The role of our pastors is to give direction, train leaders, teach the Word, and be models in the discipleship process. They should seldom perform ministries lay leaders could do unless it is absolutely necessary for them to do so. The role of other staff members is the same as that of the pastors within that staff member’s area of ministry.
- Should our present pastors or any present staff member leave, our church will admit only other pastors or staff members who agree without reservation to:
- Our church’s doctrinal statement
- Our church’s single purpose-Making disciples
- This philosophy of ministry of how disciples are made in our church.
The role of our lay leaders is to model discipleship, to grow in their own ministry skills , and to equip the rest of the congregation for ministry by discipling them too.
- All staff, policy makers, and any committee members and group leaders must be growing disciples committed to the church’s doctrinal statement and philosophy of ministry.
- Leaders will be recognized by considering both character and giftedness.
- All leaders of worship services, ABF’s, small groups and all board members will agree and take part in ongoing leader training and their own personal discipleship at least twice a month to constantly grow spiritually and improve the gifts God has given them. For most this will occur in the ministry community.
- The church member’s role and commitment is to grow as a disciple, to be trained to use his/her gifts, and to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to directly minister to Christians and pre-Christians, making other disciples. The church will encourage and empower gifted individuals to be creative , pro- active, need oriented, and decentralized in disciple making and will grant permission and give resources whenever possible.
- We will recognize servant gifts as being equally important as leadership gifts in building a healthy, disciple making church.