Discerning the Future Together

Stay Informed and Share Your Thoughts

On the page below you will find:

  1. a summary of the reasons why First Baptist Wheaton is considering the hire of an Associate Pastor of Discipleship and the related financial implications
  2. links to the audio and slides from the presentation given by the leadership board chairs on February 14 and
  3. a link to the web-version of the response card.


We have good reasons to call an Associate Pastor of Discipleship

A) Brings Accountability, Connectivity & Energy to the Our Adult Community

  • Develop an effective adult discipleship strategy.
  • Standardized ABF and small group curriculum so that it is intentional and with purpose.
  • Sync ABF and small group teaching with current Sunday AM sermon series.
  • Formalize ABF and Small group teacher request process.
  • Develop member care network that moves responsibility down to the more intimate ABF and Small group level.
  • Support and give direction to growing College Ministry.

B) Efforts to Develop Teachers

  • Assist in identification of those gifted with teaching.
  • Provide teachers with training on teaching style, content and cultural trending.
  • Model teaching in the classroom.

C) Team With Senior Pastor and Boards to Achieve Overall Mission and Vision

  • Allow for division of four deacon circle responsibilities.
  •      Associate Pastor (Education & Training, Nurture & Accountability)
  •      Senior Pastor (Worship & Celebration, Outreach & Service)
  • Set and achieve short and long term goals for E&T and N&A.
  • Bring a set of complimentary gifts and abilities to Senior Pastor.
  • Provide pulpit relief for Senior Pastor.

But...

We do not have the funds to call an Associate Pastor of Discipleship.

Even without the additional staff position our budget is $40K-45K more than we are currently receiving in offerings. With the addition of an APD, this difference will increase to $125K-130K. For the first year, we would be able to offset some of that difference with funds from designated gifts but cuts to both current staff and long term missions support would need to be made to make up for the rest. These cuts could be as severe as two local staff positions and a percentage decrease across our missionary support.

Click here to see the financial graphs from the congregational chat and listen to the audio.

 

 

What we are asking you…

Thanks to all who submitted a response card. Please plan to attend the next "Discerning Our Future Together" meeting on Friday, March 5 at 7:00pm where a vote will be taken to inform the Executive Board's final decision.