How Does Our Church Function and Make Decisions?
(a brief review of our process)
We have eight “standing” committees that are currently mandated by our by-laws.
· Nominating
· Personnel
· Stewardship
· Property & Space
· Church History
· Ushers
· Missions
· Preschool/Children’s
They oversee their particular area of assignment. Some decisions they are empowered to make. For some decisions their recommendation must be approved by the church. Six persons serve on each committee for three-year terms, with 1/3 of the members being replaced annually. Any church member may attend any committee meeting and observe, share comments, etc., but only the six elected members have a vote. The committees meet on the 2nd Sunday night of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the East Building.
The Leadership Council is made up of 6 members-at-large (nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected by the church), the chair of each standing committee, chair of deacons, WMU director, Librarian, and a representative from each mission congregation meeting “on site.” Any church member may attend the Leadership Council meeting and observe, share comments, etc., but only the elected and appointed members have a vote. The Leadership Council meets on the 2nd Sunday night of each month at 7 p.m. in the Conference Room.
The Leadership Council is empowered to handle “routine business” on behalf of the church. Because of the diverse cross-section of the congregation represented, the pastor, ministerial staff, and many of the committees utilize the Leadership Council as a “sounding board” before bringing recommendations to the church.
The final authority in our church are the church members, meeting in a “business meeting.” They are scheduled on the 3rd Sunday evening of January, April, July, and October. Special meetings may be called as necessary. Each quarterly business meeting is preceded by a season of worship and a “town hall” style time of questions and answers. The business meetings are open to everyone, but only church members may vote.
If you, as a church member, have a concern or question, you are welcome to approach a staff member or a committee member who will listen, and with your permission, bring it to the appropriate committee’s attention.
One of the duties assigned to the Pastor by our bylaws is “to serve as the de-facto Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation. The Pastor, ministerial staff, and office staff all utilize the above processes to know the will of the church, and then do their best to accomplish it.
