Ministry Alignment Informational Session Recap
Wednesday January 28th
On Wednesday, January 28th, 48 members from Livingston, Montfort, and Cobb United Methodist Churches gathered at Montfort UMC for our first Ministry Alignment Informational Session. It was an encouraging evening filled with honest conversation, heartfelt questions, and a shared commitment to discerning God's call for our future together.
How We Got Here
- In the spring of 2025, all three churches independently voted to recommit their pursuit of a merger. Each congregation passed unanimous resolutions supporting this cause. Since then, our leadership has been meeting regularly to work through the practical and spiritual dimensions of what it means to become one church.
- Over the summer, mixed groups from all three congregations evaluated each building, identifying improvements that would be needed if that location became our shared home.
- In August, the three individual Ad Boards voted to consolidate into a single Unified Ad Board with four representatives from each church. This new board has been meeting monthly since September, working through questions of governance, finances, and vision.
- In November, the Unified Board conducted an unofficial ranked-choice vote to gauge where members stood regarding a future building location.
- Those results were shared at the January session. Among the 13 board members, Montfort emerged as the top first-choice preference with 8 votes, followed by Cobb with 3 and Livingston with 2.
- The Board of Trustees also presented their findings from site visits to all three buildings conducted in December.
What we Heard
The floor was opened for questions, comments, and reflections; and our members showed up ready to engage. Several themes emerged throughout the evening. Many spoke to the idea that "we are the church"; that the building we choose matters less than the people who gather and the mission we pursue together. Others acknowledged the grief that comes with this process; two beloved buildings will eventually close, and their rich histories deserve to be honored and remembered. Practical concerns were also raised: fairness in the voting process, transparency around finances and repair costs, and the importance of thinking not just about our current needs but about what the church will look like in 20 or 25 years. Members advocated for each of the three buildings, sharing what they love about their home church while also expressing openness to whatever decision is reached. One sentiment that stuck with me came near the end of the evening: "We get to make this decision. What a blessing that is." In a season where many churches are facing decline or closure without a clear path forward, we have the opportunity to shape our future intentionally and prayerfully.
What's ahead
We are continuing to follow the timeline established last fall:
February & March: Continued building conversations and discernment, naming conversations begin
April: Naming conversations continue
May: Naming decision; Charge Conference to adopt resolution
June: Annual Conference vote to recognize our new unified church
There is still much to discuss and decide, but we are making progress: together. Thank you.
Thank you to everyone who attended, asked questions, and participated in this important conversation. Thank you also to John Kohlenberg and the Unified Board for their leadership in presenting the information and facilitating the discussion. If you were unable to attend and have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. This process belongs to all of us, and every voice matters as we discern the path ahead.
We are better together.
— Pastor Joel