Well, it’s been a while since there has even been a Pastor’s Council, much less news from the council. There isn’t much news except to let you know the new structure of this important council and who is service this use. There will be two parts of the Pastor’s Council: the Central Council and the Expanded Council. The Central Council will be very much like the pastor’s council that you have known and loved. The Central Council and the Pastor will meet regularly to work on issues in the congregation and ensure continuing, high-quality communication between the Pastor and the Congregation. There will be about five people on this council.
The Expanded Council is additional people who I can count on for feedback on things I’m thinking about as Pastor. There are times when an idea or project can’t wait for the next regularly scheduled meeting and I would like some fast feedback. If there are only five people to provide this feedback, if a few people are not available then I run the risk of not getting broad feedback. Members of the Expanded Council will not be responsible for bringing issues to the attention of the pastor (though they certainly may and everyone is encouraged to talk with me); they are only responsible for a rapid responds to the Pastor call for input. Members of the Central Council will be responsible for two-way communication. Email will be the primary medium for communication between the Pastor and the Expanded Council though certainly not restricted to any single method of communication. Email is great for this sort of communication because it allows me to broadcast the question, gives the responders time to consider their answer, and deliver their thoughts at any time.
Members of the Pastor’s Council
Finally, I am planning to restart regular whole-society Pastor’s Council Meetings like we had four years ago. Right now, I’m thinking about having two meeting each year that are open to everyone and anyone who would like to come and talk with the pastor and other about what’s going on at the Pittsburgh New Church. After the regular Pastor’s Council meetings get started, I’ll have a better picture of what would be most useful.