Streams Elders Meeting Summary Notes
Confidential - Not for general distribution
Update 7.2.26
Please review the revised Articles & Bylaws for a discussion in our next board meeting, with the intent to edit, accept and adopt.
In preparation for the upcoming Leaders Breakfast Meeting (Sunday, 7/12, following worship service), I have finalized the 5 Pillar Restructuring Plan and selected 5 potential leaders as overseers for each of the 5 areas. Time and availability (as well as competence and faithfulness) were a consideration for those selected. Review the letter and attachments that were sent to each of them at www.thestreams.org/5pillars
Next Elders Meeting (via Zoom): Thursday, July 9, 2026 @ 7pm. Agenda items:
Amendments to Articles & Bylaws
Schedule ordination service for official installation of associate pastors and deacon
Five Pillar Structure and prep for Leaders Breakfast (Sunday, 7/12 @ 10:30am)
Financial update and presentation to Leaders (7/12) and members (date TBD).
Childcare Sell Options (Pastor Hill to upload to this site a few sell/purchase scenarios to consider prior to 7/9 mtg)
meeting summary: june 22, 2026
Attendees: A. Thomas Hill, Tuesday Tate, Ernest Duncan, Garry Thomas, Lucille Sutton, Anthony Sharpe
Note: Respectfully, Ernest has chosen to recuse himself from any discussions, deliberations, or decisions directly related to matters arising from the divorce proceedings involving the Senior Pastor and his wife. However, as a duly appointed elder of the church, he should remain informed regarding actions and decisions that the Board has made concerning such matters. For that reason, he is included in this communication stream for informational purposes only and is not participating in the decision-making process related to these issues.
Church Service Updates Meeting
The meeting began with Dr. Tate opening with prayer, followed by Pastor A. discussing general church business. A announced his upcoming trip to Pittsburgh for the Presence Conference from Wednesday to Saturday, which Bishop has covered expenses for. A also informed the group about changed service hours starting the first Sunday in July, which serve a two-fold purpose: discussing a new arrangement with New Life and addressing sanctuary air conditioning issues. A mentioned that only one air conditioning unit is working in the sanctuary and plans to have Summers Plumbing and Heating conduct another walkthrough to assess needed repairs.
Church Service Schedule Changes
The meeting focused on changes to the church's service schedule and a new space-sharing arrangement with New Life. The service time was adjusted to 9:00-10:30 AM (eff 7/5/26), with plans to streamline the worship flow to minimize delays. A significant development was announced regarding a new space-sharing agreement with New Life, where they will use the church sanctuary for their late Sunday service starting around August-September, in exchange for waiving lease requirements and allowing the church to continue using the space as usual. The meeting also covered adjustments to the Fast Track program, with Track 1 remaining on Sundays from 8-9 AM and Track 2 moving to Saturday workshops in the lower level.
Building Ownership and Lease Arrangements
The group discussed the new arrangement with Pastor Ramsey and Sharon regarding building ownership and lease terms. They explored questions about HVAC responsibility and the potential for a first right of refusal if someone else wanted to buy the building. The discussion also addressed how to communicate with individuals who made financial commitments during the Cornerstone campaign about the changed circumstances regarding building ownership.
Church Financial Transparency Planning
The group discussed the financial challenges of the church and agreed that transparency about the situation needs to be shared with the congregation through a church meeting. They decided to wait until receiving confirmation from New Life about their arrangements before informing the congregation. The team emphasized the importance of presenting clear financial information showing income, expenses, and why certain decisions were made, while being mindful of past situations to avoid negative perceptions.
Event Planning and Catering Transition
The group discussed plans for upcoming performances and fundraising events, with A explaining that they would work with New Life to document processes and determine next steps. They discussed transitioning from professional catering to using church volunteers, including the Wards and potentially other members, to handle food preparation for events. A clarified that while they previously spent around $10,000 on catering for three dinner performances, the upcoming events would be more modest, with only one dinner performance and simpler snacks for other performances. Dr. T raised questions about who would be cooking and whether the Wards were being fairly compensated, and A confirmed they would be working with multiple volunteers rather than relying on one family.
Facility Repairs and Leadership Recognition
The group discussed several topics including repairs needed for the stove and fan at their facility, with A reporting that gas company inspections identified one safety-related pipe replacement needed. They also discussed plans to officially recognize Anthony and John Peterson as associate pastors and Michael Coleman as a deacon, with A suggesting this should be done at an upcoming church meeting. Garry mentioned plans to organize a Zoom meeting about Christian education and evangelism, but A indicated this should wait until they establish the five pillars ministry structure and get leadership agreements in place.
July Restructuring Meeting Planning
A proposed holding off on sending out materials to the Petersons and others until after an upcoming restructuring meeting on July 11th, where job descriptions and vision will be presented in person. The meeting will be held from 9 to noon on a Saturday, with continental breakfast, to ensure clarity on roles and responsibilities while avoiding overload on individuals. A follow-up email with details will be sent out this week to invite attendees.
Divorce Hearing Property Discussion
The hearing for the divorce is scheduled for June 29th, with the main focus being on marital assets and the Childcare. The attorney clarified that the daycare business, owned by the church, is not considered part of the marital debt and would not be a factor in the divorce proceedings. The pastor suggested potentially transferring the daycare to his wife, but noted that selling the business as a package would be necessary if that option wasn't feasible, with proceeds going toward any back pay owed.
Daycare Facility Financial Challenges
The discussion focused on financial and operational challenges with a daycare facility, where the church has been supplementing the teacher's salary by approximately $2,000-$2,500 every two weeks due to a shortfall. The participants explored options for handling the situation, including potentially having the daycare operator maintain the facility under a contract, but decided against this approach due to trust issues and potential financial exposure. They determined that while Lakisha Muse, an assistant director, could temporarily maintain operations if needed, the current operator would need to transition away from managing the business aspects including software, billing, and tuition management.
Daycare Facility Sale Discussion
The discussion focused on the potential sale of a daycare facility at the Castleton location that currently has about 30 children with a capacity of 80. A explained that the church's mortgage is being handled by the daycare (and has been paid on time thus far) and they need to find a solution, working with Dr. Tate who is a realtor. Anthony expressed interest in purchasing the daycare with his wife, who has always wanted to own one, though concerns were raised about how to handle the situation with the current operator, referred to as "Lady C." The group discussed the possibility of separating the daycare business from the building, though A noted that the property has been significantly renovated for daycare purposes and is zoned for both residential and business use.
Daycare Facility Sale Discussion
The meeting focused on discussing the potential sale or transfer of a daycare facility and its building. Dr. explained that the property would need to be valued based on its existing business use, noting that the building's capacity for 80 children had previously increased its value during an appraisal. The group discussed the possibility of separating the daycare business from the building through creative financing options, including leasing the building while purchasing the daycare business as a nonprofit. The conversation concluded with Dr. asking the board for agreement on becoming a fiscal agent for Pastor Carol in this transaction.
Church Daycare Transition Discussion
The meeting focused on discussing the potential transition of a church daycare operation, with the group agreeing that any separation from the current director must include non-compete clauses to protect existing clients and proper inventory of furniture and equipment, including items in the garage. The participants determined that the current director needs to be treated as an employee rather than an owner, and that any assets transferred must be carefully documented with photographs and videos before the upcoming hearing on the 29th. The discussion concluded with the pastor sharing his spiritual perspective on handling the situation, expressing gratitude for the unusual grace he's received and mentioning his upcoming trip to Pittsburgh for a conference, where Bishop Garlington is covering his expenses.
Conference Planning and Prayer Support
A discussed his upcoming conference attendance, confirming that Apostle Stevenson and Pastor Brooks will also be present and staying at the same hotel. A requested prayer support for his wife who is experiencing mental health challenges, and the group engaged in prayer for her situation and the Hill family. The conversation ended with a discussion about A's "Wake Up With The Word" program schedule during his upcoming absence, with Dr. T indicating she would be available except for one day with a real estate closing.
Added Notes from pastor hill: June 23, 2026
Photos and videos of both the Nora and Castleton Childcare sites have been taken and are available to view from dropbox.
Lucille inquired regarding the difference between Deacons and Elders.
Pastor/Elders
Spiritual oversight
Teaching and doctrine
Vision and direction
Church discipline
Shepherding
Deacons
Facilities and property
Benevolence ministry
Hospitality
Communion preparation
Member care support
Administrative assistance
Elders lead the church through spiritual oversight.
Deacons lead the church through practical service.
Key Scriptures (Elders)
1 Timothy 3:1-7 – Qualifications for overseers/elders
Titus 1:5-9 – Qualifications for elders
Acts 20:28 – "Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock..."
1 Peter 5:2-3 – Shepherd God's flock willingly
Key Scriptures (Deacons)
Acts 6:1-7 – Seven men chosen to serve practical needs
1 Timothy 3:8-13 – Qualifications for deacons