Transition Updates
Finances: Our part-time ChiefFinancial Officer, Brian Noel, joined the team the first week of March. Although he’s been on the job less than a month, Brian’s expertise has allowed for a seamless transition from the work Jim Zins provided. He has already built useful reports and tools to inform us on key financial metrics. For those who would like a copy of the slide deck presented at the AllCongregation Budget meeting held on March 1, please email mailin.young@vineyardcolumbus.org. For physical copies of the full Audit Report, please go to the info desk or request a copy from your campus pastor.
ElementalGroup Update: Dave Workman of The Elemental Group is continuing work to assess the culture of Vineyard Columbus. The Elemental Group is an external consulting organization that supports listening assessment and organizational health for churches and not-for-profits. This effort will helpus better understand the issues of the last year and help us as we move forward.
He is interviewing 25 people. Most of those interviews are complete, resulting in 700 pages of transcripts so far. The restare expected to be completed by March 24. He’s told us:
“Overall, everyone seems open, honest, andcomfortable sharing their views."
Once we receive his report, we will share an executive summary with you.
Incase you are interested, Dave’s interviews include these questions:
· How did you connect with theVineyard…and what originally drew you to this community?
· In your time here, what havebeen the 'high-water marks' or the seasons where you felt the church was mostaligned with its mission?
· How would you describe the'unwritten rules' of how things get done at VCC?
· If VCC were a person, whatthree adjectives would you use to describe its personality right now?
· In your view, what are thecore values that are actually lived out here, versus the ones that are just onthe website?
· Regarding the challenges ofthe last few years—from your vantage point, what do you think was the 'turning point' where things began to feel strained?
· When conflict ordisagreement arises, how is it typically handled? Is it addressed directly, ordoes it tend to go 'underground'?
· What do you feel is thebiggest barrier to health or unity in the organization right now?
· If you had a magic wand andcould change one specific aspect of the organizational culture tomorrow, whatwould it be?
· What is the one thingVCC must preserve as it moves through this transition?
· Is there anything I haven'tasked you that you feel is essential for me to understand?
Community Center Update(Immigration Counseling Services): At Vineyard Community Center, our commitment to immigrant andrefugee neighbors remains unwavering. Our call to welcome the stranger and walkalongside those navigating complex systems continues to guide us. As we lookahead, we are realigning how we serve immigrant communities by focusing onsustainable, partnership-based models that allow us to expand impact whilestewarding our resources responsibly.
In this next season, we will focus on:
- Expanding asylum clinics in partnership with trusted local legal organizations (offering more than eight clinics annually)
- Continuing free health clinics
- Sustaining and growing our food pantry services
- Providing ESL (English as a Second Language) programming
- Deepening community connection, support, and resource navigation
We will be discontinuing Immigration Counseling Services in its current model of directlegal representation. Our immigration attorney, Jeanine Winfrey and our paralegal,Brenna Skinner will be transitioning off staff. Jeanine has faithfully served our community for over eight years, providing compassionate and skilled legal guidance to individuals and families navigating complex immigration processes. Brenna has also played an important role in supporting this workover the past year, helping serve individuals and families navigating the immigration system.
If you are interestedin helping friends in our immigrant community, please email laura.weiant@vineyardcolumbus.org
SmallGroup Finder: If you are not already participating in a small group, the Small Group Finderis also fully functional. We encourage you to use this tool to get connected with a group that matches your interests.
We are continuing to update the Senior Pastor Transition page where wecan review Frequently Asked Questions about the past year. You are also welcome to submit additional questions.
Wewould appreciate your prayers for:
· Thanks for our God who restores and redeems
· Wisdom and discernment in selecting the interim pastor
· God’s patient grace and favor on our church and its mission
· Humility, trust peace and love in our church
Thank you for your prayers, your patience, and your love for this church.
With gratitude and hope,
Senior Leadership Team
Vineyard Columbus