When it comes to the order
of things, Central church is a self-governing democracy.
Each member has voice and vote.
All the power is held in the decisions
of members at called congregational meetings.
We elect leaders to implement and oversee
our life between meetings.
We invest these leaders with representative
authority.
The elected leadership is comprised
of officers and board members.
Boards often divide their members into
committees with specific responsibilities.
Each board selects its own chair and clerk.
The council oversees finances,
property and staff (including called pastors)
and acts as a coordinating body for the
work of the boards and the public life of the congregation. It encourages a spirit
of cooperation between boards, committees and individuals.
It is comprised of a moderator, moderator-elect,
treasurer, clerk-historian, two members-at-large, and two representatives each from the boards.
The ministry board
oversees the care of members.
Its work includes education
and formation for faith, worship and music, compassionate care in times of crisis or transition and spiritual support.
The mission board oversees
the care of the world.
Its work includes evangelism,
public relations and hospitality to strangers, including the sharing
of advocacy and resources (time, money, energy) to help meet basic needs.
The stewardship board oversees
the funding of mission and ministry.
Its work includes encouragement
of member support, planned giving
and the solicitation of wider
community contributions.
When it comes to wider church
connections, Central is a covenant community.
We are mutually supportive, responsive
and accountable to other congregations.
We are members of the United Church
of Christ (UCC), a national body with many
international relationships. The UCC gathers biennially in general synod.
It is divided into 39 conferences. We are a member of the Kansas-Oklahoma Conference, which has 91 member
congregations. The conference gathers annually.
The K-O conference is comprised of five associations.
We are a member of the Eastern Association. The association
gathers biannually.
We appoint representatives for all
these gatherings.
