The Church Council agreed Sunday, April 24, to recommend that First Baptist engage an outside consultant, Ministry Architects, to help FBC meet four objectives for the health and future of the church.
The recommendation is the culmination of almost three months of discussion and discernment among council members and a small advisory team. The congregation will hear about the process and objectives at the annual meeting Sunday, May 7, for feedback, concerns and questions.
The council is proposing that the consultant help our congregation meet these objectives:
Create a unique and clear mission, vision, values and footprint for First Baptist Church of Washington, DC, to provide the reason WHY behind all we do.
Define the community beyond the walls of the church so that we can know, serve and engage it in FBC's mission, vision, values and footprint.
Maintain and grow FBC's congregation size and involvement, to deepen community with one another and with God.
Streamline FBC's governance structure, staffing plan and administrative systems to ensure efficiency, understanding, empowerment and effectiveness for decision-making and discernment now and in the future.
The council intends to present a final proposal for a congregational vote at a called congregational meeting Sunday, June 5.
The Consultant Advisory Team was made up of Christi Harlan and Dave Ryder, co-leaders, and young adult representatives Didier Ahimera, Marlan Golden, Wells Thomason and Molly Young, with Moderator Rod Coates and pastors Eric Mathis and Julie Pennington-Russell, serving as ex officio members.
The FBC Church Council is made up of the pastors, church officers and the lay leaders representing ministry and program areas of the church.