New Constitution

Tonight is the big night. I guess you could say that “transition” ends tonight and a new era begins. After 7 challenging and rewarding years we vote to change our constitution. I guess change is not the best description. We are adopting an entirely new document. We spent several years trying to make changes until we realized that the entire document needed to change. It is a seismic shift from “congregational rule” to “elder rule”. Who would have believed it? I have learned a lot on this leg of the journey. I wouldn’t want to do it again but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

I want to thank those of you who have prayed and helped us along the way. We have invested hundreds of hours in this project. Some that helped have moved away or moved on. They deserve our gratitude as well. Gus Sareyka really spearheaded this project for me. He kept it going and allowed me to focus on what God has called me to do. Shari Kelley was our tireless editor and we thank God for her every day. She is one of the smartest people I know. Thanks to our attorneys (especially Peggy) at Anthony and Middlebrook for their guidance and the 10 plus pages of IRS language they added to our document. Our board of deacons (soon to be elders) deserves a lot of credit for burning the midnight oil on this project. This never pushes through without their courage and support. Finally, Michelle has encouraged me all along the way not to waver on the vision God has given. She is amazing, supportive, and beautiful… she listens to my dreams and my crazy ideas and still takes the time to read my blog. You are the best part of my life.

God gets all the glory for this. It’s his church…his bride…his hope for the world knowing about Jesus. It is ultimately his dream for the Delaware Valley to have Fellowship shine the light. God may it always be about you and never about us…