Mission Study

As part of the transition process, First Pres began a Mission Study in June 2009. This is an opportunity for us to evaluate our ministries and goals, hear from everyone in the church, and write a document that helps us consider our future together. This process can take at least 8 months or longer for a church of our size, and is a necessary step and valuable tool in preparing us to call and receive a new senior pastor. To read more about the Mission Study process, download the Presbytery's Mission Study Guide. 

The Mission Study Team (MST) facilitates this process. The Team was commissioned in worship services on June 7, 2009; their first official meeting was June 14. Last summer, the MST worked with the Presbytery's Healthy Congregations resources and planned the Mission Study process, including an outline of steps to complete the Mission Study; click here to read the outline. The writing process began in January 2010; the MST gathered additional data via a few focus groups, interviews, and other resources in March and April. The team completed the envisioning process in April and May, and finalized the report to deliver it to Session in mid-June. The Mission Study report was approved by Session on June 15, 2010, and has been forwarded to the SF Presbytery for approval. Pending SF Presbytery approval, Session is determining how the final report will be shared with the congregation.

The Mission Study Team developed and approved the following goals in July 2009, that have guided its efforts throughout the past year:

The goal of the Mission Study Team (MST) is to study and report on the past and current culture and health of our congregation, and to provide a future strategic direction for our church over the next 5-7 years. The report will guide the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) in its search for our next senior pastor, and support our church leaders and pastoral staff in accomplishing our church's ministry objectives.

Our work process will involve a wide sampling of our leaders, members, regular attendees, occasional visitors, broadcast listeners, and community. We hope to provide a forum for honest and candid feedback of church experiences and hopes for our future church. The study builds upon our foundation as a worshiping, caring, equipping, and witnessing community for the glory of God in Christ Jesus.

In all of our efforts, we will continue to strive to be transparent, inclusive, and Christ-centered in our interactions. We will actively look to Christ to lead us toward His plan for our church.

The Mission Study Team is listed below:

Sue Burger, Co-Chair
Clark Sept, Co-Chair
Arlene Acuna
Lillian Chan
Rich Crandall
David Kelley
Jackie Mowat
Anita Ogden
Helen Yoon

For more information, please email preparation@fpcberkeley.org.