August 12, 2021

The Consistory met this past Tuesday (8/10) to review the submitted results of the Next Steps Survey and to continue the conversation about initial next steps during this time of transition.

In reviewing the surveys and in our conversations with you, we have heard a consistent desire for more people of color and/or representation in our leadership. We, as the Council, deeply share this desire, and we are so thankful that our surveys and conversations have revealed a large number of people of color who have volunteered to lead by serving with our Visioning Team (a team that will soon be assembled to help guide the congregation through this time of transition and in the search for our next lead pastor).

The Council also voted to proceed with pursuing interim consulting services (as opposed to hiring an interim pastor), and continuing to be blessed by the diverse and gifted group of MAMily guest preachers.

We have been in dialogue with the Classes of the RCA & CRC in Holland and intend to engage our church partners to gather support (both financial and otherwise) during this season.

Immediate Next Steps:
1. Contact and engage in conversation with MAMily members who have yet to fill out the survey.
2. Research interim consulting options, develop job description, begin interviews.
3. Write grant proposal for Classis funding and approach church partners for support.