Our Re-Visioning Process

A process for "re-visioning" the "purpose and direction" of First United Methodist Church in Hutchinson, Kansas has been through the official channels and is now in the process of being implemented. It was formally approved at by Church Council in October and then at Church Conference in November.

The basic elements of this process are:

• Take six months (January to June 2009) to discern, discover, and decide what we believe to be God’s purpose and direction for First United Methodist Church.

• Authorize a “Re-Vision Team,” consisting of no more than twelve persons (not counting the pastor and staff) to lead the congregation in an intentional and intensive process to “re-vision” the life and work of the congregation, including how we are governed and guided. The pastor and staff are involved in this process, but without the privilege of voting. The “Re-Vision Team” was to include no more than six members of the current Church Council. [It actually has turned out to be a "baker's dozen," including a good mix of more established church members and newer members or constituents of the church. There is no one above the age of sixty five, which has reportedly caused some concern.]

• During its existence, the “Re-Vision Team” will fulfill the disciplinary responsibilities of the Church Council and the Committee on Nominations and Leadership Development (the onetime Committee on Nominations). This means that the Re-Vision Team can act on behalf of the congregation, and they can nominate and elect persons as needed for various ministries and responsibilities.

• Any restructuring recommendations for how the church is governed and guided will be in accord with the Book of Discipline and will need to be approved by a called Church Conference before being implemented.