LISTENING CIRCLES. ONE TIME. ONE HOUR.
New Journey’s pastoral Transition Team invites members currently in Fountain Hills to sign up for a small-group listening session, to be held at church, between November 24 and December 16. The purpose of the listening sessions is to provide broad input for our self-study, in preparation for calling a next pastor. Sign-ups are on the welcome table at church for groups of 4 or 5 persons. (Additional 4- or 5-person sessions will be scheduled after New Year Day, particularly to hear from seasonal members returning in January; we will also schedule Zoom sessions for members who are unable to attend in person.) Please do sign-up!
As part of his visit to New Journey on November 15-16, transition consultant Pastor Dominic Palacios met with Church Council to review governance tasks to be completed over the coming 4-6 months (update the congregational constitution; establish and/or affirm mission, vision, and values; review staffing issues; review policies and procedures; assess the congregation’s financial reality (budget, giving, stewardship, space, etc.). Pastor Dominic also met with the Transition Team (Cindi Bradi, Ron Bigley, Kris Bartanen) to provide context for, and training in, facilitation of the listening circle process. The outcomes of this process are a Transition Report and a Ministry Site Profile that will be used in calling a next pastor. Pr. Dominic emphasized the importance of this work for the strength of the congregation as well as the reports as “a valuable gift” to a new pastor.
The questions for the listening sessions are:
Reflect on the Past
1. Share a positive memory of New Journey. What is something from the past that you would like to continue moving forward?
2. Share a challenging memory of New Journey. Is there anything from the past that you would like to leave behind?
Assess the Present Moment
1. What good things are happening at New Journey right now? What are you proud of?
2. What is the central challenge that New Journey is facing right now (beyond not having a
pastor)?
Dreaming about the Future
1. What is your hope for New Journey in the next 5-10 years?
2. What might have to change in order to make your dream a reality?
3. What are 2-3 characteristics needed in our next pastor?