Mark Johnson | August 27, 2018
Transitions are a regular, yet stressful experience of life. Going to a new school, leaving home for the first time, starting a new job or making a major life change can create moments of uncertainty, anxiety, and worry.
Our church is finding itself also in a time of transition with the recent resignations of key staff members. This challenging shift has regrettably changed a key demographic commitment of our church that values and continues to be supportive of a non-discriminatory policy in deciding who God calls and empowers for the tasks of ministry. This commitment is underscored by our full endorsement of women in all leadership capacities within the local church as we continue our affirmation to the full equality of all persons regardless of gender, race, socio-economic status, or sexual orientation and identity.
Our church has been and continues to be enriched by women in church leadership. We were one of the very first Baptist churches in Kentucky to ordain women as deacons and the very first to feature a Deacon Chairperson (Rachel Smith Childress in 1986). Our current deacon body includes 6 of 9 members who are women, as well as our current chair (Christi Gabbard). We will continue our practice to invite and include women to lead in worship, including preaching during this time of transition and moving into the future.
In the meantime, we are assembling a Staff Transition Committee to help direct our conversations and plans in preparation for the future. This committee will hold listening sessions focusing on the needs and growth of the congregation. They will work in conjunction with the finance and personnel committees to formulate a sustainable future staff. Please take advantage of these forums to make your thoughts and needs heard.
Alongside the Staff Transition Committee, the pastoral staff and other church leadership will continue conversations of best practices and staff dynamics, in addition to evaluating our staffing structure. The adjustments and learning opportunities afforded by transitions are not always easy but can produce growth and greater competencies of change and improvement. We enter into this process mindfully and prayerfully seeking God's guidance and one another's prayers toward mutual love and support of the wonderful ministries of our church.
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