Holy Conversation Notes -- Sunday March 20

Holy Conversation, March 20, 2011

1. A community of people who worship, learn, practice the word of god. Fellowship of spirit.
A group who have joined together to worship, fellowship, go out into the world and "be the hands of Jesus Christ," the body of Christ.
Something the whole family can do together.
A way in which to understand the teachings of Christ.
The service, the music, the friendliness attracted me.

2. In search of where the church is going, willing to change and be open to whatever is asked of us.
Effort to bring up the children. Make them part of the church.
Break the bonds of the past.
Jack Miller brought me here.
Intelligence.

3. The qualities of this church.
Survivors. Been through the fire without being destroyed.
You can be authentically yourself and be welcomed.
Openness to change, to suggestion.
Go through life's struggles, admit to them, and be transformed by them.
You are who you are and you're welcome to live your life as you live it.
Care for the children.
Young parents stepping up in leadership.
Welcoming to EVERYONE.

4.Praise bands, mission trips, packed services.
Vitality.
Make the church so attractive that people come by choice.
Become the kind of church that will WORK in the kind of culture particular to Westchester County.
A hundred teenagers.
A praise band.
For the people in the community to recognize who we are and what we do.
A more diverse racial mix. Or socioeconomic diversity.
Important to understand the needs of the people who ARE served by this church.
A CONTEMPORARY worship service.

5. A STRONG minister in the pulpit. Walk into the church and it hits you.
Sensitive to how things might go wrong. How far you can go without going so far you cause more trouble than it's worth. How to avoid the pitfalls. Knows how to "count the cost."
Someone who bases their knowledge on the Bible, understands the level of biblical awareness of the cong. Preaches the word and makes it live. "Sets the bible on fire."
Someone with experience--not necessarily professional. LIFE experience.
Someone who's not arrogant, some humility.
Committee should spend a lot of time with those final candidates, so you know them REALLY well before you hire them. Do MUCH more about getting to know the candidate very well before you make them an offer.
A strong manager.
Transparency.
COMMUNICATION skills.
As well prepared as possible to deal with the particular history and culture of this church.
Conflict Mediation skills and training.