ZOAR UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST EVANSVILLE, PROFILE – 2016 (updated Nov. 2018) TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contact Information ...... 2 Membership Information ...... 3 Church Finances ...... 4 Zoar Properties and Facilities ...... 6 Financial Support of Ministerial Leaders ...... 7 History of Zoar United Church of Christ ...... 8 Our Community ...... 9 Community Characteristics ...... 10 Three Distinctive Attributes of Our Community Major Sources of Employment/Income in the Community Major Trends Envisioned in Our Community During the Next Five Years Problem Areas in Our Community Community Missions ...... 11 Congregational Life ...... 12 5-Year Trends Envisioned in Our Church Planning Theological/Faith Stance of Our Church Educational Programs The Worship Service Style and Preaching Content We Value Boards, Committees, Groups, and Organizations Reflections on Congregational Life ...... 16 Three Most Important Faith Experiences/Events in the History of Zoar Most Challenging Event in Our Church Life in Past Three Years What the Congregation Intends to Accomplish in Next Three Years How the Church Expects Its Pastor to Help Achieve Goals Strengths and Positive Qualities of Our Church Conflict Wider Church Connections ...... 18 Relationship with Ministerial Leaders ...... 19 Relationship with Prior Leaders Pastor/Parish Relations Committee Performance Assessment Leadership Expectations Statement on Leadership in Ministry ...... 21 References ...... 22

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March 21, 2016 Pastor POSITION TO BE FILLED

Zoar United Church of Christ 4600 Church Road Evansville, IN 47720

(812)-963-3749

Church Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/zoarucc

Search Committee Chair Tracy Wingo 7730 Shireman Road Poseyville, IN 46733 Home Phone: (812) 673-2364 Cell Phone: (812) 480-0467 Email: [email protected]

Other Members of the Search Committee Patty Bitter Fred Happe Larin LaFontaine Dan Schneider

Conference Staff Person Assisting Our Church Rev. Dr. Monica Ouellette Minister for Search, Call, & Congregational Transitions IN-KY Conference, UCC [email protected] 317-924-1395 814-571-6542

2 Membership Information 2015 2010 2005 Number of church members 195 243 318 Average attendance at worship 60 120 124 Average Sunday School attendance 30 73 60 Number of members who are ordained clergy 0 0 0

Age Profile of Congregation Family Units

5% 2% 0% 16% 19% 29% 21% 9%

9%

38% 52%

0 - 5 6 - 18 19 - 34 35 - 49 couples with children at home couples without children at home 50 - 64 65 - 74 75+ single single parent with children at home

Education level of adults Employment

15% 5%

26% 37%

26% 60%

3% 28% less than high school employed high school graduate not currently employed some college/vocational training retired college graduate graduate school

Occupation of adults 9% 22% 13%

3% 6%

0%

9% 38%

business clerical farmer/rancher laborer/manufacturing professional student tradesperson other

3 Church Finances

Income: 2015 2010 2005 Total church Income $159,068 $214,194 $165,782 Members’ offerings and pledges $116,054 $144,097 $141,346 Interest from investments or endowments $0 $0 $0 Rentals $6,700 $200 $705 Special fundraising $583 $33,971 $0 Other $35,731 $35,926 $23,731

Annual Stewardship Campaigns Year Pledges Actual Received 2015 $94,412.00 $120,775.00 2014 $99,808.00 $121,478.00

Expenditures: 2015 2010 2005 Total operating budget $129,845 $216,144 $246,022 Our Church’s Wider Mission basic $95 $235 $232 OurSupport Church’s Wider Mission special $4,000 $1,861 $4,815 CurrentSupport local expenses $129,845 $216,144 $246,022 Annual capital payment $0 $0 $0 Other debt $0 $0 $0

Zoar Church is actively tithing 10% of our income to community missions.

UCC Special Offerings from 2015:

Offering Amount One Great Hour of Sharing $130 Neighbors in Need $75 Christmas Fund $70 Strengthen the Church $0

Significant Local Mission Support for 2015:

Mission/Organization Amount Helping Hand Fund $642 Habitat for Humanity $490 Ruth’s House $304 Crop Walk $144

4 The mission project that has excited our church the most in the past 3 years is our annual Cruise-In for Christ car show. We are able to support several local missions from the funds raised from that event each year. Putting on the car show is a “whole church” effort from all ages.

Indebtedness: None

Capital Campaigns:

In 2010, Zoar Church rallied together to send 11 members on a mission trip to an orphanage in Russia. The goal was to raise $32,000.00, and Zoar exceeded that goal by raising $33,970.52. Blessings from that trip were “priceless”.

Fundraisers for this campaign included pizza & BBQ sales, local restaurant “give back” days, a scrapbooking crop, Avon & Pampered Chef fundraising sales, and many generous donations.

Assets Held by the Church (February 2016):

Building and Debt Reduction Fund $ 5,589 Memorial Fund $26,659 Endowment Fund $128,686 Other miscellaneous accounts $83,859

5 Zoar Properties and Facilities

The church is located on the 14-acre grounds in a semi-rural setting a few miles west of Evansville. The sanctuary seats approximately 225 worshippers. In the basement, there is a fellowship hall with a kitchen, stage, and restroom facilities. Attached to the rear of the church is a two-story Christian education building which includes the pastor’s study, the church office, classrooms, restrooms, and a wheelchair lift accessible to all levels.

On the grounds, there is a beautiful, newly updated outdoor woodland chapel, an area with a shelter house and playground, outdoor restrooms, a maintenance building, concrete paved driveways, parking lot and the church cemetery.

The brick parsonage is located next to the church. Built in 1940, it is a two-story brick home, fully carpeted with a living room, kitchen, dining room, four bedrooms, and two baths. There is also a basement with a finished family room and a second kitchen plus a large utility area. The main kitchen has a built in dishwasher and microwave. The home has central air, an enclosed porch, and a beautiful landscaped yard. The total living space is approximately 2,850 square feet. Near the parsonage, but not attached, is a 1 ½ car garage with an attached carport.

6 Financial Support of Ministerial Leaders

Zoar attempts to follow Indiana-Kentucky Conference compensation guidelines. The entire salary and benefit package will be negotiated. We are currently seeking a part- time pastor with a desire to transition the position back to a full-time pastor like Zoar has had in the past. Our church would be supportive of a part-time or bi-vocational pastor who may need another job to supplement the church salary. 2018 update: we are currently supporting 2 part-time pastors at Zoar.

Salary History:

Start Date End Date Year Salary Housing Parsonage Year Salary Housing Parsonage Last 2004 $39,000 $5,000 P 2014 $29,106 $5,928 Previous 1995 $26,000 N/A P 2002 $39,000 N/A P Next previous 1990 $23,400 N/A P 1992 $26,000 N/A P

Salary, Benefits and Expenses Offered:

$30,000 total compensation package, including: • Salary • Housing - onsite parsonage, utilities included • Vacation - 2 weeks annually • Retirement

In addition to the compensation package we will also offer: • Sabbatical leave of 3 months full salary after 5 years of service • Mileage reimbursement

7 History of Zoar United Church of Christ The founders of Zoar Church had been members of the St. John Church congregation in German Township. Early in the year 1859, a split in the congregation caused the smaller of the two to form a new church. Thus, 14 families joined together and chose the name “'The Evangelical Zoar Church of German Township, Vanderburgh County, Indiana.” Five acres of land were purchased at our present location, where a one-room log cabin housed the charter members at worship and study.

The Constitution of Zoar was originally written in German in 1859. It was translated into English in 1937 and has been amended several times. In 1866 the church became a member of the newly formed German Evangelical Synod of North America, founded that year in St. Louis.

In 1911 a new brick and masonry church was dedicated, which had a seating capacity of approximately 250. The church building has been renovated several times since then. Most significant was the addition of the educational wing in 1957. An electronic carillon was installed in the bell tower in 1961 and was upgraded to modern technology in 1996. The last major renovation of the building was in 1993.

Over the years, several capital improvements were made to the property. In 1940 a four-bedroom, brick and masonry parsonage was built next to the church. A freestanding parsonage garage and carport were added in 1964. The softball field was completed in 1964. In 1967 the Woodland Chapel, an outdoor worship center, was added on donated property adjacent to the Zoar cemetery. It was given in loving memory of Randall Henze, who was killed while serving in the armed forces in Vietnam.

The lighted anchor cross atop the steeple of Zoar Church still stands as a beacon of Christian hope and stability amid a rapidly changing community. Zoar Church, which began nearly 150 years ago as a little country church surrounded by family farms, still offers her people traditional Christian values and church - centered family activities.

Begun with 14 families, Zoar reached a peak of approximately 400 members in the early 1970s. Today our membership is 195.

Zoar has had 23 pastors from 1859 until the present time.

8 Our Community Zoar United Church of Christ is located near Evansville Evansville, the third largest city in Indiana, located on the Ohio River, with a population of about 120,000, according to Census.gov. Zoar is located just outside the city limits on Evansville’s west side in German township.

Zoar is located in the Cynthia Heights Elementary, Helfrich Park Middle, and F.J. Reitz High School district within the Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation. F.J. Reitz High School (pictured) has a solid academic program, strong athletic traditions, and an excellent music program. The school will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2018. (www.evscschools.com/reitz)

Evansville is the home of the , with approximately 2,300 students and the rapidly growing University of Southern Indiana, with approximately 10,000 students. There are also several other institutions offering specialized training and technical degrees. In addition, a new IU School of Medicine has recently opened in .

Evansville is home to several organizations and facilities dedicated to the arts, including the Philharmonic Orchestra, museums, including a children’s museum, and several local theatre groups.

Football, basketball, soccer, hockey, and semi-pro baseball provide year-round sports entertainment. Public sports facilities abound for those with interest in golf, tennis, softball, basketball, swimming, skateboarding, and ice skating. Many opportunities for boating and fishing can be found at the Ohio River, state parks and other locations.

Evansville offers a wide variety of special events during the year, with something for everyone. Notable among these are: • The Shriner’s Fest is a popular summertime tradition. This festival is held on Evansville’s downtown river front and includes concerts, carnival rides, and food booths. This festival usually coincides with the Independence Day celebration. • The West Side Nut Club Fall Festival is one of the country’s largest outdoor festivals. Church groups, school groups, and other organizations offer unique varieties of food, as well as carnival rides and nightly entertainment.

9 • For over 80 years, the Hadi Shrine Circus has delighted children of all ages with a “Big Top” performance. The circus is typically held annually on Thanksgiving weekend. • Drums on the Ohio is a drum and bugle corps show. It is 1 of 125 across the nation associated with Drum Corps International.

Other popular points of interest in the area include Mesker Park Zoo (Indiana’s largest zoo), , Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve, Historic New Harmony, Historic Site, Historic , and the Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari theme park.

Community Characteristics

Three Distinctive Attributes of Our Community are: • Education – Evansville boasts more than 60 elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and post-secondary educational institutions. This includes private, public, Catholic, Lutheran, and Christian schools. On a collegiate level we have nationally accredited universities such as the University of Evansville, the University of Southern Indiana, and Ivy Tech.

• Geographic Location – Evansville is a diverse and growing city of over 120,000 residents that has managed to both offer all the amenities of the modern world and strong ties to our cultural heritage through its historical districts. Our town is surrounded by scenic river views, vibrant forests, and miles and miles of beautiful farmland.

• Family/Community – Evansville has a broad range of attractions to meet the interests of any family. For those looking for a sense of culture and history, we recommend the Evansville Museum, , or a quick trip to New Harmony (one of the few attempts in the U.S. to create a Utopian Society). For those with a taste for art and crafts, you could visit Haynies Corner Arts District or one of the frequent open air markets hosted on historic Franklin Street. For nature enthusiasts, Mesker Park Zoo and Wesselman’s Nature Preserve are located in the center of town, and both New Harmony State Park and Angel Mounds are a short drive away.

Major Sources of Employment/Income in the Community Include: a. Manufacturing: Toyota, Berry Plastics, , Mead Johnson, Sabic, Alcoa, Lewis Bakeries

b. Health Care: St. Vincent’s Hospital, Deaconess Hospital, IU Medical School

c. Education: University of Southern Indiana, University of Evansville, Ivy Tech, IU School of Medicine, Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC)

10 Major Trends Envisioned in Our Community During the Next 5 Years: With the coming of the IU School of Medicine, much of the area for 10-12 city blocks around will be revitalized. Old and blighted rental properties, both industrial/business and residential, will be cleared or remodeled, creating a more desirable neighborhood than what is currently located in the area.

Several large sports venues have been and are being developed to the north and east sides of the city. These properties are already booked completely for 2016 and 2017. These will bring revenue and employment opportunities to the Evansville area.

The University of Evansville, University of Southern Indiana and Ivy Tech will continue to grow because of more trades, tech support and services being needed to meet the growing needs.

It is our hope that some of the churches in this portion of the city, which have struggled with membership issues, may be impacted in a positive way by these growth prospects.

Problem Areas in Our Community that We Feel Our Church Should Address: • People’s needs such as hunger, poverty and homelessness • Youth issues such as the youth not having Christian role models • Society in general which has pulled away from Christian values

Community Missions • Assist with St. Peter’s food pantry, Simpson’s Food Bank, United Caring Shelters • Habitat for Humanity • Goodwill Family Home • Support for families in need in the community during the holidays • Humane Society • Second Mile Mission Partners: Ruth’s House, German Township Fire Dept. • Evansville District Walk to Emmaus & Evansville Chrysalis

Wider Outreach Missions: • Operation Christmas Child • World Vision 30 Hour Famine • Heifer International

The pastor whom we are now seeking is encouraged to participate in as many of these activities as his/her schedule permits. At the very minimum, the pastor is expected to show interest in what the church is doing and offer encouragement and support.

Zoar’s grounds and facilities are available to the community. Our shelter house and outdoor chapel are available for use by other churches and groups. The fellowship hall has been used by 4-H, scouting groups & other groups such as Promise Keepers and Bible studies. Zoar’s facilities can also be rented out for weddings, anniversary celebrations, showers, birthday parties, family reunions, and other types of gatherings.

11 Congregational Life

5-Year Trends Envisioned in Our Church: • Membership & attendance growth • Increased youth participation • Financial stability • Emphasis on outreach and missions • Leadership that promotes and stimulates the spiritual growth of the congregation

Planning: The Church Council appoints planning committees to address specific needs or to identify and address potential needs and opportunities. We expect our pastor to work with us by providing vision and encouragement as Zoar charts a new course into the future.

During the Church Council’s most recent long-ranging planning session, the following goals were established:

Mid-Range Goals (6 – 12 months): • Woodland Chapel upgrades (including paving the walkway and refinishing the benches) – in process & almost fully complete • Develop a church website • Focus on outreach to membership

Short Range Goals (0 – 6 months): • Encourage utilization of Zoar’s Facebook page by groups within the church • Relationship building with other churches

Theological/Faith Stance of Our Church: Zoar’s roots are in the Evangelical and Reformed Church and most of our membership is theologically moderate to conservative. However, there is a significant diversity of views within the congregation.

Educational Programs: The Board of Christian Education is a seven-member board entrusted with overseeing the religious education of our children, youth, and adults. This board is responsible for recruiting and screening volunteers to teach classes and to serve as advisors to youth groups.

Sunday school classes meet each week for one hour. There is a class for everyone. Two classes for our younger children, a high school/young adult class, and three adult classes are currently meeting our needs. The curriculum currently being used by one adult class is the “David C. Cook” series. The other adult classes are using the Bible with various resource books. The children are using a variety of resources for both Sunday school and Children’s Church.

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Confirmation begins in 7th grade for our young people. This class usually meets weekly for one hour during the Sunday school hour September through Easter, but class dates/times are up to the Pastor’s discretion. It is a two-year program usually led by the pastor, but at times assisted by lay members. For curriculum, Zoar has traditionally used My Confirmation.

The Pastor doesn’t necessarily have to lead a Sunday school class, but we expect the Pastor to be involved by visiting each class on a cycle – including the children – especially if Confirmation classes are not held during the Sunday school hour. Bible study for all ages is held on an occasional basis and is usually led by the pastor. Zoar is home to three Walk to Emmaus reunion groups and a Promise Keepers group that meet on a weekly basis for Bible study and prayer concerns. Vacation Bible School is usually held for one week in the summer, sometimes in conjunction with other area churches.

The Worship Service: Those attending Zoar expect Sunday worship to be an anchoring, but also uplifting experience. We want to sing and pray as a group, to glorify God and feel His presence. Scripture readings for worship are drawn from the Revised Common Lectionary. Zoar members desire their worship to be based on Scripture. Sermons succeed when they are positive and inspiring, with a touch of humor. The service is traditional, but not stuffy or formal.

The Worship Choir sings most Sundays from September through May and for some Lenten services, but takes a break during the summer months. The Handbell Choir rings at least four or five times each season. The choir director and organist make an effort to ensure that the services are integrated and have a common theme. The service utilizes a blend of traditional hymns and contemporary praise songs. We currently use The Worshiping Church Hymnal published by Hope. The pastor traditionally selects the hymns. In addition, we have 1 contemporary praise song during each service using a CCLI license.

The Music and Worship Committee assists the pastor in planning the music program and coordinating the worship services. The committee, which includes the choir directors and organist, meets at least four times each year.

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Style and Preaching Content We Value: Zoar members value the style and content of preaching to be Biblically based and engaging. We desire the content to be relevant to our daily lives. We would also like the person delivering the message to live what they preach and challenge us to do the same.

We expect the person we are now seeking to take the following roles in the worship service: • Collaborate with church staff (organist, choir director, etc.) • Not be afraid to let the Holy Spirit take control of the service • Have the ability to integrate technology into the service (PowerPoint, etc.) • Plan & enlist the help of laity in the service

14 Boards, Committees, Groups, and Organizations:

Number of Frequency of Leadership Organization Purpose Members Meetings Role Church Council Governing body for the 9 Monthly Laity congregation Board of Deacons Ensure the care and maintenance of church 5 Monthly Laity property Board of Elders To assist and support the pastor in spiritual affairs of 4 As needed Laity the congregation Trustees To act as agents for the 3 As needed Laity Congregation in legal affairs Board of Christian Plan and oversee Shared Education educational activities, 6 Monthly (Pastor and maintain library Laity) Music and Worship To oversee the music Shared Committee ministry of the congregation 6 Quarterly (Pastor and and assist in planning Laity) worship activities Cemetery Committee Care and maintenance of 6 As needed Laity the cemetery Legacy Funds Manage endowment fund Committee and memorial gift 7 Quarterly Laity investments and disbursements Outreach Action Promote evangelism. Team Promote and coordinate Shared activity in support of local 4 As needed (Pastor and charitable organizations and Laity) promote mission support Nominating Selects candidates for 3 As needed Laity Committee various elected offices Pastor/Parish Aid in maintaining good Relations Committee relationship between the 4 Quarterly Laity pastor and congregation Church Activities Organize athletic and other 5 As needed Laity Committee recreational activities Operating Funds To promote Stewardship, Committee manage annual pledge 10 As needed Laity drive, develop budget Youth Fellowship Planning of fellowship 4-7 Varies Laity Advisors activities for youth Zoar Church Preserve the history of the Historical Archives church 3 Laity Committee Zoar GEMS Fellowship and service Varies Varies Laity Church Boosters Fellowship and service Varies Weekly, as needed Laity Bereavement Organize and prepare meals Committee for families having funerals 2 As needed Laity at Zoar Cruise-In Committee Plan & organize annual car Varies As needed Laity show

15 Reflections on Congregational Life

The Three Most Important Faith Experiences or Events in the History of Zoar are: • 150th Anniversary of Zoar Church (2009) • Russia Mission Trip (2010) • First time the Passion Play was performed (early 1970s)

Most Challenging Event in Church Life in Past Three Years: One of the more challenging events occurring at Zoar during the last three years was the transition from a full-time pastor to a part-time pastor. This change led to conflict within the congregation, which did result in Zoar losing some longstanding members. We as a church have recognized that we still have some communication struggles to overcome, but have been making some positive strides in this area. When the pastor transitioned from full-time to part-time, some members of Zoar believed that we as a church were finished due to the lack of a full-time minister. We currently have 2 part- time pastors fulfilling the role of a full-time pastor.

What the Congregation Intends to Accomplish in Next Three Years: • Move church forward and come together as a stronger congregation • Increase membership growth and participation • Increase mission work outside of the church to be the hands and feet of Jesus

How the Church Expects the Pastor to Help Achieve These Goals: • Provide challenging messages that relate to everyday life with a bit of humor • Provide spiritual nourishment to the ill and shut-in • Be a leader and set a good example • Assist the congregation in identifying priorities and goals

16 Strengths and Positive Qualities of Our Church: Though Zoar is a small church, we are a mighty church. We have dedicated members who see to the everyday happenings at Zoar. Our church is set on a beautiful piece of land, tucked away on Evansville’s Westside. We have a large space that includes a shelter house for outdoor activities and a woodland chapel for outdoor services. We have members of our congregation that help us to keep our grounds beautiful. These same people are the people you will see throughout the week reaching out to members of our congregation who are home bound and working on reaching out to our community. Zoar has a deep desire to reach out to our community and help where we are able. We also take care of our own members who may not be homebound but may need a little extra support. If a situation occurs and a member of our congregation needs assistance, our church family is always right there to step up to help however we can.

On Sunday mornings you will see our congregation of all ages actively participating in Sunday School and Worship. On a typical Sunday morning you will hear the sounds of our praise band and choir, you will see members of our church studying together, you will see the children having fun together while learning how to serve God and others, and you will see a church full of loving and dedicated children of God. This is only a small portion of the wonderful things that Zoar has to offer.

Conflict: Even though many members of Zoar have familial ties with other members, we have experienced conflict on more than one occasion that has resulted in some members leaving. The Zoar congregation is not the same as it was in 1990, 2000, or even 2014. A few families left because they were unhappy with certain policies embraced by the national U.C.C. executive offices in the early 2000’s. Additionally others have left in the last four years due to conflicts with the pastor at that time. Those who have remained at Zoar are likely to remain because of a deep love and loyalty to Zoar Church.

Our members have also indicated (by a congregational vote) that they desire to remain within the community of believers who are the United Church of Christ. However, a number of members continue to be unsure or uncomfortable with national policies regarding abortion and homosexuality. There are also a number of members who feel this is a non-issue and do not wish to further address it.

Recently the church dealt with the resignation of our pastor. There were a considerable number of members who attempted to address issues and concerns through the Pastor Parish Relations Committee.

Our members need to respect and listen to one another. It is our hope that our new pastor can help us realize that while these issues are not going away, they do not need to be divisive for Zoar Church. We need to move forward in a positive way and be Christ’s Church.

17 The search committee will be happy to share further information during the interview process. It is important to know that Zoar is committed to healing and moving forward in a positive direction.

Wider Church Connections We are a part of the Indiana-Kentucky Conference, but at the present time, we choose to limit our participation, contributions, and support of the conference. We are active in the Evansville Tri-State Association with members of our congregation serving on various committees. The lay leaders of our congregation identify nominally with the United Church of Christ.

Our lay leaders actively support the following local/area UCC organizations: • One Great Hour of Sharing • Our Church’s Wider Mission • The Christmas Fund • Good Samaritan Home • United Caring Services • Merom Camp & Conference Center

We would like to see our pastor participate in community activities with other U.C.C. churches. We expect our pastor to relate collegially with other pastors of the Evansville/Tri-State Association. We also would like to see the pastor participate in other activities, according to the individual’s interests, with the support of the Church Council.

Ecumenical and Interfaith Activities:

Zoar has participated in the following Ecumenical and Interfaith activities during the past three years: • Jacob’s Village • Crop Walk • Habitat for Humanity • One Great Hour of Sharing • World Wide Communion Sunday • Tri-State Food Bank • God’s Storehouse • Goodwill Family Home • Ruth’s House • The Evangelical Association of Russia • The Shriner’s Hospital • World Vision 30 Hour Famine • Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child • Evansville Rescue Mission • Ronald McDonald House

18 • Evansville District Walk to Emmaus • Evansville Chrysalis & Journey • Kairos

The pastor whom we are now seeking is encouraged to participate in as many of these activities as his/her schedule permits.

Relationship with Ministerial Leaders

Relationship with Prior Leaders: Zoar has had some difficulties in its relationship with pastoral leaders during the past 25 years.

Phil Ross served as pastor during the period 1989 to 1992. His pastorate followed that of Don Bernhardt, who had served the church for 17 years. Phil left Zoar after it became apparent that his style of leadership did not meet the needs of many members of the church. Probably the major issue was introduction of change without adequate involvement of people who had interests and responsibilities in the related area.

Tom Ressler served as pastor during the period 1995 to 2002. He had a generally good relationship with the congregation and left after his youngest child graduated from high school. There was some difficulty within the congregation during 2001 that did not directly involve Tom, but undoubtedly contributed to his decision to leave.

When the UCC established the William R. Johnson scholarship fund, which was exclusively designated to aid gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgender seminary students, Zoar sponsored resolutions at the 2001 annual meeting of the Indiana/Kentucky Conference. These resolutions called upon the board of directors of Local Church Ministries to dissolve the Johnson Scholarship Fund. Zoar’s resolutions were defeated.

Tom Ressler did not take an active role in the process of drafting and presenting the resolutions. This upset those members who had been most active in the process. After a motion to study the ramifications of Zoar leaving the UCC was defeated at a special meeting of the congregation (held on September 9, 2001) several of those members left Zoar.

Our most recent pastor, John Motz, served during the period 2004 to 2014. During the last few years of John’s pastorate, declining membership and financial stresses forced Zoar to reduce the pastor position from full-time to part-time. In addition, conflict of personalities within the church paired with inadequate performance & leadership by the pastor undeniably contributed to John’s decision to leave Zoar. In addition, members who were the most supportive of John left Zoar with him.

19 Tenures of Last Three Installed Pastors: 1. John Motz 2004 – 2014 2. Tom Ressler 1995 – 2002 3. Phil Ross 1990 – 1992

Pastor/Parish Relations Committee: Zoar has a pastor/parish relations committee which meets regularly with the pastor to discuss any issues that may come up. It was during Phil Ross’ tenure that a pastor/parish relations committee was first formed.

Performance Assessment: The Elders hold an annual performance review with the Pastor. A survey, with input from representative members of the congregation, has been used as a tool in at least some of these reviews. The Deacons generally hold performance reviews with other employees of the church.

Leadership Expectations: Our congregation has several areas in which we would like to see growth. We feel it is very important to call someone who will serve as pastor, teacher, and the spiritual leader of our church in improving and increasing the congregation’s knowledge of God and His Son, Jesus. This includes working with people of all ages and requires visitations to those in need. It is important that we call a pastor who is interested in evangelism. He/She would represent the church in the community and to the denomination and wider church.

A survey of our congregation indicated that we should seek a pastor who:

…is a person of faith. …is an effective preacher/speaker. …makes pastoral calls on people in hospitals and nursing homes and those confined to their homes. …is a good leader. …is a compassionate and caring person. …is effective in working with youth & children. …deals effectively with conflict. …maintains confidentiality. …helps people develop their spiritual life. …encourages people to relate their faith to their daily lives. …is effective in planning and leading worship. …works regularly at bringing new members into the church. …is mature and emotionally secure.

20 Statement on Leadership and Ministry Zoar Church seeks a positive, close personal relationship between its pastor and its lay leadership, especially the Council, Board of Christian Education, and staff. The Church Council provides considerable leadership and direction for the church. However, our expectation and hope is that the pastor will be proactive in leading Zoar Church, partnering with lay leadership, as we seek direction for the future.

The Board of Christian Education is mandated by the church constitution to oversee the Christian education program at Zoar. This is presently an area of concern, and Christian education needs to be a priority for our pastor. Zoar needs more children, youth, and young families.

We are fortunate to have a dedicated staff in place to support a new pastor. Our church secretary is there for us all and helps in countless ways to make the work of Zoar Church go smoothly. The Sunday bulletin and the monthly newsletter keep everyone updated. In addition, we have “Z-mail”, which is communication by e-mail, as needed, to members of the church.

Within our church, we have a significant group of committed lay leaders willing to serve as liturgists, ushers, and Sunday school teachers, as well as assist in other capacities, providing special music or children’s sermons.

Volunteers also provide a number of other necessary services, such as preparing communion, assisting in the nursery, and delivering CDs of Sunday services to shut-ins and hospital patients. Additionally, Zoar’s Church Boosters have accomplished a variety of tasks that have maintained and beautified our facilities, indoors and out.

The new pastor of Zoar U.C.C. should be willing to lead, but also be willing to listen, and seek input. We need someone who can minister to a diverse range of ages. Increasing Sunday school attendance is a real concern, but so is pastoral visitation to our elderly and hospitalized. Most of all, we hope to find a pastor who lives a Spirit-filled life, is approachable and enjoys people, and who wants to help us minister in Jesus’ name to one another and to all the world. We have a message to share—that hope is a sure anchor of the soul.

21 References

Rev. Dr. Monica Ouellette Minister for Search, Call, & Congregational Transitions IN-KY Conference, UCC [email protected] 317-924-1395 814-571-6542

The Goodwill Family Home Bryan Baker - Executive Director Loretta Barnett - Case Manager 812-424-4663

Angela Cook Former Zoar Preschool Teacher 812-402-3758

22 Conference Descriptive Reference Zoar United Church of Christ Evansville, Indiana

Church Name: Zoar United Church of Christ

Location: 4600 Church Road, Evansville, IN 47720

Website:

Conference: Indiana-Kentucky (IK)

Association: Evansville Tri-State Association (ETSA)

Assisting Staff: The Rev. Dr. Stephanie Weiner

Staff Comments

As one can tell from reading the profile, Zoar UCC has had more than its share of challenges. That said, the current climate of the congregation is good. Zoar has faithful folk, youthful vigor, and high hopes. As Zoar says, “Hope anchors the soul.” As Emily Dickenson says, “Hope is the thing with feathers, that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without the words, and never stops at all.” Zoar is anchored and has wings. Those who would clip the wings have left. If you will pardon a bit of a play on words, “Zoar should soar.” The good news is that the congregation is positioned to do so.

Please contact me if you have any interest at all. Zoar is a faithful and hopeful congregation that is poised to take off on a new leg of its faith venture.

Stephanie Weiner 862-596-1791 [email protected]

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