Three longtime employees at the denomination’s national office were relieved of their duties in October. All three were part of the Life and Mission Agency. In an email to all staff, general secretary, Rick Fee, said the LMA “has examined its staffing needs and the changing needs in the national office. In light of this review, it has been found necessary to eliminate three current positions.”
Sheilah Alyea, secretary for Canadian Ministries, Pat Martin, design and production coordinator for Communications, and Margaret Zondo, administrator for International Ministries, were affected.
“We would like to emphasize that this is not an action taken because of performance,” said the email, “but it is a reflection of the changes in the services we provide for the church at large.”
These latest staffing changes follow several shake – ups at the national office over the last several years—steps that were taken to help balance a flailing budget.
“Following the clear message from the General Assembly for the last two years that the church requires a concerted effort on observable service to congregations and the constituency, this exercise has taken on a pointed urgency,” states a press release from the LMA. “With a budget that has seen decreases in the last five years, the LMA is tasked to ensure we are using resources effectively. “
