This table charts the history of the relocation process from fall 1998 until the Options Task Force was established in early 2000.
| October 1998 | Elders planning retreat. Discussion focused on how the church should minister to the increasing numbers of people at Blackhawk, and how to strategically plan for the future when things are changing so rapidly. The decision was made to engage church consultant, Bob Gilliam, to assist the planning process. |
| January 1999 | Week-long special consultation about our future is attended by elders, staff and congregational leaders, and is led by Bob Gilliam, a church health specialist. The week concluded with the presentation of a master plan, largely based on what the church would do if growth continued at the current pace. |
| March 1999 | Town Hall meetings hosted by the elders and staff to discuss the potential master plans. |
| May 1, 1999 | Pastor Chris announces a decision to rethink the January "vision/plans." The plans obviously had been met with a lack of enthusiasm and support. Pastor Chris issues a call to prayer and church-wide discussion and input to elders and other congregational leaders. |
| Summer 1999 | Elders and leadership continue dialog on vision, mission, and strategy. |
| October 1999 | Elders hold a fall retreat focused on Vision for the future. The Elders return excited about how God is leading the vision process, and what He is calling Blackhawk Church to be in Madison in the future. The essential elements of the vision are in place. |
| November - December 1999 | A group of Elders and Staff refines the vision statement |
| January 2000 | Elders establish the Options Task Force (OTF) to study the question of how we should respond to continued growth in light of current facilities limitations: "What will we do if God continues to send people?" |
| March 2000 | The Vision for the future of Blackhawk Church is shared with a group of 90 leaders at the Leadership Summit. |
| April 30, 2000 | Vision Sunday, the entire congregation meets in a joint service at the Monona Terrace Convention Center. |
| February - May 2000 | OTF meets almost weekly to brainstorm options, discuss perspectives, share research and establish advantages/disadvantages. Comprehensive options document and recommendations are provided to Staff and Elders. |
> continue on to Options Task Force...
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