My observations of our current structure suggest two basic challenges: 1) We have asked our leaders, especially our Elders, to take on such a huge number and diversity of tasks with such limited resources that we set them up for failure. This is not at all to say that they have failed, just that we have established less than optimum conditions for success. 2) Our current structure and our current bylaws are not in alignment. Our last structure revision was not accompanied by revisions in our bylaws. This sometimes leads to discrepancies between what we want or need to do and what we can do. For example, our current structure has us electing Elders whose portfolios (experience and training) match particular areas of need in our missional areas, not geographic areas. As a result of this, we have begun to use the title "Elder Elected by a Region" instead of "Elder Serving a Region." Our bylaws, however, still require that we nominate and elect Elders whose primary responsibility is to serve particular regions and support the local congregations in those regions.
 
The new structure proposal addresses both of those concerns fully. You can see how by visiting the MCC Structure Review site.
 
Even more exciting to me is the way that the current proposal calls for us to structure the denomination very similarly to the way our local congregations are structured. Our Moderator, in effect, becomes our Pastor, elected by the General Conference, ie. the congregation. The role of the Moderator is as follows: The Moderator, as MCC's spiritual leader, will be the primary spokesperson, visionary and futurist and to advance the mission and vision of MCC worldwide through the exercise of prophetic challenge, creativity, spiritual authority, and leadership. In the proposed structure, the Moderator also will serve as head of staff and MCC's Chief Executive Officer.
 
The new Governing Board becomes, effectively, the Board of Directors of MCC, and their responsibilities correspond to a local Board's responsibilities: 1) Policy Governance 2) Strategic Direction 3) Fiduciary Accountability 4) Management Oversight.
 
The Board of Elders will be dissolved in its current form, though we will continue to have Elders who serve in a pastoral role and direct the spiritual life and journey of MCC. Collectively, the Elders will serve with the Moderator to form a Council of Elders. To continue the analogy, we can say that the Council of Elders is the pastoral staff of a local congregation.
 
Bottom line, I feel the new structure represents a faithful commitment to ensuring the relevance and vitality of MCC Churches. I believe it has been discerned through prayer and shared wisdom from within and without our denomination. I believe it is founded on current and important information about church dynamics, especially in relation to size and size transitions. I believe it honors traditions, our own traditions as well as those of Christ's Church through the centuries.
 
Perfect? Of course not. But I believe it is a faithful first step in a good direction, and I can say with Paul, that "I am confident of this very thing, that God who began a good work in us will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ."
 
See, we don't have to be perfect, just faithful.