The Ripple Effect

Ever notice how a change in one place is connected to or creates change in another? It’s the ripple effect. As we live into the new ministry design for Cherokee Presbytery, we will begin to see the ripple effect in action. We are already beginning to see the implications of our paradigm shift, and the new behaviors it requires of us. Here are some of the things I’m noticing:

• A flat structure and dispersed authority facilitate the mission of the presbytery and offer the opportunity for us to build relationships and engage in theological discussion rather than always be engaged in gate-keeping and business matters. Behaviorally this means that our Ministry Teams get to make more decisions, and we (as Presbyters) are going to have to extend more trust to those Ministry Teams… HOWEVER, this also means that we can and should be in communication with the various team leaders when there is an issue of interest or concern to us. All this to say that – if you have questions or suggestions about matters that a team is working on, it is OK — and even preferable — to contact them directly and discuss it. Betty Cheek has included the team members’ names in the Handbook for the Stated Presbytery Meeting at Bethany Presbyterian Church on July 25, 2009 along with each team’s report to facilitate just such connections.

• As we have trimmed the Presbytery budget and shifted away from centralized funding of ministries, it gives each congregation the opportunity to direct some of the support that previously went to unified giving to missions and ministries that God has particularly laid upon their hearts. The other side of this increased freedom is an increased responsibility to understand and support those ministries that were previously funded without much thought. Those ministries that were previously supported by the unified giving that now rely solely on direct support from congregations and individuals are: Campus Ministry (currently at Kennesaw State University, Berry and Shorter Colleges), Cherokee Retreat Center, New Church Development, P.A.T.H., Presbyterian Homes, Small Church Redevelopment, and Thornwell Children’s Home. Gifts directed to these ministries may still be submitted to the Presbytery for pass through if you wish – they are just no longer budgeted support through the Presbytery’s general budget.

• Because the rules have changed and because they are so new, there is more than the usual amount of confusion as we approach our work together. But I’m noticing that there is also more than the usual amount of creativity that has been unleashed. The various teams are energized by the Spirit as they approach their ministry tasks.

Although the changes we have undertaken can (and will) be a bit disorienting and stressful, but “the Spirit blows where it will” If we can let go of our fears and abandon ourselves to the movement of the Spirit, just think of the thrilling ride that we will experience!

So, what ripples are YOU noticing? Hit “comment” and share your observations and thoughts.

Rebecca