COUNCIL NOTES - MARCH 9, 2010

Council; March 7, 2010 @ 7PM; Mullenix Residence

Present: Eric Likkel, David Anema, Mark R., Chandra Mullenix, Teresa Elenbaas, Mark Nelson, Ryan Engel, Kurt Munson
Not Present: Beth DeVries, Mike Colyn, Rennie Araucto

7:15 Opened with prayer
Reviewed old minutes on Children’s Ministry
Old minutes hard copy shared with Teresa
Haven’t progressed to update document about background checks; some members hesitant about policy, may leave Children’s Ministry if required current volunteers aren't "grandfathered" in
Question remains whether to “grandfather” current volunteers, or require background check of all …how to determine?
Question of policy: only background check for individuals alone with children?
One background check has taken place for newly hired Godly Play storyteller; letter received at office
Is there an Emmaus Road Children's Protection/Child Safety policy manual available? Yes.
***Issue tabled, until discussed on how Council runs & makes decisions (next topic)

7:35 Conversation moved to consider an individual member's letter to Council
Shared questions, ideas of themes, thoughts of letters
Some on Council understand Council/Elder group(s) as decision-making bodies
But others saying many don’t know Council’s role(s); need increased communication
Over time, Council’s roles have shifted; Elders have become shepherding & administrative
Currently, decisions made everyway: by Pastor, Council, ministry group, individuals
Current conversation leads to recognition that Council has been mandated a primary leadership role
Since Emmaus Road's inception, decision making has remained a relevant question
It is suggested that Council both recommends & decides; reference made to "Roles/Goals" document online
Pastor shares how folks often approach him alone with ministry questions in addition to personal things; he has not cultivated the habit of saying, “I don’t know; let’s bring it to Council.”; Pastor suggests there is great value in shared decision making to provide support for individuals doing work
Council agrees to review roles/goals as a starting point
Question asked about procedures for CRC leadership/decision-making
Noted that Council's meeting minutes provide information on decisions already made, but would be better to offer opportunity to church to provide input prior to Council meetings
This warrants separate email for notes before and after meetings
Council wonders, are there people who don’t know who Council is? what they do?
Perhaps Council could sit together at RC.
Currently, list of roles & meetings included in eMonthly
SG leaders could also question folks about what to bring to Council & Elders
Healthy to bring up big decisions to RC before much conversation
Perhaps pamphlets to give with bulletins, given in person
Council discussed having RC meetings more often; currently, RC marked by scant attendance, with too much to cover
Should Robert’s Rules be employed?
Personal frustration shared around old RC meetings with too much
Noted that there are separate issues… becoming transparent vs. who makes decisions
Church should be asked for input on RC meetings, too
Suggested that interest in RC decreased when decision-making body created
How often is RC? What is function of RC?
Budget approved by RC; other decisions often made by Council & day-to-day decisions
Currently, it is difficult to make time-critical decisions through Road Crew
RC would benefit with regular meeting times, with predictability
Reminder: RC function—committed crew of people who join together in ministry, coming around certain values & beliefs, and making big decisions together
Could provide handout to RC membership about who does what; suggested that Mike Elenbaas may volunteer to create a flow chart
Noted that there are many unused gifts in congregation; one of church's biggest needs is to facilitate discovery
Question raised about merit of an idea-factory SG?
Social connections help people find complimentary gifts; need for more social functions to discover these things

8:25 Council discussed Next Road Crew
Last meeting was 10/09
Would Quarterly mtgs. serve ministry well? Schedule Council one month prior to RC?
Function to gather information, and follow with Council? Yes.
Keep or forego Elder meetings on RC months? Healthy for RC to meet at least quarterly; don’t sacrifice Elder meetings
Next Road Crew: April 22nd, Council President David A. to confirm location, 7pm-8:30pm
Who will Emcee, what is Agenda? David A. will decide
Operate under Robert’s Rules? Activities for children?

8:40 Member letter to Children's Ministry Deacon; Teresa shared thoughts
Idea suggested to explore something for Kids ages 6-10 to engage in during worship (sermon/prayer times)
Member with idea initially shared with Elder, Pastor; invited to write letter; letter brought to Council via Teresa.
Children's Ministry Deacon and Council discuss next step and related issues, including man-power.
It is pointed out that Godly Play teacher can only teach single class at a time, which is why different age groups engaged by that program happen at different times.
Council affirms value of elementary-aged children being part of worship
Council affirms value of exploring idea as NON-COMPETITIVE with Godly Play
Suggested to Teresa to take time and care moving forward, to connect with parents generally, & eventually, bring this idea forward along with other Children's Ministry ideas and observations to RC; letter from Children's Ministry Deacon forthcoming as Teresa is able to gather input and feedback

8:50 Council discussed recent Women's Retreat
Two members who participated in retreat shared; it was an exciting topic, but also one raising concerns
Would have been served well if wider leadership had met & discussed plans; good for attendees to know well ahead of time what would be discussed
Some found great value in information, even if uncomfortable at times and info new for them
Concern raised about "young" and/or fragile Christians participating
Suggested to get “vote” or evaluation from ladies who participated
Pastor had been approached about idea of retreat, met Pastor Kerry prior to event and felt good about her involvement
Council members encouraged to speak directly to Retreat leadership about perspectives
Suggestion for future: have outside speakers only speak to non-denominational, more general topics

9:10 Council Dismissed