After many hours spent discussing the conference minister position and a very comprehensive search process, the Search Committee and the Leadership Team are in agreement that hiring someone at a half-time capacity is not a healthy thing for any candidate or the Conference at this time.

We apologize to the Conference staff and to those of you who have counseled us from the beginning that half-time was not a good idea. The plus side is that this discussion has helped us to focus on what it is we really expect from this position and where we as a Conference hope to direct our efforts.

The Leadership Team is committed to continuing to look for ways we can adjust staff responsibilities and workloads that will allow us to create what we believe will be an effective and sustainable job description for the conference minister.  At the same time, we will do our best to continue to offer our congregations the support they need and maintain the energy and momentum that the Gathered and Sent initiatives have brought to the Conference.

Thank you for your prayers and counsel, and we ask you to continue to support us in the coming months as we move forward in the process of finding a conference minister.

Ohio Conference Leadership Team

Bob Sauder, moderator

Thomas Dunn, assistant moderator

Mel Hathaway, Gifts Discernment Ministry chair

Melanie Miller, Stewardship Ministry co-chair

J. Andrew Stoner, Credentialing Ministry chair