• Goals: 1) Identify crucial decisions and/or roadblocks that must be addressed moving forward
2) Offer option(s) for a sustainable ministry-model that continues to glorify God, advances the mission of Tab Church and Tab Rec, meets needs in our community and reflects our shared vision of Greater Faith, Deeper Relationships and Stronger Community
Generative Dialogue Process
• Transparent, fact and data driven
• Diverse voices, experiences, perspectives
• Begin with a “best case” statement and discuss where we are comparatively
• Thought-generating, not meant to be merely opinion-giving or problem-dumping
• Prayerful, biblically-anchored
• Rooted in trust in God and in each other’s good intentions
• Designed to cast vision that maintains heritage, recognize “habits” and unlock opportunity
Generative Dialogue Sessions
• Four Unique Topic-Based Sessions held April 2024 through June 2024
• Each offered three different timeslots to ensure opportunity
• Solicited wide-spread participation to maximize perspective and wisdom
Session #4 People of Passion, People of Position, Congregational Relationship
Session One: Agenda as Example
• Opening Devotional using “Be Thou My Vision” hymn and various vision-related scriptures
• Included personal sharing of vision(s) into which God has called us to participate
• Presentation of History of Tab Rec created by John Byers
• Sharing of Tab Rec stories from personal experience
• Conversations around the Visionary Leadership Dialogue Statement:
“Tab Rec has a strong, clear and passionate sense of identity involving mission and purpose (who we are), our core values (what we believe or highly value), our vision (where we are headed) and our spiritual and strategic journey (how we are getting there)
• Discussion of Visionary Leadership Questions/Prompts: What is your dream or Vision for Tab Rec? What do you believe is God’s vision for Tab Rec? When Tab Rec is ideal – what would it look like? What are we doing well? What can we do better?
Session One: Celebrate History
• Strong, stable, long-tenured leadership with vision
• Faith-formation and connection to the congregation - providing meaningful opportunities for service, relationship-building and family togetherness
• Flexibility and willingness to change as neighborhood demographics and needs changed
• Evolving ministry becoming increasingly inclusive and diverse
• Tab Church’s faithful support of Tab Rec
• Debt-free investments
• Tab Rec as a gateway/introduction to Tab Church for many participants
Session One: More to Celebrate
• Financial sustainability through the decades
• Fees are low, scholarships are abundant
• Rentals are good
• Self-funded ministry
• Long-standing positive reputation and impact far beyond the 34th and Central neighborhood and across various demographics
• Significance of providing a safe place for kids can not be underestimated
• Tab Rec is low-barrier, inclusive and diverse
• “We meet a need that no one else in the city does (not in the way that we do)”
Session One: Dreams and Vision for Tab Rec
• Gateway to a faith journey for each participant; Bring the children to Him (Jesus)
• Teach that God wants us to have fun and be healthy (Body, Mind and Spirit)
• A tool in the hands of God to write on the hearts of young people how much they are loved
• Evidence that God’s love is real; create a Christ-like “come to me” hospitality; “Just sow seeds of love”
• A healthy connection to the church; integrated with other Tab ministries and programs
• Recognized as a positive representation of Tab Church (not just as Tab Rec)
• Viewed as an excellent opportunity for Christian service or goodwill volunteerism
Session One: More Dreams and Vision for Tab Rec
• An antidote to social media and phones: a place where kids are known, where they are safe, a place of an excellence that can also be fostered in the life of the participants
• Foster a sense of community and belonging for participants and families
• Celebrated as a unique community of unity among diversity (cultures, race, politics, faiths/theology, and life experiences) that leaves a positive and lasting impact on how people interact and live in community together
• Relevance and broad-impact on entire north side of Indianapolis (and beyond)
• A well-organized program that offers opportunity for all ages and abilities to participate in various forms of recreation A source of authentic relationships – among participants and families, with coaches, referees, and partners, with the congregation
• What if we gave Tab Rec the same “wings” that we have given other ministries that we have launched? (Possible Tab-launched 501(c)(3) similar to Raphael, NCLC, The Oaks)
Session One: Challenges and Considerations
• Identity Confusion:
• Is Tab Rec a great recreation sports program for youth sponsored by a church?
• Is Tab Rec an intentional outreach ministry/evangelism tool of the congregation?
• Potential Communication Gaps
• Are we relying on past reputation only?
• What is impact of separate operations/silos of accountability?
• Growth Consequences
• Are we sacrificing quality vs growth?
• Should we be going deeper rather than wider?
• What has been the impact on staffing?
• Facility Limitations
• Three attempts to build facilities were abandoned for various reasons
• Relying on partnerships to provide facilities for soccer and basketball can be tenuous based on partner leadership
Session One: Challenges and Considerations
• Potential Blind spots/Stumbling blocks:
• Expressed desire for a more Rec-engaged congregation given the demographics and wide-radius of our congregation
• Perception vs. reality of neighborhood demographics, needs, and participation
• Long-term success and reputation as hindrance to strategic and sustainability planning
• Concerns for Missed Opportunities:
• For grants, fundraising, merchandising etc.
• To connect Tab Rec families to the Tab Church members and/or other Tab ministries
• To engage Tab members in the ministry of Tab Rec
• To engage adolescents, young adults and adults in Rec as possible gateway to Tab Church
• To become a forum to address crucial social-emotional and mental health issues of children (e.g. conflict resolution, self-expression, healthy boundaries, non-violence)
So many things to think about…
Session 2: Overview
• Dialogue Topics: Programmatic, Contextual Relevance, Community Relationship
• Approach
• Devotion focused on 1 Corinthians 9:9-13
• Presentation of Tab Rec Current Programs offered by Ben Hughes
• Educational sidebar about history of Indy Youth League (IYL) Football
• Review of Community Demographical Statistics and Trends for 46205 and surrounding (source: www.savi.org)
• Considered Generative Dialogue Statements and Prompt Questions for each of the three areas
Program Presentation Observations
• Tremendous diversity in key volunteer leadership
• Long-time and strong bond of mutual respect among the Rec staff
• Numerous long-time supporters who show up for Rec
• Programs were intentionally added/removed over the past 2 decades
• Presence of core sports programs was consistent across decades
• Participation numbers are statistically steady although they fluctuate year to year by season and sport
Additional Rec Program Presentation Observations
• Indy Youth Sports (IYS) was founded as Greater Central Indiana Youth Football League in 2010 (name changed in 2014) in order to:
• Bring all inner-city football teams together to play tackle football
• Establish common rules and stress the importance of education and character
• Raise money (establish partnerships) to help organizations purchase equipment
• Expose players to college with hopes of fostering aspirations
• IYS includes: Tab, PAL, CAW, Dad’s Club, Gametime Packers, Lions, Gridiron Gang and USA Football leagues
• Currently many/most IYS games are played on Tab field, subject to change as more turf fields are installed in the city
A Few More Program Observations
• Tab Rec has numerous partnerships across all three main sports
• Multiple sports camps held at Tab Rec fields, many include Rec families
• Nearly 30 different leagues, programs or events use Tab Field every year
• More than half of Tab Rec participants are in the soccer programs
• Soccer is the most balanced between male and female players, but basketball is gaining parity as well (winter girls-only league)
• Non-standard programming has diminished due to lack of champions.
• Program draws from at least a dozen zipcodes; 46205 is largest percentage
• No significant or inexplicable program draw changes in past 18+ years
Demographic Trends Presentation Observations
• Neighborhood is more racially integrated than twenty years ago and is becoming very evenly balanced with black and white residents
• Very low presence of Asian or Hispanic residents
• Neighborhood is younger than what may be perceived, largest age group is 25-34 years old (21%), followed by 35-44 (13%), 55-64 (13%) and 4554 (12%)
• Area poverty rate, child poverty rate, number of single parent households and average number of children per family are all above metro, county, and state; median income is below
• Raphel Healthcare Clinic – physical, dental, vision and mental health
• The Children’s Museum – experiences, art and recreation
• Mid-North Food Pantry – food access
• Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic – legal and tax assistance
• Freewheelin’ Community Bikes – youth development
• Mapleton-Fall Creek Development Corp – affordable housing development
• Several church and ministry outreach initiatives
• NO comparable youth recreation program
Programming Dialogue
Key Points
• Current programming is responsive to interests and participation levels, nimble to accommodate change as needed, and current in policies, protocols, equipment etc. Does not try to be all things to all people.
• Current enrollment practice is to not turn anyone away (make room, make a way)
• Current programming may be subject to limitations due to facility access, leadership availability for specific sports, or IHSAA rules.
• There is always some level of risk associated with reliance on partners for facility access or league sharing.
• Programming currently supports the development of sports skills, “soft skills” such as persistence, discipline and character, as well as diverse relationships and good sportsmanship.
• Programming is not as intentional about faith/spiritual development, although some coaches make the effort as relationships develop and occasions present. Is this a possible training/discipleship opportunity with coaches?
Contextual Relevance Dialogue
Key Points
• In general, Tab Rec is racially diverse consistent with the neighborhood context. True among staff, coaches, volunteers and participants.
• Tab Rec football is the exception. It is much less racially diverse.
• Data is not available for other aspects of diversity within the program.
• Tab Rec is more diverse than the Tab congregation.
• It is not clear if Tab Rec has a “target” community to serve. Should there be one? Neighborhood? Underserved? Unchurched?
Community Relationship Dialogue
Key Points
• Implementation of turf field and spectator seating has had a significant positive impact in the neighborhood and beyond
• Tab Rec’s legacy and reputation is very positive
• There is nothing like Tab Rec in the neighborhood – it is a unique asset for the community. Only about a quarter of the participants are from the immediate neighborhood
• Multi-generational participation indicative of Tab’s positive impact and continued excellent reputation
• Tab Rec is not a uniquely Christian experience, but it is also known to be a program where participants will be safe, feel included and valued, make friends, experience kindness from their coaches, learn skills, and have fun. (They receive grace and Christ-like love, even if not explicitly named as such)
Session 2: Challenges and Considerations
• How do we measure our success?
• Where is the right balance of quality vs. quantity?
• Who is God calling us to serve through Tab Rec? Is that happening?
• Should we serve a wider age-range or offer non-traditional forms of recreation?
• How are we fostering connection among Rec families and coaches?
• How do we better foster connection for Rec families to the church?
• With regard to minimal requirements or training for the volunteers and coaches, what, if any, are the expectations for cultural awareness/sensitivity, spirituality/religious participation, conflict management, Safe Child Training, sports safety/skills etc.?
Session 3: Overview
• Dialogue Topics: Accountable Management, Ministry Growth, Level of Conflict
• Approach
• Devotion focused on 1 Peter 5:1-5
• Presentation of Current Tab Rec Staffing Model
• Conversation with staff, volunteers, and unpaid leaders re: joys and concerns
• Receive information/input from other youth recreation models, if available
• Considered Generative Dialogue Statements and Prompt Questions for each of the three areas.
Current Staffing Model Observations
• Organization is “flat” – all areas and employees report to the Director
• Stretches the leader thin across all areas: employees, concessions, referees, coaches, facility coordinators, field support, and partners
• Director reports to Senior Pastor who may or may not have bandwidth and expertise to provide adequate support, direction or accountability
• Director has a parallel relationship with the Recreation Committee which can diminish accountability and support
• Tab Recreation Committee is comprised of Tab members and non-Tab members (from community partners) which can result in reduced communication or connection with the congregation
• Tab Rec Committee is connected to Session via an elder that changes every 3 years. Rec to Session relationship has minimal accountability or communication with Session.
• Roles of Chaplain and Commissioner do not have any direct reports or clearly defined responsibilities which may result in work “scope creep” or lack of clarity, accountability etc.
Summary of Staff/Volunteer/Coach Joys
• Observing the participants develop - in confidence, skill and improved attitudes. Seeing them spread their wings
• Developing relationships - with the participants and families, volunteers and coaches
• Knowing that kids are off devices, being physically active and learning important life lessons such as team-work, resilience, responsibility, caring for equipment
• Knowing that if we just show up with the intention of serving and loving these kids, we are doing our mission
Summary of Staff/Volunteer/Coach Concerns
• Coach recruitment, training and development
• Facility management - shortage of gymnasium space
• Growing in a manner that supports the neighborhood needs – community is changing
• Encouraging relationship between Tab Church and Tab Rec
• Financial concerns: stability while keeping fees low, relying on Tab Church to meet staffing needs, market pricing out of tackle football
• Incorporating an intentional faith-based component
Additional recreation models reviewed
• Reviewed limited responses to John Byers’ survey of recreation organizations: Carmel Dads’ Club, First Baptist Athletics, Mt. Pleasant Community Life Center, Jewish Community Center, Jordan YMCA
• Reviewed information packet from FCA Sports: Leagues and the Local Church (FCA – Fellowship of Christian Athletes)
• Watched promotional video from a congregation in Lebanon, TN using Upward Sports for basketball and soccer programs
• Reviewed website of newly opened Frederick Douglass Park (1616 E 25th St)
Accountable Management Dialogue Key
Points
• The current staffing model poses a risk to accountability in both directions.
• The current staffing model creates excessive vulnerability and unreasonable expectations for the director.
• The current staffing model does not adequately promote relationship between the congregation and Rec.
• The composition of the current Rec committee shifts the emphasis of their work toward the operations of a sports ministry rather than accountability to the ministry’s relationship with and accountability to Tab Church.
• The lack of a direct line of accountability between the Rec ministry and the congregation raises questions about who the decision-makers are for Rec’s mission and future direction. This opens the ministry to criticism for lack of transparency and the congregation to criticism of being uninvolved/uninformed.
Ministry Growth Dialogue
Key Points
• Tab Rec is not immune from the natural tensions that come with growth
• Quality vs. Quantity
• Adequate staffing and trained volunteers
• Facility and practice time limitations
• Financial sustainability
• Tab Rec is responsive to demands and interest, yet some pose challenges
• Future of tackle football at Tab is complicated in part due to changes in the ways families view participation and engage in the formation of private leagues and clubs.
• Tackle football is perceived by some as our biggest sport, but this is not supported by numbers. Also, decline is not unique to Tab
• Volleyball is a growing sport nationally (girls and boys), but we do not have the space to add it
• Soccer is exploding and we are nearing capacity, yet the demand for club/advanced/travel is also growing – may impact participation levels in the future
• Sports are increasingly competitive (and more physical in nature) which poses unique challenges to the philosophy and execution of programs like Tab Rec.
Conflict Management Dialogue Key
Points
• No open and active conflicts within Rec, but there is tension around the ministry.
• Lament over what Rec was “back in my day” and some unwillingness to accept that time cannot be turned-back. This is a source of tension and has impacted the perception of the current ministry.
• Tab Recreation functions mostly independent of Tab congregation. This is a source of tension, although there is no evidence that is an intentional or malicious choice by either. It is the consequence of many choices and decisions made over the last 100 years.
• Tab Congregation and Tab Rec are both proud of the ministry, but lack clarity and agreement on the definition of a recreational sports ministry: what is its purpose, who does it serve, what impact do we hope to make?
Conflict Management Dialogue
Additional Key Points
• The Tab congregation struggles to address the long-standing question and source of increasing tension: Is Tab Recreation an exceptional recreation program for youth, sponsored by Tab Church which cares deeply about serving the youth in the community… or is Tab Recreation an excellent recreation program for the community that serves as an outreach (and possibly evangelism) tool for Tab Church to reach more people for Christ.
• Both-And is the ideal answer, BUT…
• Does not alleviate the tension
• Hinders the discernment of vision and direction
• Poses a challenge to hiring the next director
• The longevity of leadership, much of which has been “passing the baton” from one director to the next, has been a blessing to the stability of the ministry. It, may, however, have hindered the ministry’s creativity and vision discernment. This could make transition to a new leader difficult or limit candidates to “insiders” within Tab Rec rather than a broader search.
Session 4: Overview
• Dialogue Topics: People of Passion; People of Position; Congregation Relationship
• Approach
• Devotional based on Revelation 3:15-17
• Presentation of Tab Community Services, Inc
• Overview of Financial Relationship with Tab Congregation
• Discussion of Generative Dialogue Statements
Observations on Presentation of TCSI
• TCSI was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) on June 28, 2002
• TCSI is a pass-through organization for fundraising for specific projects
• TCSI is exclusively for Tab Church’s benefit and purposes
• TCSI has its own Board of Directors appointed by Tab Session
• TCSI is not intended to “retain” funds for future use
• TCSI is not intended to hold/own real property
• TCSI does not have any projects currently active
• TCSI Articles of Incorporation, Current By-Laws and static webpage are available for review
Observations on Financial Relationship with Tab
• Tab Rec programming budget for 2024 is $75,000.
• Tab Rec programming budget is self-funded through registration fees, field rentals, donations and designated funds managed within Tab Endowment Fund.
• J Dwight Peterson Fund and Robert C Morris Fund annual contributions area approximately $20,000 in total.
• Registration and expense details for programming are tracked by Tab Rec, with summaries provided to Tab Church’s Financial Director for reporting.
• Tab Rec does not solicit donations via an annual fundraising campaign.
• Donations are typically achieved by “word of mouth” or private “ask”.
• Tab Church provides funding for HR costs (salaries and benefits) which is estimated to be $181,750 in 2024.
• Tab Church also covers the administrative (e.g. insurance) and facility costs, as well as custodial supplies to Tab Rec (as it does for all Tab ministries).
Observations on Rec Participation Relationship
• Approximately 35 kids (of 700+) and 6 coaches are directly linked to Tab families.
• The Oaks Academy (Tab partner) has significant presence in the programming.
• Lack clarity about perception of low participation by Tab families. No communication suggests it is due to safety or quality of Tab Rec.
• Suggested (unverified directly) explanations for low participation rates:
• Lack of “marketing” to Tab families
• Distance (parents)
• Desire to be in leagues with neighbors and classmates
• Other interests, participation in competitive sports leagues
• Age of congregation (for volunteers)
Additional Observations on Rec Participation
• Lack of intentionality to create an “attraction” for the congregation to participate/volunteer in Tab Rec.
• Stories of Tab Rec’s impact on current participant children and families are not broadly told/known.
• Personal stories of how folks have been blessed by serving in Tab Rec are almost exclusively decades old – not current.
• Volunteering in Tab Rec is not promoted as an excellent means to serve Christ by serving others and help children in the same way other ministries are.
• Perception that volunteer coaches are parents/grandparent of players.
• Volunteering in a diverse setting can generate anxiousness about ability or preparedness.
• Sometimes giving money rather than time is easier.
People of Passion Dialogue Key
Points
• Numerous people at Tab are proud of Tab Rec, interested in Tab Rec, care about the success of Tab Rec but are not necessarily willing to lead transformative change for various reasons.
• Much of the recent “energy” (passion?) in the congregation for Tab Rec seems to be a sense of urgency to hiring the next director, rather than big-picture ministry transformation.
• Passion to hire next director without clear direction for moving forward does not convey passion about Tab Rec’s long-term success.
• The timing of Tab Church and Tab Rec both being in transition has created an uncomfortable uncertainty that contributes to an urgency to hire a director.
• People of passion for Tab Rec are also divided in what drives their passion.
People of Position Dialogue Key
Points
• Tab Rec is a fundamental component of the Tab Church identity. On some level, everyone wants Tab Rec to be successful because it is a reflection of Tab Church.
• Tab Rec is perceived as successful because of size and name recognition.
• Sense of apathy or hesitation to re-evaluate, re-envision Rec. “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.”
• There are a growing number of people of position (influence) who:
• Appreciate the complexity and tension inherent in the intertwined nature of Tab Rec and Tab Church
• Value Tab Rec as a ministry, as a means to connect people to Tab Church, and as impactful community asset.
• Are willing to consider creative ideas, embrace new possibilities and facilitate transformation in order for Tab Rec to thrive (not just survive) another 100 years.
• People of Position and Passion have expressed concern about the long-term growth and sustainability of Tab Rec in light of trends of decline in church membership.
Session 4: Generative Dialogue Statement on Congregational Relationship
Tab Rec has clarity of its mission, vision, core values, and strategic objectives and is positioned with leadership and financial stability to serve youth through sports, well into the future. Tab Congregation understands, accepts, and supports the discerned mission and vision of Tab Rec, as well as the role Tab Rec serves in the community. Leadership in Tab Rec and Tab congregation are committed to the success and sustainability of Tab Rec and exhibit a collaborative and gracious spirit in their communication, accountability, discernment, visioning and problem-solving. There is a mutual desire for the Tab Rec “Legacy” to be preserved, while also embracing God’s leading into the future – even if it looks very different than the past.
Congregational Relationship Observations Dialogue
Key Points
• Tab Rec does not have clarity of mission and vision from which to establish strategic objectives.
• Core values are implied and consistent with Tab Church. Not certain that either entity has the core values explicitly identified and disseminated.
• Tab Rec’s lack of vision is, in part, due to its reputation (tradition and legacy foster inertia).
• Tab Church does not have agreement on Rec’s purpose and Rec is not “free” to determine its own; this contributes to lack of vision for Rec.
• The lack of well-defined lines of accountability and communication has put both Tab Rec and Tab Church in differing positions of vulnerability and criticism.
Congregational Relationship Dialogue
Key Points
• Tab Rec and Tab Church are gracious and appreciative toward, and valued by, each other.
• The spirit of collaboration is present, but primarily in terms of specific events and particular programs. There is mutual respect and a great deal of autonomy.
• Leadership of Tab Church is committed to the success and sustainability of Tab Rec, but only to a point. The “point” is not clearly defined by Tab Church, nor is the process for determining that “point”.
• Tab Rec (and Tab Church) is understaffed for the quantity and level of programming offered. The current staffing model is too “director-dependent” and does not cover all the desired Rec functions well. Any new staffing model impacts Tab Church budget which assumes all the HR costs. This is a risk to both Tab Church and the sustainability of the Tab Rec ministry.
• Transition times are difficult and can bring out the worst in people. Tab Church and Tab Rec are both in transition.
Still…lest we never forget… Tab Church and Tab Rec belong to God!
There is so much good to be celebrated. There is so much hope to be held. There is so much love to be shared.
And… there is so much discernment to be done!
Tab Rec Vulnerabilities
• Identity
• Accountability
• Sustainability
Discernment Topic #1 Identity for Tab Rec
• In prayerful consideration of all the information provided, and trusting that there is no wrong or perfect answer, and that both are images of God’s kingdom, how will we respond when asked about the primary intention and focus of Tab Rec:
Is Tab Recreation an exceptional recreation program for youth, sponsored by Tab Church which cares deeply about serving and caring for the youth in the community…or is Tab Recreation an excellent recreation program for the community that serves as an intentional outreach (and possibly evangelism) tool for Tab Church to reach more people for Christ.
• If Tab Rec is something different, what are we and what does it take to live into that identity?
• How will we measure success? What are the Key Performance Indicators?
• Assume that any quality candidate for the next Tab Rec Director will want and need to know in order to determine if they feel called to the position.
• Assume that Tab will want to know so to ensure the candidate has the right skill set for the work and the right heart for the vision.
Discernment Topic #2 Staffing Model
• Tab Rec requires a revised staffing model that will
• Improve accountability and communication
• Enrich the programming and continue to develop excellent partnerships
• Increase the “readiness” of volunteers and improve their service experience
• Set realistic expectations of staff and offer work-life balance
• Enlarge the capacity for creativity and exploration
• Mitigate risk for both Tab Rec and Tab church
Discernment Topic #3 Sustainability
• What would happen to Tab Church if there was no Tab Rec?
• What would happen to Tab Rec if there was no Tab Church?
• What would happen in the neighborhood if there was no Tab Rec?
Tab Rec requires a sustainability plan that is less dependent on Tab Church membership demographics and giving patterns in the future, yet ensures that the values, quality, integrity and priorities of both Tab Rec and Tab Church are maintained.
Recommendation #1: Create a Transitional Staffing Model and Address Accountability
• Immediate Next Steps
• Hire Transitional Director
• Provides hands-on leadership of the ministry and league management, supervision of the additional staff/partners, maintain facility arrangements
• Establish a Tab Rec Strategic Vision Team
• Continues the visioning discernment process to address the three vulnerabilities: Identity, Accountability and Sustainability.
• Expand and Diversify Tab Rec Committee
• Intentionally include additional Tab connections and channels of reporting and assumes responsibility for higher-order director tasks not assigned to the transitional director
Recommendation #2
Develop
a
Strategic Vision for the Future of Tab Rec
• Assigned to Strategic Vision Team and Session
• Clarify and garner agreement on an Identity and Purpose for Tab Rec that addresses the undercurrent of conflict around both
• Discern and communicate a future focus and direction of Tab Rec that is missional, consistent with the discerned identity and purpose, and is sustainable.
• Create a simple, direct Guiding Vision Statement for Tab Recreation –including named identity, purpose, values, strategic ministry plans, and key performance indicators.
Recommendation #3: Evaluation of Current Staffing Model and Ministry needs
• Assigned to Strategic Vision Team with Input from Transitional Director
• Conduct Review of Current Staff Position Descriptions
• Identify staffing gaps and needs for current ministry and programming.
• Evaluate need and desire for a chaplain position with focus on implementation of faith-based and social-emotional components that are age-appropriate and manageable for volunteers and consistent with the discerned Identity and Guiding Vision as well as the Tab Church Vision of Greater Faith, Deeper Relationships, Stronger Community.
• Evaluate need for additional program leaders/coordinators tasked with managing operations of the programming for current sports offerings: soccer, basketball, football and cheerleading. This include registration, scheduling, communication with families, recruiting and training coaches.
Recommendation #4
Address Sustainability and Mitigate Risk
• Assigned to Strategic Vision Team and Expanded Tab Rec Committee
• Explore additional income streams or expense offsets (low-hanging fruit)
• Grants
• Internships
• Merchandising
• Donations
• Fundraisers
• Additional rental revenues for Tab Field
• NIL partnerships
• Evaluate possible launch of a 501(c)(3) for Tab Rec with parameters:
• Remains faith-based by covenant (aligned with Tab values)
• Tab Church retains ownership of Tab Field
• Tab Church is represented on Board of Trustees/Directors
• Include legal arrangements re:name to protect Tab Rec legacy
Recommendation #5 Consider Suggested Tab Rec Models for the Future
• Broader recreational programming that reaches beyond children and youth to include activities for all age ranges and diverse interests.
• “Special event” programming that draws from wider base of participants (e.g. pickleball series, parent night, a weekend 3-on-3 “Gus Macker” style event).
• A uniquely faith-based after-school program that addresses body, mind and spirit of children and youth in our community.
Body – Tab Recreation
Mind – Tab Tutoring
Spirit – Tab Church
Next Steps
• Contract Transitional Rec Program Director:
• Ben Hughes agreed to a 6-month contract
• Extensions month-to-month up to a year
• League sports management tasks only
• Establish Transitional Ministry Accountability Team and Processes:
• Responsible for aspects of Rec not related to league management such as budgets and financial reporting, field care and maintenance scheduling, and concessions
Next Steps
• Identify Strategic Vision Committee
• Core Committee: David Amstutz, John Byers, Kate Ems, Chad and Stephanie Lynn, Andrew Hart, Ben Hughes, Bruce McDonald, Rev. Terri Thorn
• Advisory Committee: David Bacon (MFCDC/former Rec)
