This is the first of two scheduled Q&A sessions to give an opportunity for people to ask questions.

 

 

 

Q: Is this happening because Pastor Dan intends to retire?

A: No, this decision is not retirement based. Pastor Dan is looking forward to new opportunities at the East Campus and this is empowering his heart to get back to East fully.

 

Q: When will information for the Special Business meeting be given out?

A: At least two weeks prior to the meeting.

 

Q: What is Charter Membership?

A: Those current members of the West campus who are transferred at the meeting to the “New Church” membership. If they don’t show up, they can still have their membership transferred later.

Q: Will the new General Council Church (formerly West) still be part of the Assemblies of God and adhere to the same 16 fundamental truths?

A: Yes.

Q: The verbiage says that at the meeting they will ratify the Official Board with identifying term limits, fill Board positions, etc. At that time, will the members need to re-vote in current Board Members?

 

Q: In our Constitution & Bylaws: Article 6, Section 2, regarding the Official Board, it says that a Secretary and Treasurer will be appointed by the Board. In the meeting, will this also be appointed?

A: David Moore is the current Secretary for Lapeer Assembly of God. The structure has been that whoever oversees the books is selected as the Treasurer, who is currently Sue Burger. This does not have to be decided in the meeting. The Board will meet, and they can internally decide who they want as the Secretary. These positions are NOT decided by membership, but by the Board themselves.

 

Q: Did the Board consider keeping one building, creating one campus, and selling the other?

A: Ultimately no. This is the heart of both Pastor Dan and Pastor Brandon to establish two different churches with the opportunity to grow. They have prayed about these things, and this is the direction the Lord has given them. Two separate entities doesn’t mean that we will not have a cooperative nature between both churches. If the “yes” vote carries, the assets both financially and materially will be divided in half. Both Pastors just want the Lord’s will, separate but not separated in heart. Pastor Dan mentioned that he has finished what the Lord placed within his heart for the West Campus and has felt that it’s time for something different to happen. Both Pastor’s clarified that they are not trying to make it seem like an ultimatum with no other options, that is not the heart. Our hearts are to present the vision and see if membership agrees.”

 

Q: What will Wednesdays look like moving forward?

A: In the event this goes through, Wednesdays will be separate, immediately. Both campuses will need to have those separate identities. Understanding this will be difficult in the beginning. There will be opportunities to share in ministry together in the future.

 

Q:Will there be an opportunity before April 27^th for current members of the West Campus to meet and pre-discuss any of the Bylaws or potential changes desired, so members have an idea of what will be changed going into it?

A: This will be considered and discussed further at staff level to see if it is something that we are able to do.

 

Q: What about Fellowship Groups?

A: Currently, there is no intention of making any changes to Fellowship Groups at this time. What will more than likely happen over time is that we will see this natural change take place.

 

Q: Does West have its own checking account now?

A: No.

 

Q: If this goes through, we might not have things set in place for the Children’s Ministry yet. Will Wednesdays stay together until then? Or will Kid’s classes be up and running right away?

A: The plan would be that by that date, some things may be planned to have those volunteers in place. We want to have things already in place and people willing to help through the transition time. This will be a call to all of us to rally around our Kids Ministry, as well as the Youth & Young Adults. We don’t know how it will look initially but we are praying that God will fill in those gaps for us. We will begin to see people wanting to step up and be motivated to move in and help in some of these places of need.

 

Q:I want to hear the name of the new church.

A: No name presented yet.

 

Q: Is there a plan in place to replace Pastor Donnie?

A: Honestly, there is a need for this capacity at both campuses, but for a moment we may just need to settle in to figure out who we are and what we need before we bring in the next person. Absolutely intend to move forward with that when it’s time. Pastor Dan stated that his intention is to “staff for where we are going, not where we are at.”

 

Q: Will donations to Missionaries be split?

A: Our current plan is to take all our Missionaries and split them 50/50 in support. Over time those amounts can be adjusted at each campus as they see fit, but initially the support to those ministries will not change.

 

Q: Will the congregation have to vote in Pastor Vic as well as Pastor Brandon?

A: Pastor Brandon will be ratified at the meeting. All Pastoral staff and additional staff are hired by the Lead Pastor and does not need to be part of this Special Business Meeting.

 

Q: Who “owns” or would own the West Campus “if” there was ever reason to sell?

A: Lapeer Assembly of God (Legal Membership) has the deed to the property.

 

Q: How about after the separation?

A: Property is deeded from Lapeer Assembly of God to the “New Name” Assembly of God.There is an option of putting in the By-Laws of “New Name” Assembly of God, a clause of returning assets to Lapeer Assembly of God if there was ever an unforeseen complication.  Property has no debt and is free & clear.

 

Q: What about individuals who want to switch campuses?

A: Pastor Dan’s encouragement – do not make decisions based on relationship and emotion. Ask the Lord – where am I going to be the most beneficial to your Kingdom? Keep asking this in prayer and ask for the Lord’s direction. That is where the grace will be and that is where you will be the most useful. It’s about HIS kingdom, not ours.