Second annual joint meeting of Middle Governing Body Executives and the General Assembly Council

A New Way for a New Day: 
Moving from Conversation through Challenge towards Change

The Association of Executive Presbyters meeting and the GAC meeting took place jointly September 18–19, 2007. The theme of this meeting grew out of comments, issues and illumination coming from meetings and events that have brought leaders together from all over the church who are not only asking questions about how faithfully to steer the future of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) but are also seeking significant, God-breathed change. 

The goals for this meeting were:

• We hope to build community and connection between MGB personnel and GAC elected and staff, respecting one another’s call and context of service, recognizing our local strengths and our strength in joint ministry.   
• We want to build on some of the foundational work that was done at last year’s meeting in September and at the “Communion and Conversation” event in Albuquerque that arose out of the concerns raised by a number of our MGBs.   
• We hope to create learning communities of practice that both ask the right questions before seeking solutions and continue to work together on creative, generative ideas and action for the benefit of the whole church. 
• We want folks to leave this meeting with high energy, hope and a sense of momentum towards God’s future being built.

Learn about the small group conversations

A number of topics relating to “A New Way for New Day” have arisen out of discussions groups throughout the church over the last year.
These and other topics were identified and brought to this gathering, where attendees participated in small group conversations, raising and answering questions. The outcomes of these conversations are compiled for your review.

Download meeting materials

• Suggested topics
• Report on Mission Funding Task Force
• “Communion & Conversation”
• Beyond the Maze and into the Labyrinth: GAC and MGB Moving Forward in Mission and Ministry
• Beyond the Maze and into a Labyrinth: A New GAC-MGB Partnership
• General Assembly Council Executive Committee Retreat by Jay Hudson
• Vision and Vitality Task Force
• MGB Fall 2007 Survey

Communion and Conversation

Beginning a dialogue on the future of middle governing bodies

The Task Force on Vision and Vitality for Middle Governing Bodies is convening a dialogue about the future identity, mission, funding, staffing, and in some cases, boundaries of our presbyteries and synods. Read about the Albuquerque conference held in February, 2007.

MGB-GAC initiative teams formed

GAC meeting with Presbytery and Synod executives

The September 26-27, 2006, General Assembly Council meeting with synod and presbytery executives opened conversation on a number of issues. A design team, composed mostly of presbytery and synod executives plus some GAC elected and staff, planned the 24 hour meeting using a version of the Appreciative Inquiry process. The meeting concluded with a plan to continue the conversations on ten topics. [Learn more].

Read "Beyond the Maze and into a Labyrinth: A New GAC-MGB Partnership."