As part of Wagenmaker and Oberly’s ongoing restorative involvement with ECC, this week Kellye Fabian Story facilitated another one of the scheduled sessions/trainings with the staff. The current plan is to hold similar sessions monthly.

To better understand the extent to which women on ECC’s staff feel valued and/or are perceived to be valued, an anonymous survey has been sent to the entire staff to complete if they wish and remains underway.

The ELT is continuing its work with 3^rdparty advisors to examine the church’s governance policies for robust accountability and healthy, reliable communication between the Elders, Sr. Leadership, and staff. We have made significant progress in several important areas, and we look forward to being able to share more information soon.

Over the past several weeks, the elders have met in person with many in our church family—individuals, couples, small groups, etc. Sitting together, we have had the opportunity to answer questions and address concerns from people who dearly love the Lord, Eastview, and her gospel mission. We have been really blessed and encouraged by these genuine, open conversations, and we are trying to figure out the best sustainable way to do more of them in a church our size.

One of the questions raised was, “Why has it been so long since we’ve heard directly from the elders?” Great question. When this difficult season started, the elders and executive leaders determined that one of the most important ways we could show love and care for the church was to keep the focus of every Sunday worship experience on the one we follow—Jesus Christ. Because presenting regularly from the stage would distract us all from worship, the elders committed to posting updates to the church family on ECC’s website. With rare exceptions, we have posted every week—most often on Fridays—and we will continue to do so.

Another important question that has been raised is about the health of Eastview’s finances. Plainly and clearly, the elders want to assure the church that Eastview’s financial standing has never been more solid. We are tremendously blessed. As of the end of the 3^rdquarter (May 31), both weekly attendance and average weekly giving were slightly higher year over year,and we rightly give all credit and honor to God for His provision.