Mullenix Residence
Present: Eric Likkel, David Anema, Kurt Munson, Chandra Mullenix, Beth DeVries, Rennie Araucto, Mark R.
7:00
Greeting, gathering, prayer
7:15
Elders check in with each other, discussion centers around how Elders are initiating conversations or building relationships with people in their districts; understanding the barriers or baggage that may be there
- revisit post-worship Elder prayer: discussed and approved to restart
- discuss how one deals with their own crisis, while operating as a shepherd for others
- discuss importance of ensuring all members understand their places of belonging and contributing; Could use a filter for how to connect with districts; Does this person feel like they belong? Like they’re contributing?
- Much of what we’re doing is counter-cultural; relationships between Elders/members is new territory for many in Emmaus Road, and often for us as well
Question: any plans for retreat? Answer: No.
Plans are afoot for Summer Camp again.
GroundWorks, May 23rd
ACTION: Discuss retreat at next Council
7:50
Discussion of Sunday Morning Prayers; respond to concerns emailed from member
- decide to make a few changes to improve how prayer is led, engaging congregation
8:15
Flow Chart Chat
Rennie presents flow chart designed by Mike/Teresa Elenbaas at request of Council
- revisit reasons for discussing Emmaus Road’s decision making processes
- Intention for Council to have clear process for how to address new ideas/issues and make decisions.
- Provides level of transparency to Road Crew. In past, division has occurred.
- Elders approval to be passed to Council, to be passed to Road Crew as pitch.
- suggestion: “big” decisions made by Elder super-majority, at least.
- comment: this fits with Reformed governance; falls somewhere between Pastor-only & “congregationalism”.
- withing Council, Elders as spiritual leaders; Deacons as advisors to Elders.
- Question: could process become wearisome? Answer: discernment and criterion needed: use this process for decision which use church resources.
- Comment: this process represented by Flow Chart is not rule, but guideline.
- Suggestion: things to put through process: anyting requiring members or money resources; or anything to be sponsored by church, anything with an “Emmaus Road” stamp
- Comment: former version of Flow-chart created several years ago; never used
- Comment: Process must be helpful, not hindering
8:55
Follow-up from last meeting
- briefly revisit background checks; Action: Table until decision-making process determined
9:10
Prayers
ACTION: Eric volunteers to review and prepare minutes for publication
Next Meetings here at Ellington
May 11th, Council
June 8th, Elder
July 13th, Council
July 22nd, Road Crew
