New Leadership Called -

A number of new persons were called to serve in the district, the slate headed by Moderator Elect Cheryl Mishler, Pastor of Trinity Church, Sabetha, Kansas. Others called to various positions may be reviewed here. Note at the end of the file there is a list of positions still needing candidates. To download a form on which you may recommend names, click here.

Key Action Items -

The DnA team (Discovery ‘n Action planning process) presented the next stage of their work, including core values and a mission statement, which features the mission of energizing, empowering, and emboldening congregations in the district. After some modifications in delegate body discussion, the plan was unanimously affirmed. Click here for details of the action, and watch for next stage implementation steps in coming months.

Growing out of 2021 District Conference, a proposal was accepted for addressing decisions of special controversy among us in the district. Originally named the special response team, they renamed themselves “Seeking the Mind of Christ Process” team. Their process outlined here will seem a bit complicated to some, but it is a serious attempt to change the culture of the district in how we communicate about issues of difference or misunderstanding. Notably, their recommendations will require more nimble turnaround in communications with our member constituencies about agendas and decisions of the Leadership Team. It will require some administrative adjustments on the part of leadership, but let’s give it a chance to see if we can demonstrate another way of living.

Regrettably but with grace the conference accepted the departure from the district and the denomination of the Osage Congregation, and also clarified the status of the Parsons Congregation who departed several years ago. The final signing of a formal Covenant of Understanding in coming weeks will complete this process.

Insight Sessions -

A Saturday mid-morning session featured the Part Time Pastor/Full Time Church initiative being facilitated through the Church of the Brethren Ministry Office. Western Plains District has submitted a grant proposal to fund a pilot project through this initiative, which if approved, will dovetail very nicely with the DnA planning we have been working on for several years. There has been some delay in announcing the outcome of our proposal since it contains some features that Lilly Endowment had not originally contemplated in their pro forma. See to the right of this Conference wrap-up on the website for a link to more detail on the initiative.

A Saturday evening hearing with the District Executive Minister Search Committee included both conversation and ice cream! The Search Committee continues to work toward the development of a profile on which a position announcement may then be based for circulation. Please pray for discernment as Western Plains moves toward its future with new executive leadership.