report will leverage off of available external data, surveys, indicators from local communities, discussions with local leaders, and available data from the LCMS Texas District and Synod. In support of this report and as a general practice, the Board of Directors will inform the Senior Pastor of any issues, known or perceived, that may positively or negatively influence the ministry of Gloria Dei. Each year in February, the Senior Pastor shall report on his compliance with Policy 4.2, “Treatment of Staff” by Internal Report. Each year in March, the Senior Pastor shall report on his compliance with Policy 4.9, “Compensation and Benefits” by Internal Report. Each year in March (make change to September), an Internal Financial Review team comprised of members approved by the Board shall submit a written report of their review of the financial reporting and activities. The purpose of this review is to identify any accounting irregularities and make recommendations. Each year in April, the Senior Pastor shall report on his compliance with Policy 4.11, “Gifts and Bequests” by Internal Report. Each year in May, the Senior Pastor shall report on his compliance with Policy 4.8, “Emergency Senior Pastor Succession” by Internal Report. Each year in June, the Senior Pastor shall report on his compliance with Policy 4.1, “Issues of Confidentiality” by Internal Report. Each year in November, the Senior Pastor shall report on his compliance with Policy 4.6, “Internal Financial Review” by Internal Report.
Executive Pastor Report – August 21, 2012
Each year prior to his Annual Review by the Board (Policy 3.5) and as needed, the Senior Pastor shall report on his compliance with Policy 4.10, “Communication and Support” by Internal Report and by Direct Board Inspection. At a minimum of once per year, the Board, Senior Pastor, and appropriate Staff will conduct strategic planning sessions. **********************************
IV. Supplemental A. Average Sunday Worship for June and July 2012 a. Average Sunday worship attendance in June 2012 was 876 compared to 1046 in June 2011. (Due to Shuttlebration on June 3, we had only 1 service that Sunday.) b. Average Sunday worship attendance in July 2012 was 1025 compared to 1088 in July 2011. c. Guests – we welcomed 237 guests during the month of June – 17 were 1st time guests who live in our area. We welcomed 381 guests during the month of July – 16 were 1st time guests who live in our area. B. Membership releases: Inactive and Non‐Resident You will note the large number of membership releases in our statistics during the month of June. This results from a lengthy and intentional effort to “clean the rolls.” The dates you note after the individual names indicate either last attendance or last contribution. Many of these individuals have not been here in years. Under separate attachment, we are including the schedule of communication and the letters and postcards these individuals receive prior to release. These are in addition to the phone calls made by our Shepherd’s Connection callers. We do not release people lightly or without intentional effort; however, I believe our statistics and rosters should be as accurate as possible. Thus, we attempt to reflect reality! C. SP Call Committee update – Gloria is working diligently to get our interviews and receptions scheduled. As of this writing Pastor Dan will interview with the Board after the congregational reception on Sunday, September 9. Pastor Troy will interview with the Board after the congregational reception on either September 17 or 18. Pastor Nate will interview with the Board either September 26 or 27. D. Report on Pastor Al Day/Freedom Celebration – We were walking a tightrope of expectations on this one; however, I think we positioned and executed well. Here’s a note from Pastor Al: Pastor Vince, Finally, I am convinced that no more surprises (other than Stan showing up scaring folks) are immanent. It is time to proceed with the ‘thank you’s.’ I believe that you are the prime‐mover in this (the greatest event in my life) and had you not pushed, it would not have happened. Starting with the Senior Pastor calling committee supper including the great cake with my face in the frosting(!); the surprise presentation of the parking space, etc. to the Fri. eve fish fry. Even Saturday had its surprises with great food and the Holy Smokers being ready by that evening early hour. And then Sunday morning having each step organ‐matched; not knowing exactly what to expect; the mayor happy to attend three times; the sermon by Jon Braunersreuther; your message right on target; my favorite song chosen; Pastor Shirley speaking with no notes presenting the Palm Sunday pic; the bobble‐head wonder gift; 23 relatives attending ‐ swelling the attendance to
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over 1150 for our Freedom celebration; Rick Tegeler leading the patriotic band! Note also the handbell choir and the festival orchestra and choir – as well as our military being honored!! The committees that worked in secrecy behind the scenes (my secret agent Berta let me down) did a great job – I had no idea about the cake – and finally a great scrapbook of remembrances and also Stan luring folks to have their picture made with him (some offering him drink – another offering food). More than 150 messages – cards with money – this missile (thank you notes) is in the 80’s if I have counted correctly. It was a massive effort serving Gloria Dei proudly! I almost forgot the Holy Smokers prepared for 1,000 guests! What have I missed!!?? I have great grist for my annual Christmas letter – and great material to add to memoirs…When you suggested that we celebrate, I had no idea what was in the offing. I trust our Heavenly Father was pleased. Somehow even the rain did not dampen the festivities. In short, I am truly grateful! Pastor Al
V. Personal As you can tell – I spend most of my time sitting around with my feet up on the desk – NOT! The truth is our entire staff is hard at it, and we’re having a great time! Our new staff additions are a tremendous complement to our team as we build competencies and capacity. Personally, I’m having a blast, and thoroughly enjoying the privilege of being one of your pastors. I know one of the big perks of being a pastor is getting to speak God’s Word. I have the privilege of speaking God's Word on Sunday and in many small interactions throughout the week. I have the privilege of writing and reminding people of God's mercy. I get to open up the Scriptures, and I have an opportunity to share with people what I find there. I don't take this privilege lightly. But you know what? Here's a secret: the real privilege of being a pastor is listening. I get to hear stories. I hear stories about people's life with God. Sometimes they know the story is about their life with God. Sometimes they don't. I hear stories about people who came out on the other side of terrible tragedy, and are still here. I hear stories about parents and grandparents and children and how they influence faith. I get to be with people as they prepare to meet Jesus in the new and eternal Jerusalem. I get to be with people when they share what it meant for them to help somebody else live life with Jesus! I also get to hear questions. I hear questions from children, and from teenagers, and from adults. "What does that Scripture verse mean?" "What does it have to do with us?" "Why did that girl have to suffer?" "Why do we pray?" Sometimes I can answer the question, sometimes I have to say "I don't know." But throughout I trust in Him, His provision for me, for you and for Gloria Dei. I get to hear singing. I love to hear us singing together in worship, whether that music is a great hymn led by organ, a new song with band, or a song unadorned by any instrument. The last few Sundays have been remarkable. A number of people have told me they are sensing something moving in our church, and you can sure hear it on Sundays. We are really singing!
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I get to hear prayers. I get to hear people pray in our Early Childhood Ministries. I get to hear children as they are learning to pray. I get to hear confirmation students as they pray for their friends. I get to hear people in hospitals and at Starbucks share their concerns and offer a prayer. It is a privilege to listen, as much as it is a privilege to speak. But now that I come to think of it, it's not just a privilege for pastors. It's a privilege for all of us who are called to be witnesses to God's mercy and grace in our lives. It's a privilege for us to listen to God's word, to listen for what God is saying to us. And it's a privilege to listen to one another and to our neighbors. Thanks for listening! VI. For your Calendar: August 26: Fall Blitz KidzSpace and Student Ministry Info: 9:30am and 11:00am in the Student Center August 30: Call Committee Info Night with Q & A – 7:00pm in the Chapel September 7: Friendship Club to meet with Reggie McNeal (Board and staff invited) September 8: Futures Forum with guest speaker, Reggie McNeal “What’s Next? Looking Over the Next Hill for Gloria Dei and the Church.” 8:00am – Breakfast 8:30am‐Noon – Session September 28: Shrimp Boil & Auction October 19‐20 – Craft Show November 21: Thanksgiving Eve Worship – 7:00pm in the Chapel December 7: The Star of Bethlehem – 7:30pm in the Worship Center Thank you for your continued support of our mission and ministry, and my interim leadership. Yours in Christ, Pastor Vince Parks
Philippians 1:3 I thank my God every time I remember you.
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