Today the Oregon-Idaho Conference learned that the Rev. Stephan Ross, Director of the Vital Church Project in the Oregon-Idaho Conference, has accepted an appointment to Rose City Park United Methodist Church in Portland, Oregon.
As project director for the last five years, he has helped churches adopt simpler, streamlined decision-making (simple governance), engaged congregations in revitalization training experiences, and encouraged churches to refocus ministry for greater impact in the lives of people in the church and in the community. Ross will continue to consult on strategic projects as he moves into his new local church appointment.
Greater Northwest Area Bishop Elaine Stanovsky shares, “Steve knows how to lead churches to engage new people in life-giving ministry. He’ll still work with local churches across the northwest as he is able, and I know he’ll bring all his gifts and courage to Rose City Park UMC as it lives into a new and hopeful future in a rapidly changing context.”
In the coming months, the Oregon-Idaho Conference will re-shape and fill the vacancy left in vital church ministry. Whoever fills this staff position will carry forward the partnership that Steve has begun with Rev. Bill Gibson and others to lead the entire Greater Northwest Area, including Oregon-Idaho, Pacific Northwest and Alaska conferences into a new season of re-newed churches and new innovative ministries.”
