SeaPres Update: From Scott Lumsden & Eliana Maxim

From Scott Lumsden: 

“Things are changing!” We say this a lot in the church and often times what we mean is that things actually have changed, but we haven’t yet taken steps to catch up with those changes. No more in Seattle Presbytery. 

At the Executive Board meeting on Tuesday, the EB unanimously approved that Eliana and I are now co-leaders as Executive Presbyters of Seattle Presbytery. I wholeheartedly welcome this change. One simple reason why is because this is how we’ve been leading for the past three years or more. I am blessed to have a colleague as gifted, insightful, and talented as Eliana, and I could not think of doing this work without the collaborative partnership we’ve developed over the years.

Another important reason we’re doing this is because it better serves the needs of the presbytery, now and into the future. Eliana’s main responsibilities will continue to be congregational and ministry support, and oversight of the presbytery; while mine will be in the areas of mission, vision, and leadership development (while they decrease around day to day management of property and finance). 

So I celebrate the action the EB has taken to recognize the wonderful work Eliana has been doing for many years, and the now official partnership we have in leadership in Seattle Presbytery. 

From Eliana Maxim:

I am appreciative of the Executive Board’s decision to move in this forward-looking decision as we make official some of the changes we’ve undertaken as staff to meet the needs of our presbytery. Though most of you will not detect any changes in how we partner in ministry together, allowing Scott and I to serve as co-leaders will allow me to step into certain areas with more ease and certainly recognition of my role. 

I also believe that Scott and I are able to model strategic leadership as we each lean into our own strengths and gifts, as well as into each other in order to serve the presbytery. We’ll continue to clarify our roles as we move along, and hope that you will feel free to share any questions or thoughts along the way.

I am blessed to be on such an amazing staff, and privileged to serve Seattle Presbytery.