1	Ministry Restructuring Ark and Dove’s future Session’s Charge - Why? Change at Ark and Dove! Elder Responsibilities, Equipping Members and our ministries Bylaw Changes To accommodate our new ministry structure Open Forum
2	Our Future To achieve Ark and Dove’s vision will require: Members who are equipped and feel called to be actively involved in ministry and be leaders. Elders who are “spiritual leaders and strategic guides” of our congregation – not the doers of all tasks. Pastors who are less involved in committee work but rather help equip leaders, provide a theological basis for decisions and provide pastoral care. A congregation that grows spiritually by joyfully serving God.
3	Session’s Charge for the Restructure Committee Prayerfully discern whether Ark and Dove is fulfilling its mission to “joyfully serve God with open hearts and open minds” and carrying out our vision as outlined in the Long Range Plan. Evaluate and assess how leaders and members at Ark and Dove can more effectively carry out our mission and vision. Russ Hester (Chair), Donna Anderson, Corinne Baker, Vaughn Brown, Elaine Kam, Jeff Morgan, Rich Speir, Tim Stern
4	A history of change at Ark and Dove Changes during the last five years (2000-2005) Changes from 1995-2000? Ark and Dove’s ability to change or adapt to our community’s needs is what makes us thrive!
5	Recommendations To achieve Ark and Dove’s vision, Session and the Committee recommend that we: 1. Refocus the roles and responsibilities of Elders within a new ministry structure. 2. Create Leadership Enrichment and Member Equipping Programs to help leaders and members find their call and prepare them to serve. 3. Change the structure of our church leadership.
6	Unchanged Elder responsibilities but refocusing of Elder energy! Pray Serve on session and strategically help carry out the vision of Ark and Dove Call and equip team leaders Pray for team leaders Aid team leaders in developing job descriptions for ministry teams Advocate, supervise and work with team leaders as a mentor and resource – delegate authority Ensure effective communication among teams and with other Elders, Deacons and Pastors Meet monthly (or as necessary) with the Pastors Monitor and carry out Long Range Plan objectives
7	Equipping members Create Leadership Enrichment and Member Equipping Programs to help leaders and members find their call and prepare them to serve.
8	The New Structure Bylaws change required to change number of Elders, therefore this needs congregational approval. The underlying structure is dynamic and the teams will rise, fade away, merge, and split off as the church changes. Timing is NOW – November 6^th! Installed Elders going off Session Nominating committee is in process The School of Music will also require some minor Bylaw changes. This will allow others to get more involved and to enjoy the spiritual growth associated with serving.
9	Our New Leadership Structure
10	Bylaw Changes Change paragraph 12 to read: “There shall be six elders divided into three equal classes of two, one class of whom shall be elected each year at the annual meeting for a term of three years.” Change paragraph 15 to read: “The duties of “Trustees of the Ark and Dove Presbyterian Church” shall be empowered in the session functioning as a unicameral board. The six elected elders and the clerk of session are to be designated annually as trustees as required by Maryland law.”
11	Comments and Questions Verbal discussion now about these changes And use the comment card too on your thoughts: Are you interested in serving on a team? Are you interested in leading a team? Have thoughts on a team or the structure? Put your name down if you would like to discuss it further with our team or an Elder.