November/December 2005: Gospel Evangel

Listening and Redesign Team chooses consultant

by Martha Yoder Maust, chair, Listening and Redesign Team

The IN-MI Listening and Redesign Team continues its work behind the scenes. Vic Stoltzfus has filled the vacancy left by Deb Lange-Kuitse. After considering several consultants, the team has selected Gil Rendle of the Alban Institute, who has done consulting work with conferences (or districts, or synods) in other denominations as well as with some Mennonite groups.

Gil was a pastor before becoming a consultant. He is a good listener and is committed to helping churches through planning and redesigning processes. He will begin meeting with the team in the spring, and in the meantime he will be available to us by phone as we prepare for regional cluster meetings in February and March.

Our listening to date has been helpful in clarifying our understanding of the strengths that we have and of the challenges we face as a conference. Please continue to pray for the Listening and Redesign Team, for the Listening and Redesign process, and for our community of congregations as we seek to hear God’s voice for the work ahead.

-- Martha Yoder Maust attends Shalom Mennonite in Indianapolis.