This week the Elders have started meeting with staff in smaller, more intimate groups that we are calling circles. These voluntary circles provide an opportunity for staff to express their concerns and how they have been hurt. Our hope is that these circles will enable healing to occur for each staff member who wishes to participate. For now, we have elder circles for staff scheduled through mid-July and will continue them as long as they are needed.

As we stated in our last update, as part of our research and development (R&D) work, the elders, executive staff, and advisory council continue meeting with outside experts and advisors who have valuable experience in church leadership, governance models, and guiding churches through significant change. Their advice has been invaluable in helping the ELT and Sr. Leadership pursue deeper knowledge and understanding in each of these areas. We are tremendously grateful for all of the people that have given of their time and talent to help Eastview move toward a better, healthier church. Work has already begun in several of the repair priorities identified in the investigation report, and details will be shared in future updates.

We understand that many in our church family want to know why ECC’s elders and executive leadership have not announced information regarding decisions and future direction yet. When the investigation began, we agreed with our advisors’ coaching that important decisions made before the report’s release would be premature. Since June 4, we have spent substantial time reviewing and processing the recommendations from the investigation. On July 16, the elders, executive team/advisory council will meet in a retreat led by members (male and female) of the external executive coaching team. Much of that day will be devoted to some of the important topics we listed in the June 17 elder update: ECC’s leadership and governance models, the composition of the elder board, methods of accountability to the board and board accountability to the church, and the potential for plurality of teaching/preaching voices. Most of these are important to determine before a search for new pastor(s) can begin. Our desire is to come to decisions where possible, but we are determined not to rush the process.

We continue to pray daily for Eastview and for the Holy Spirit’s leading. We are deeply grateful for the impact for Christ our church has made and continues to make in our community for the sake of the gospel.