wfn.org | Vision Team Implementation Results in Change in the

["Communication Ministries" <wshuffit@cm.disciples.org>]

Division of Homeland Ministries
Date:  July 31, 2002
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact:  Melinda Mains
Phone: 317-713-2496
E-mail: mmains@cm.disciples.org
on the Web: http://www.disciples.org

INDIANAPOLIS, July 31, 2002 -- In November 2001, the
Division of Homeland Ministries' Vision Team recommended a
strategic plan that would solidify and focus the units
ministries. The key priorities identified were: leadership
development and congregational life and vitality. Further,
the Vision Team and Homeland Ministries Board of Directors
identified the need to conduct an analysis of ministries
and personnel in light of the established priorities and to
determine how all the ministries will support and
contribute to the new mission and priorities. 

At its May 2002 meeting, DHM's Board received this analysis
and evaluation from interim president Raymond Brown. "If we
are to be responsible for leading both leadership
development and congregational vitality, we must have
ministries and staff that understand the vision, lead with
passion and implement actions that position DHM to do
ministry on behalf of the whole church," said Brown.

During this same time period, the International Christian
Women's Fellowship was also involved in a visioning
assessment. ICWF leadership consulted with Brown regarding
the direction for the Office of Disciples Women as one of
their key leaders had announced her retirement.

The ministry evaluation and consultation with ICWF have
lead to the following staff changes:

Office of Disciples Women
       Carol Q. Cosby - Director for Social Action Networks
- retirement,        December 31, 2002 (previously
announced)
       Ellen Frost - Director of Women's Ministries -
retirement, January 31,        2003
       Janis Brown - Director of Communication, Education
and Ministry with        African-American Women's Networks
- resigned, effective January 31,        2003
Office of Disciples Men
       David McCracken - Director of Men's Ministries -
resigned effective        January 31, 2003
Black Ministries
       Charles Webb, Jr.  Director of Black Ministries -
resigned, effective        January 31, 2003
Finance
       Judy Hedges, Assistant to the Vice President for
Finance - retiring,        September 30, 2002
Search and Call Office
       Sheila Fuller Administrative Assistant - resigned,
effective August 9,        2002, to start her own business

Staff will continue to serve their ministries through the
identified dates.  Arnold Nelson, incoming president for
DHM will continue implementation of the Vision Team
recommendations with key leadership to support DHM's
mission. Nelson begins as DHM president August 1, 2002.

                                                    -- end--
02-75

Contact: Melinda Mains
317-713-2496
mmains@cm.disciples.org