During a stretch of time marked by vacations and other travels, it’s likely you have lost track of where things stand at BMPC in its process of preparing for a new Senior Pastor. Thus, let me get you up to speed on the latest news.
The Mission Study Task Force has been working diligently. That team of six Bryn Mawr members developed a survey that 494 people completed—an excellent result—and now are busy distilling the information you offered.
Along with some basic demographic details offered about age, length of time as a member, and whether or not one has a child under the age of 18 at home, the survey answers share many terrific insights. Individuals revealed how they are currently participating in church life, what feeds them spiritually, and the traits they most want in the next Senior Pastor. Respondents shared perceptions as to how well BMPC is living out seven facets of ministry and how important those same strengths and values are to the individual completing the survey.
In addition to quantifying those results, the Task Force is working to pull together a description of the congregation’s history and membership trends, financial health, and the communities from which BMPC draws. All of those pieces will comprise the Mission Study that is produced, providing an introduction of the church to candidates and helpful insights for a Pastor Nominating Committee that will seek the right person as your next Senior Pastor.
The Task Force is hoping to present its results to the Session in September. After approval, it will go to the Presbytery of Philadelphia’s Commission on Ministry. That group could endorse our Mission Study within a week’s time. Approval by that regional council also includes permission for the BMPC Nominating Committee to start the process of forming a Pastor Nominating Committee. The PNC could be elected by the congregation this fall.
As an aside, the Nominating Committee is eager now to hear your suggestions for members to consider electing as Deacons, Ruling Elders, and Trustees. It is not yet time to pass on recommendations for the PNC. Once we have received permission from the Commission on Ministry, we will then seek your ideas for that pastoral search team.
Then, on Sunday, October 4, at 11:15 a.m., there will be a gathering led by members of the Mission Study Task Force. In that moment, you can see the document they have prepared. It will also be an opportunity for you to ask any questions about the process and the Mission Study that resulted. That meeting also concludes the work of the task force.
I encourage your continued prayers for that team as they continue to engage in this vital work on your behalf. If you have questions or concerns about this time of transition, please raise them with me. In the meantime, know that like you, I eagerly await the completion of the Mission Study and discovering what it has to say about us as a body of faith.