TEAM MEMBERS: Bob Bewell, Audra Brennan, Mike Gillard, Mary Ginnebaugh, Connie Goggin, Nathan Guequierre, Lindsey McKee, Virginia Riggs, Mary Stoker Smith, Sara VanderHaagen, Matt Weith
 

This commission of 9-12 members will work with the interim pastor, in consultation with the other church staff and Session, to provide counsel and facilitate information-gathering events as the congregation prepares for its next chapter of ministry. This commission should reflect the full diversity of Immanuel’s congregation.
 

When it comes to congregational information-gathering events, the Transition Team will plan activities and meetings designed to:

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1. Listen to Congregational Needs and Concerns: These events are structured to gather feedback from members about their thoughts on the church’s mission, vision, and the qualities they hope to see in future ministry priorities.

2. Facilitate Open Dialogue: The team creates spaces where congregation members can express their opinions, ask questions, and share their experiences about the church’s direction during the interim period and beyond. This may involve Town Hall gatherings, small group listening sessions, surveys, etc.

3. Assess Church Health and Culture: Through focus groups and open forums, the team can help identify any challenges or areas that need attention, as part of the overall process of preparing to make decisions about future mission priorities and staffing patterns.

4. Promote Unity and Participation: By encouraging broad participation across different groups (youth, adults, leadership, etc.), the team fosters a sense of community and inclusion, ensuring the voice of the entire congregation is heard.

5. Provide Transparency: These events can also be a chance to communicate the church’s progress during the interim period, while keeping the congregation informed about “next steps” in this time of transition. Regular updates from the commission will be provided both to the Session and the congregation.

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Mindful of the directives put forth by Milwaukee Presbytery, this team in consultation with the Session will make progress toward the creation of an IPC Mission Study, fulfilling a Financial Health Assessment (done in conjunction with the Presbyterian Foundation), and a Staffing Study related to leadership development and meeting program goals for the foreseeable future.

Description prepared February 2025
- - First Team meeting: March 22, 2025

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