Onward and Upward Proposal Update for August 5, 2019

Dear church family,

We apologize for the confusion at the end of the service this past Sunday (8/4/19). The elders have met and decided on a way forward that acknowledges the need for a vote on the “Onward and Upward” proposal while also keeping decency and order according to the current revision of the by-laws. We appreciate everyone’s patience and grace in this process, and are confident that we will have a decision soon in which all members will have a voice.

The finalized plan for the affirmation of the elders and the revised delegation of responsibilities to the pastors includes the following:

1. There will NOT be a vote this Sunday (8/11/19). Neither members nor individual board members may call business meetings ad hoc during services without prior discussion with the elders as a whole, nor is there proper context to pass motions outside of an officially called and chaired meeting. Our by-laws state that business meetings of the congregation must be advertised two weeks in advance.
2. The finalized proposal regarding the roles and responsibilities of the pastors, which takes into consideration the feedback gathered over these past months, will be presented this Sunday (8/11/19) in document form.
3. A business meeting will be held August 25, 2019, following the morning service. There will be two votes held:
   1. ) a vote of affirmation on the “lapsed” elders who have not been installed or affirmed within the past calendar year. These elders are Chad Thompson, Dave Johnson, and Greg Nitzel. “Elder Emeritus”, an honorary title without voting responsibilities and not specified in the by-laws, will not be included.
   2. ) a vote to affirm the pastoral roles of Tim and Kyle with adjusted delegation of responsibilities as identified in the revised proposal.
4. After the service on August 18, 2019, the elders and pastors will remain in the sanctuary to talk individually with anyone who needs clarification on any aspect of the proposal.
5. Absentee ballots will be available beginning this Sunday and via email upon request.

Again, as elders, we thank everyone for hanging in there with us as we work to serve and lead the congregation. We are doing our best to consider all perspectives while also seeking the Lord’s will for New Hope. Please continue to pray and talk with elders directly if you have questions or concerns.

In Christ,

The Elders