📝 News from the CiC Council Meeting

Earlier this month, CiC's Council convened for its final meeting of the year.  Elected representatives of CiC and network leaders gathered on Zoom to represent and discuss the needs of members and to explore future plans ahead of the Annual Members' Meeting on 18th November.

We are thankful to our Council members for all they do for CiC and, in particular, for faithfully carrying out reviews of members at, or around, the time of their anniversary of membership.  The annual reviews continue to be a source of encouragement and inspiration for our members, providing a safe place to pause and reflect on the triumphs and challenges of the previous year, and to prayerfully consider the year ahead.

During the meeting, CiC CEO Paul Garratt, shared the extraordinary news that despite various restrictions imposed by lockdown, CiC has grown significantly.  Approximately 70 new ministers have joined CiC over the last 18-months.  This is in stark contrast to membership decline in other denominations at this time.  As we simply exist to facilitate growth in the independent church sector, this is a signal that despite the tragedy of COVID-19, individuals have been rising up to pioneer churches, ministries and chaplaincies to serve their communities.

As a result of this significant growth, the Council would have to expand significantly in order to continue providing annual reviews and properly represent members.  Paul proceeded to share how Council is going to be radically restructured, with a view to not only facilitating its current functions, but also providing increased opportunities for relationship building between members and making prayer and pastoral support more readily available.  Furthermore, the changes will enable CiC to continue to grow at speed.  The Council had the opportunity to discuss this and made a series of recommendations that will further enhance the functions of the Council following the restructure.

We look forward to sharing news about the restructure with you at the Annual Members' Meeting on 18th November.  As the changes will affect us all, it's even more important to ensure your (or your lead representative's) attendance at this meeting in November.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Yours in Christ,

Jeremy Tagg
CiC Secretary to Council