A Season of Discernment
Open Door Church community —
Our pastoral team, the Open Door Church board, and a working group representing our five communities invite you into a season of discernment about the Open Door Church model.
Watch the video above. Context matters. Learn the back story that brings us to this season.
Read the visual summary below. For those of you with shorter attention spans — you’re welcome. Download to print and share with people.
Process with your church leaders, your pastor, your small groups. Pray. Listen. Reflect. Where do you sense Spirit is inviting us?
Attend your Charge Conference gathering to reflect on how the pastoral appointment change would affect your local church.
Join us for potluck lunch on January 19 at 12:45 pm to discern next steps as a larger body. We’ll gather in Taplin Hall in the MICAH building at 680 State St. in Salem.
Questions & Answers (so far…)
If pastors are appointed to local churches and not the central non-profit, what does that mean for funding their compensation?
Each church would be responsible for fully funding their pastor’s compensation package as of July 1, 2025. Some churches are already moving this direction with their 2025 budget. Some churches will dialogue with DS Wendy about possible next steps.
What would this mean for our current ODC Board members?
Our current board members would rotate off the board and their commitment would come to an end.
Margaret GanderVo would continue as President, Bob Edwards would continue as Chair of Trustees, and Sara Amend would continue as Secretary of the Corporation. They would monitor minor operations processes as needed.
How would we make decisions about funding requests & ministry directions?
This is a piece that needs deeper discernment ahead of us.
What would happen to Pastor Jenny’s role as the Lead Pastor of Open Door Churches?
Jenny is open to staying in a role a ministry coordinator as we move through this transitional season. Jenny could serve as a connector between churches when ministry ideas emerge. She would be paid a stipend from the remaining ODC funds to support this work.
Will we still share youth ministry?
Yes! Here’s the latest on youth ministry with United Methodists in Salem-Keizer.
Can I still volunteer at Lord’s Cupboard or Family Promise or another ministry I love that’s hosted at another church?
Yes!
Will I still get to hear other preachers during the year?
Yes! Our pastors enjoy swapping pulpits throughout the year and will continue to do this from time to time.
Could we still partner together on Holy Week services and other special services?
Yes! Pastors, musicians, and worship leaders can collaborate on any services they want to.