Elder Meeting Update – February 23, 2026
The elders met on Monday evening, February 23, for our regular monthly meeting. We began with prayer and a time of spiritual reflection—sharing gratitude, burdens, and Scriptures shaping us personally. We are thankful for the Lord’s steady hand over our church and for the opportunity to serve together in unity.
Spiritual & Pastoral Care
A significant portion of our time focused on shepherding—caring for our pastors, staff, ministry leaders, and congregation. We reviewed member care updates, benevolence needs, and ways we can continue strengthening relational health across our leadership teams.
Pastor Jeremiah shared updates regarding member visits, personal time off, and ongoing growth and development. The elders also continued preparations for EFCA licensure for Pastor Jeremiah and future licensure preparation for Michael Dean.
We also rejoice in Susy Simental’s desire to be baptized. A baptism class will be scheduled soon.
Leadership Development & Ministry Structure
We are actively working to strengthen leadership clarity and sustainability across our ministries. Current efforts include:
Facilities & Campus Planning
The elders discussed:
Women’s Retreat
We are thankful for the strong participation in the recent Women’s Retreat. The elders have asked the planning team to distribute a feedback form to attendees so input can be thoughtfully considered for future retreats.
Town Hall Update
The elders had hoped to schedule a Town Hall meeting for March. However, due to current scheduling constraints and workload among the elder team, we have decided to delay the Town Hall to a future month (date TBD). We believe this allows us to prepare well and serve the congregation more effectively.
Upcoming Congregational Meeting
Sunday, March 22 (Time to be announced during services and in F&C)
The elders are planning a congregational meeting with the following agenda items:
Church Leadership Rhythm
For clarity, here is our general calendar rhythm:
Thank you for praying for your elders and for the unity, wisdom, and spiritual health of our church family. It is a joy to serve alongside you as we seek to honor Christ together.
— The Elder Team
The elders met on Monday evening, February 23, for our regular monthly meeting. We began with prayer and a time of spiritual reflection—sharing gratitude, burdens, and Scriptures shaping us personally. We are thankful for the Lord’s steady hand over our church and for the opportunity to serve together in unity.
Spiritual & Pastoral Care
A significant portion of our time focused on shepherding—caring for our pastors, staff, ministry leaders, and congregation. We reviewed member care updates, benevolence needs, and ways we can continue strengthening relational health across our leadership teams.
Pastor Jeremiah shared updates regarding member visits, personal time off, and ongoing growth and development. The elders also continued preparations for EFCA licensure for Pastor Jeremiah and future licensure preparation for Michael Dean.
We also rejoice in Susy Simental’s desire to be baptized. A baptism class will be scheduled soon.
Leadership Development & Ministry Structure
We are actively working to strengthen leadership clarity and sustainability across our ministries. Current efforts include:
- Following up with potential elder nominees
- Developing and refining ministry role profiles
- Updating elder liaison assignments
- Clarifying reporting rhythms and leadership expectations
Facilities & Campus Planning
The elders discussed:
- Front exterior painting and landscaping recommendations
- Welcome Center planning and potential permitting needs
- Additional security camera installation
Women’s Retreat
We are thankful for the strong participation in the recent Women’s Retreat. The elders have asked the planning team to distribute a feedback form to attendees so input can be thoughtfully considered for future retreats.
Town Hall Update
The elders had hoped to schedule a Town Hall meeting for March. However, due to current scheduling constraints and workload among the elder team, we have decided to delay the Town Hall to a future month (date TBD). We believe this allows us to prepare well and serve the congregation more effectively.
Upcoming Congregational Meeting
Sunday, March 22 (Time to be announced during services and in F&C)
The elders are planning a congregational meeting with the following agenda items:
- Vote to remove the following individuals from membership:
Rochelle Dozier, Chris and Michelle Johnson, Nicole Ray, Chris Yee, Beth Kinstead, and Scott Liston - Vote to add individuals to membership upon their completion of new member’s class.
- Vote to elect elder(s) recommended by the elders
- Vote to approve Wyatt King as Deacon of Facilities
- Vote to restore 2025 salaries based on revised budget projections:
- Michael Dean (+$6,890/year, retroactive to the beginning of the year)
- Kristy Meyer (+$1,820/year, retroactive to the beginning of the year)
Church Leadership Rhythm
For clarity, here is our general calendar rhythm:
- Elder Meetings: First Sunday of each month after church (with occasional seasonal adjustments). Visitors are welcome for the business portion beginning at 1:30 p.m.
- Church Leaders Meetings: Quarterly
- Town Halls: As needed
- Congregational Meetings: As required for church business
- New Member Classes: Scheduled periodically
Thank you for praying for your elders and for the unity, wisdom, and spiritual health of our church family. It is a joy to serve alongside you as we seek to honor Christ together.
— The Elder Team
Elder Meeting Summary: February 1, 2026
The elders held a productive meeting on Sunday to discuss the spiritual health and administrative functions of the church body. We are excited to share key updates and future plans. The meeting started after a shared meal with our wives and a devotional. After the devotional, the elders convened to start official business.
Caring for Our Church Family & Ministry Staff
We continue to focus on the relational health of our staff and congregation. We are following up with individuals regarding discipleship and care, and are praying for families in need.
To improve communication, the elders have asked Pastor Jeremiah and staff to post their days off in the Free and Clear Newsletter (F&C) each month. We have decided not to post regular office hours publicly; instead, please call the office to set up an appointment to visit with staff. Michael Dean has been requested by the elders to try to be available at the church on Wednesdays when no other office staff are present.
Facilities and Operations
Several decisions were made regarding our church facilities and operations:
We are actively preparing for the future of our church leadership and ministries:
As we move forward into this new season, we invite the congregation to join us in prayer regarding the following:
The elders held a productive meeting on Sunday to discuss the spiritual health and administrative functions of the church body. We are excited to share key updates and future plans. The meeting started after a shared meal with our wives and a devotional. After the devotional, the elders convened to start official business.
Caring for Our Church Family & Ministry Staff
We continue to focus on the relational health of our staff and congregation. We are following up with individuals regarding discipleship and care, and are praying for families in need.
To improve communication, the elders have asked Pastor Jeremiah and staff to post their days off in the Free and Clear Newsletter (F&C) each month. We have decided not to post regular office hours publicly; instead, please call the office to set up an appointment to visit with staff. Michael Dean has been requested by the elders to try to be available at the church on Wednesdays when no other office staff are present.
Facilities and Operations
Several decisions were made regarding our church facilities and operations:
- Building Painting: We reviewed a proposal from the Garden Center on how we might spend the remaining funds versus receiving a refund, and Derrick Howard is getting a second bid to ensure the front entry painting price is reasonable.
- Facilities Manager: Wyatt King has been appointed as the new Facilities Team Leader.
- Security: The facilities team is working on installing the remaining security cameras.
We are actively preparing for the future of our church leadership and ministries:
- Upcoming Meetings: We have planned for a Church Leaders Meeting on March 1, following the service. We also considered options for a town hall meeting and a congregational meeting to follow, but those times are still to be determined.
- Elder Meetings: Elder meetings will be planned on the first Sunday of each month after church. Meeting dates and times will be published in the Free and Clear Newsletter each month, and visitors are welcome to attend the business portion.
- Salaries: We reviewed current salaries and are considering recommendations for an upcoming congregational meeting, date TBD. This follows a church member's request that salaries be reconsidered in light of our strong financial position at year-end 2025; the elders need more information before a final recommendation can be made.
- Membership Actions: We identified members who are no longer participating in our ministry and plan to contact them to initiate membership removal.
- Equipping Team: We considered potential individuals to approach to serve on the Equipping Team and help revitalize it.
- Evangelism: We approved 3 versions of church invitation cards to be printed for distribution to our congregation for evangelism efforts.
- Ministry Vision: We appreciate the feedback received regarding the 2026 Ministry Vision. In light of these conversations, we determined it best to pause the current trajectory (started in 2025) and pursue a fresh visioning effort that fully incorporates the congregation's input and explores all potential paths.
As we move forward into this new season, we invite the congregation to join us in prayer regarding the following:
- For Wisdom in a Unified Vision: Please pray for the elders as they "pause" the current vision trajectory to seek a fresh path. Ask God for clarity and humility as they gather input, and pray that the Holy Spirit would unite our entire church body under a shared purpose.
- For Discernment in Shepherding: Pray for the elders and staff—specifically Pastor Jeremiah, Michael Dean, and Kristy Meyer—as they manage daily needs. Pray for Wyatt King as he transitions into his new leadership role. Ask for wisdom as the elders reach out to inactive members, seek new leaders for the Equipping Team, and finalize financial recommendations.
- For Boldness in Outreach: Pray for our upcoming evangelism efforts and the distribution of our new invitation cards. Ask that God would open doors for gospel conversations in our community and that our facilities would continue to be a safe, welcoming space for all.