by Barb Gibbs

The Search Committee is continuing to move forward. We have provided numerous opportunities for congregational feedback. Our members led and/or participated in the following activities:

 

  • February 1: Chalk Talk Service
    • Congregants were given three questions to consider (see further information below)
  • February 8: All Board Kick-Off, with about 20 people in attendance.
    • Provided an overview of the Search Process
    • Talked about the “search landscape” in the Florida UCC
    • Did forced-choice exercise to help people consider desired competencies
    • Solicited input for future interview questions
  • February 15: Seminar, with approximately 30 people in attendance.
    • Similar discussion to All Board Kick-Off
    • We shared information and provided opportunity for questions
    • The attendees did the forced-choice exercise
  • February 19: Church Council
    • Lindsey Telg discussed development of the job description with a generally positive response
    • Concerns were voiced about decision-making in the co-ministry model
    • March 8: Donna held two sessions to provide additional information and opportunities for questions about this model
  • Various dates in February
    • Visited every board that meets on a regular monthly basis, gathered specific information for church profile, and answered questions
    • Three Zoom listening sessions: answered questions, gathered feedback
    • Men’s and women’s lunch group visits: answered questions, gathered feedback

 

UCG members are not shy about sharing their opinions and ideas. The overarching feedback from these meetings was the desire for a strong preacher (although there was great discrepancy in what constitutes a good sermon) and for a minister with effective relational skills. There were many other comments that have been noted for future reference.

The questions and summaries of the Chalk Talk responses can be found here. Note: because of the large volume of responses, an AI tool supported the analysis and summaries; however, Cody Gusto manually edited and revised the language as appropriate.

The Search Committee is currently reviewing the draft church profile and we are aiming for the first part of April to post it.