Elder Meeting Summary – July 5, 2026
The elders met on July 5 for prayer, fellowship, and oversight of the church’s ministries, finances, facilities, and shepherding work. Here are the key accomplishments, decisions, and next steps from the meeting:
Financial Stewardship
Elders and ministry leaders actively cared for dozens of individuals and families this month through visits, prayer, support, and connection—living out the call to shepherd the flock (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2-3).
The elders expressed gratitude for God’s provision and the faithfulness of the congregation. Please continue praying for the Welcome Center project, youth conference, financial review, and our ongoing mission to make disciples in Las Cruces.
Thank you for your prayers, generosity, and partnership in the Gospel!
The elders met on July 5 for prayer, fellowship, and oversight of the church’s ministries, finances, facilities, and shepherding work. Here are the key accomplishments, decisions, and next steps from the meeting:
Financial Stewardship
- Approved the June 14 meeting notes and reviewed the General and Designated Funds Monthly Report.
- Contracted Esme for a full financial review (starting soon, ~2 weeks to complete).
- Continued work on restoring Pastor Jeremiah’s 2025 salary level ($11,385/year) through a comprehensive plan addressing the full compensation package; Robert Hunter and Steve Graige are developing this for elder and congregational review.
- Updated access and processes for the Family/Benevolence Fund. The fund will be highlighted on communion Sundays.
- Discussed investment options for Future Growth Funds and agreed to a discovery meeting with Steve, Mike, and Carol Sherick to consider options for improved ROI.
- Elliot and Steve will develop improved accounting/reconciliation processes for benevolence while protecting privacy.
- Welcome Center project is advancing toward a mid-August target for the Fall reboot. Next steps include electrical work, installing a door to the Fellowship Hall, painting, and flooring. Elders recommend soliciting targeted donations to complete the lobby remodel while maintaining strong reserves.
- Replacement furnishings were reviewed. We are considering beautiful leather furnishings, sofa tables and a center table to replace our current furniture. A local furniture store is offering our congregation a 20% discount on our purchases if we use them. Estimated cost is about $6k. There are also designated giving funds remaining from the kitchen remodel (approximately $3939) that could be utilized to cover some of the expenses needed and are being considered.
- Security team planning a practice event; insurance consultation underway for liability matters.
- Pastoral & Staff Care: Ongoing care for Pastor Jeremiah (including retirement concerns) and support staff. Elders planned to meet with Michael Dean to strengthen worship ministry, focusing on better congregational connection and more upbeat music.
- Youth: Challenge Conference expenditures reviewed. Chaperone costs covered from youth budget; students will contribute $150 each toward expenses. Youth planning increased social activities. Broc DuBois transition complete.
- Membership: Tom & Connie Greek and others have completed membership class; new prospects advancing (including possible baptism).
- Benevolence: Continued faithful shepherding across many families (listed in notes). Elders and deacons provided practical and financial support where needed.
- Equipping & Community Life: “The Practical Art of Spiritual Conversation” class wrapping up; next class “How (Not) to Read the Bible” planned. Community groups functioning well under leader strengths; focus on training and engaging singles.
- Missions & Outreach: Global Ministry emphasis Sunday planned for late August. Local Ministry Team (Teri Trujillo, interim) meeting soon to brainstorm outreach. Hospitality and other teams active.
- Children’s Ministry: Right Now Media curriculum approved for Digging Deeper. Nursery clean-out day scheduled.
- Updated organizational chart reflecting new roles and liaisons.
- Planned next Congregational Meeting for August 16 (member reception, salary update, etc.).
- Next elder meeting is August 9.
- Ministry leader recognition and September Ministry Fair in planning.
- Ongoing work on ministry role profiles, EFCA licensure for Pastor Jeremiah and Michael Dean, and vision for 2026.
Elders and ministry leaders actively cared for dozens of individuals and families this month through visits, prayer, support, and connection—living out the call to shepherd the flock (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2-3).
The elders expressed gratitude for God’s provision and the faithfulness of the congregation. Please continue praying for the Welcome Center project, youth conference, financial review, and our ongoing mission to make disciples in Las Cruces.
Thank you for your prayers, generosity, and partnership in the Gospel!
To Read Previous Elder Meeting Updates, Click HERE.