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Dear Fellow Congregants,
Over the past several months, our Human Resources (HR) Committee has engaged in a process of soliciting advice and best practices from a variety of experts (both inside and outside our church community) on how best to revitalize our Youth and Children programs. This deliberation comes in the context of clear recognition that we need to attract younger families to MPBC, along with an exciting and universal vibe that we are ready to roll up our sleeves to make that happen.
After careful discussion, our leadership and HR team believe that before moving forward with a new staff hire in the Youth or Children ministries, we must first establish a stronger and more sustainable foundation to support such a role.
As a prelude to attempting to make such a hire, we are committing to a few more months of intentional groundwork. This will include:
- Strengthening and growing an expanded team of volunteers who feel called to serve children, youth, and families, to supplement the current noteworthy and dedicated efforts of Eve Bilbrey and the Children's volunteer team and Dane Jordan with Youth.
- Creating more opportunities and events that welcome and engage young families.
- Developing stronger connections across our campus, particularly with the Cornwell Center and Through-the-Week School, both of which are already rich with youthful energy and participation, and establishing clearer pathways for families connected to these areas to become more involved in the life of our church.
- Allowing for our new Interim Senior Minister and new Interim Minister of Music and Worship to settle in.
- Gauging progress of our Senior Minister search and enabling us to coordinate any new Youth or Children-related hires with learnings from that Senior Minister search.
- Prioritizing our spending of our limited financial resources.
We believe this approach will allow us to grow in a healthy, sustainable way so that when the time is right to hire a Youth or Children's minister, that person will step into a supportive, energized, and thriving environment.
We will continue to evaluate the situation as 2026 progresses and will keep the congregation posted of our discernment. In the meantime, we invite you to be part of this important work. Whether through volunteering, participating in new initiatives, or simply offering your encouragement and prayers, your involvement will be essential as we take these next steps together.
I am always open to further discussing this topic. Please do not hesitate to contact me at cshlaw80@gmail.com or 513-702-8906.
With gratitude and hope,
Craig Hopewell, Deacon
Chair, Ministry of Human Resources
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