At the last two Elders meetings, conversations focused on Emmaus Road's internal relationships and mission. It's about who we are, why we exist, and who we want to become. Critical issues! Brad Bishop and I have talked about the need to update our online presence, and I would like to get busy. HOWEVER, is our body united around a mission identity, and around how we are going to move ahead? We have much on paper over the last few years; a lot of activity and energy has been poured into building relationships in Belltown by me and a small group of leaders; in addition,
all of us leaders have put out a lot of activity and energy toward ministry involving our children, our communal worship experience, and small groups. This leaves me with a sense that we are, at least from a leadership level, ministering with hearts toward each other, AND hearts toward the "other" - an internal
and external focus. Is it balanced well? Do we succeed? Is there fruit and evidence of people responding to the Spirit (I see it, but does everyone get to)? Are there healthy things to nurture, and unhealthy things to release? Now that we finally have a retreat place and time (this took a lot of patient, consistent work by Chandra), how can we best leverage that time? Like you, I have a lot of questions - and answers - but we need to know eachothers hearts and thoughts, and as we carry on with a "branding" and statement of Emmaus Road's identity and purpose, it must be a team effort.
AGENDA
5:00 PM Arrival; chips/salsa
5:15 PM Opening prayer
5:20 PM How do you want your pastor to lead the process of Identity/Purpose discernment; how can we, as church leaders, foster a team effort involving everyone?
6:00 PM May 31 Retreat - Making the most of the time; should it be about nurturing/building internal relationships? Articulation of Emmaus Road's identity/purpose? Will this May 31 retreat suffice as our May 29 Road Crew meeting, or do we need to schedule another?
6:20 PM Finish; get ready for 6:30PM Prayer and Dessert
