By most accounts, the presentation of the Strategic Direction report by Dr. Bob Logan represented a pivotal moment. After a month of targeted consultation with the contracted services of Logan Leadership, Then Executive Presbyter Dr. Ken Baker presented a draft of the Strategic Direction that was unanimously approved at the stated meeting held on February 27 of, 2018, at First Presbyterian Church of Newhall.According to the minutes, Bob and Ken “presented recommendations for a new direction for San Fernando Presbytery. The Presbytery membership has been in decline ever since it was founded. If we continue to function as we have in the past, we will only see more churches close EP Baker presented a document entitled ‘REAL Fruitfulness: Proposed Action Steps.’”
The actions fall within under six general categories:
- “Return to our roots.”
- “Provide compassionate care for existing congregations.”
- “Develop an experimental disciple-making network.”
- “Strengthen lay and pastoral leadership.”
- “Maximize financial and physical assets.”
- “prioritize staff to facilitate this ministry transition.”
As the document was further refined, it became known as the “Strategic Direction.” That document was tremendously influential in developing the three goals that since 2021 have guided our efforts:
- Supporting our churches to experience increased vitality.
- Drawing more people to worship.
- Engaging people from the broad diversity present in our neighborhoods and cities.
It is hard to believe that five years have passed since that critical meeting. In preparation for our next Presbytery meeting to be held on February 28 at 5 PM, I could not help but laugh at the “coincidence” that will take place at the precise location where we received the Logan Report. With that in mind, let me invite you to:
- Make plans to participate in the meeting if you still need to. I will dedicate my report to where we are five years later.
- Read about the connections between the Strategic Direction and the chartering of our most recently chartered church in this article by the Presbyterian News Service. (5 minutes)
- Watch Dr. Bob Logan’s presentation to our Presbytery almost five years ago. (48 minutes)
I am most grateful for who we are in Jesus and the good work that the Spirit enables us to do together.