Vision Team Implementation Results in Change in the Division of Homeland Ministries

INDIANAPOLIS, July 31, 2002 -- In November 2001, the Division of Homeland Ministries' Vision Team recommended a strategic plan that would solidify and focus the units ministries. The key priorities identified were: leadership development and congregational life and vitality. Further, the Vision Team and Homeland Ministries Board of Directors identified the need to conduct an analysis of ministries and personnel in light of the established priorities and to determine how all the ministries will support and contribute to the new mission and priorities.

At its May 2002 meeting, DHM's Board received this analysis and evaluation from interim president Raymond Brown. "If we are to be responsible for leading both leadership development and congregational vitality, we must have ministries and staff that understand the vision, lead with passion and implement actions that position DHM to do ministry on behalf of the whole church," said Brown.

During this same time period, the International Christian Women's Fellowship was also involved in a visioning assessment. ICWF leadership consulted with Brown regarding the direction for the Office of Disciples Women as one of their key leaders had announced her retirement.

The ministry evaluation and consultation with ICWF have lead to the following staff changes:

Office of Disciples Women

Carol Q. Cosby - Director for Social Action Networks - retirement, December 31, 2002 (previously announced)
Ellen Frost - Director of Women's Ministries - retirement, January 31, 2003
Janis Brown - Director of Communication, Education and Ministry with African-American Women's Networks - resigned, effective January 31, 2003

Office of Disciples Men

David McCracken - Director of Men's Ministries - resigned effective January 31, 2003

Black Ministries

Charles Webb, Jr. Director of Black Ministries - resigned, effective January 31, 2003

Finance

Judy Hedges, Assistant to the Vice President for Finance - retiring, September 30, 2002

Search and Call Office

Sheila Fuller Administrative Assistant - resigned, effective August 9, 2002, to start her own business

Staff will continue to serve their ministries through the identified dates. Arnold Nelson, incoming president for DHM will continue implementation of the Vision Team recommendations with key leadership to support DHM's mission. Nelson begins as DHM president August 1, 2002.

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Contact: Melinda Mains
317-713-2496
mmains@cm.disciples.org