May 2005: Gospel Evangel

IN-MI Conference Listening/Redesign Team formed

The IN-MI Executive Committee (EC) has named a team of people from the broader conference constituency to create and lead a process of listening and redesign for the conference as part of a proposal titled “God is on the move.”

Members are Martha Yoder Maust (chair), Shalom Mennonite, Indianapolis; Rolando Sosa, Iglesia Menonita del Buen Pastor, Goshen, Ind.; Dan Miller, Marion Mennonite, Shipshewana, Ind.; Tim Miller, Rexton Mennonite and Naubinway (Mich.) Mennonite Fellowship; Deb Lange-Kuitse, Walnut Hill Mennonite, Goshen; Lana Miller, Waterford Mennonite, Goshen; and Brent Eash as EC representative. Sherm Kauffman, executive conference minister, will serve as staff as a nonvoting member.

The proposal calls for this team to hear our stories, listen for Jesus in our midst and think creatively about ways to move our conference in a more missional direction, individually and collectively. Delegates heard a report on the proposal at cluster meetings in February and March. The team’s work before June 16 will determine the extent to which delegates will engage the process at annual sessions. (The team will meet for the first time April 30.)

The EC took action on April 1 to approve using up to $25,000 from estate funds to support the work of the team (for consultant fees, travel costs, etc.).