January 24, 2007

TO:  Pastors, Moderators, Officers and Friends of Area V Churches
RE:  Structure & Decision Making Seminar

I can’t count how many times different Pastors and leaders in the churches of Area V have asked about ways in which to restructure the church so that ministry would be empowered.  And there are always questions about how “should” decisions be made in the church and how the constitution is or is not working.  For many leaders in the church it is a startling reality that the structure that was created years ago or for that matter last year doesn’t respond to the current ministry context.

To address some of these concerns and issues, the Area V Program Board asked FBC-East Alton to host this seminar and they graciously accepted.  On Saturday, February 10, 2007   Dr. Dwight Stinnett, our executive minister  will be presenting a seminar that will explore some of the questions that must be addressed when a church engages the  sometimes difficult task of changing  structures and reshaping decision making processes.
This seminar will be hosted by First Baptist Church East Alton and the cost of this event is being underwritten by your churches gifts to Area V and United Mission. The modest registration fee is to help with the cost of lunch (which will be provided) and morning/break time refreshments.

The day will start at 9:30 a.m. with coffee and rolls.  We will conclude around 3:00 p.m.  Please note that there will be a follow-up session for this event that will allow seminar participants an opportunity to come back to ask additional questions and/or discuss concerns and issues that developed during the implementation of some of the presented strategies.  The date for that follow-up session is Saturday, April 28, 2007 so note this in your calendars today!

I would like to keep registration simple. Please email me with the name(s) and contact information for the persons who are attending and then bring the $5.00 registration fee to the seminar.  Pre-Registration is important -- we want to have enough material and food!  The host pastor, Homer Hanshaw and I look forward to seeing you at the seminar on Saturday, February 10th at FBC of East Alton. A flyer announcing the seminar is attached.

Peace