Dear Converge Northwest Pastors:

We would like your help. Across the country, we are entering an exciting process to create a stronger ministry. Please read the letter below from our President, Scott Ridout that will explain the Converge National Diversity Survey of Church Pastors. We would like to hear from every pastor in Converge Northwest as we prepare for a district assessment. You can complete the survey in preparation of CNW's Assessment, taking place July 10-12.

LINK to Survey:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ConvergePastorSurvey

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Rev. Steven B. Welling
District Executive Minister
206-365-9890

 A message from Converge President Scott Ridout
Dear Converge Family,
 
I am excited that we are about to start a historical journey together! Converge is on the cutting edge of answering one of the most important questions facing our organization: To what extent do we embrace diversity and inclusion as a core value? We have contracted with Dr. Charles Taylor and his team from Roar Enterprises, Inc., to help us find the answer to that question. Over the next several months they will be conducting a diversity assessment at the national offices and within each district.

Data will be gathered from you in the form of surveys, interviews, focus groups and document reviews. This data will give us the information we need to build a holistic, faith-based diversity initiative that is transformative, sustainable and anchored in Scripture.  I ask that you embrace this opportunity to share your experiences, perceptions and observations with the assessment team. Your opinions are extremely important to us. As you know, we are ministering to an increasingly diverse community. We need an honest assessment of our climate, policies and practices to ensure we are serving everyone fairly.
 
The diversity assessment will reveal our progress in increasing diversity and inclusiveness. It also will identify potential gaps that exist between our goals and vision for diversity and the actual attitudes, policies and practices are necessary to achieve diversity goals across all of our districts. The church's mission is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and promote the life and dignity of each and every human being. For ministers and pastoral workers to be effective in fulfilling this mission, and to operate in a diverse environment, the appropriate knowledge, attitudes and skills are essential.

I realize you may have questions about the assessment, and I'm hopeful the attached assessment information sheet (CLICK HERE) will address most of your concerns. Additionally, Dr. Robin Holland, our national director of Diversity, is available to answer any questions about the assessment, so feel free to contact him at Robin.Holland@converge.org. He can provide details on schedule, online survey line, selection of pastors for focus groups, etc.
 
As the assessment gets underway, please keep in mind one of Jesus' most important commandments: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39, Mark 12:31).  Let's take refuge in our faith as we move this diversity initiative forward. It is a recognition that our lives are connected and our future interdependent. If we are to become the beloved community and one family in God, then churches must lead the way. The assessment represents an important first step.  Let's begin the work!
 
Yours in Christ,
 
Scott Ridout, President

Converge * 1.800.323.4215 * info@converge.org
Orlando Office - 11002 Lake Hart Dr., Orlando, FL 32832
Arlington Heights Office - 2002 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005