Listening process will help reshape Brethren Witness program.

A "listening process" has been announced to help reshape the Brethren Witness program, following the closing of the former Brethren Witness/Washington Office. The process will include an online survey, personal interviews with church leaders and related peace and justice organizations, and the welcoming of letters, e-mails, and other communications with opinions, feedback, and suggestions for future programming.

"In order to develop and shape an interactive Brethren Witness program for the denomination," said the announcement from Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships, "pastors, church members, Brethren-related organizations, and ecumenical partners are all invited into a listening process that will help establish priorities and direction for the program."

The announcement listed questions that will help guide the process, including "How can the unique voice of the Brethren be heard beyond our denomination?" and "How can we have a ‘big voice’ for peace and justice with our limited resources?"

The online survey will be available from June 20-Aug. 20 at www.brethren.org/witnesssurvey on the Church of the Brethren website. Other communications may be addressed to Jay Wittmeyer, Executive Director of Global Mission Partnerships, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; jwittmeyer@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 226.

In addition, Wittmeyer and other denominational staff will interview key church leaders and related peace and justice organizations including current and past Annual Conference leaders, district executives, and other denominational leaders. The interviews will be concluded by the beginning of September.

After receiving responses, Global Mission Partnerships in consultation with the Church of the Brethren’s executive leadership will propose a Brethren Witness initiative based on the responses and insight gained through the process. Findings are to be posted on www.brethren.org in late September.

Source: 6/17/2009 Newsline