Rolling Up Our Sleeves: Answering Hard Questions

During this time of transition and interim period before we find a settled pastor we must, as a congregation, consider who we are and what we want to be. We must refine our mission, clarify our vision for this congregation, and then take the necessary steps to “be the change we want to see in the world.” This requires us to roll up our sleeves and put our thinking hats on as we answer some thought-provoking questions. Below you will find a few questions which the church will work hard to answer over the coming weeks. We encourage you to post comments to the questions below or contact Sara Sharpe, First Central’s Office Manager, as soon as possible. Your feedback will help us as we begin our quest for a settled pastor; it will give the search committee the necessary information so they can best select a leader who complements our strengths and weaknesses, pushes us forward, and nurtures this wonderful church family.

1. What do we want in our next minister?
2. What type of leadership and help do we expect from our next minister?
3. What do we want him or her to know about us?
4. Are we the church we want to be?
5. Where do we want our church to head in the future?
6. What should we work on during this interim period? Are there issues or obstacles that need to be addressed now?
7. Are there changes we’d like to make, or new directions we want to go since April 2004, when we completed our strategic plan and identity study?