Study Committee at Work

We have taken the first step necessary for Salem's future construction, establishing a Study Committee. Anna Dunnwald, Kristy Flack, Dave Jandik, Dan Whitaker, Kathy Wickham, and I are working together to meet the requirements of The Book of Discipline (2008). ¶2543 Planning and Financing Requirements for Local Church Buildings mandates a Study Committee to analyze the needs of the church and community; project the potential membership with average attendance; write up the church’s program of ministry; and develop an accessibility plan. After the Study Committee finishes its work, it presents its report to the Charge Conference in order to authorize the building project and elect a Building Committee. 

Direct Hit: Aiming Real Leaders at the Mission FieldIn order to accomplish our task, we are using a congregational study from the book Direct Hit: Aiming Real Leaders at the Mission Field by Paul D. Borden [Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2006] p. 127ff. This detailed study examines Salem’s history, demographics, community, beliefs and practices, and gathers important documents. Copies of the study are available on Salem's website. 

We have met twice in order to get organized and prepared. Now we are using the month of June to do the research and to gather the necessary information. We will begin putting that data together in written form in July. 

When the research has been compiled but before the Charge Conference occurs, the Leadership Board and Staff will have a conversation with the Study Committee. After looking at the research, we will answer the following questions:
  • What are the three greatest strengths of this congregation?
  • What are the three most significant weaknesses of your church?
  • What three changes would you like to see made in your church?
  • Do the leaders want this congregation to grow significantly?
  • Are the leaders willing to make the difficult decisions required for change and growth?
Again, after the study is completed and and the requirements from the Discipline are fully met, this information will be shared with the Charge Conference in order to authorize the building project and elect a Building Committee. Drawing on this preliminary work of the Study Committee, it will be the responsibility of the Building Committee to determine the building facilities we need and to work with an architect to develop preliminary plans. And all of that will come before the congregation too. We will have several Church Conferences throughout this process! 

Therefore, please note that the Study Committee will not determine what Salem will build or even what a majority of people in the congregation want to build. A recommendation from the Study Committee will be based on the gathered facts not opinions. This research is necessary in order to build a foundation from which we can make good decisions. 

This is an exciting time for Salem. I invite you to pray for the Study Committee. This is vital work that will help us decide how we should move forward.

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