Apr 21, 2010

ELDERS MINUTES APRIL 13, 2010

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

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