1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.

• We believe strong support ministries are necessary for the effective functioning of any church.

• We believe support will not happen without strong, committed servant-leadership, both professional and volunteer.

• We believe a clear flexible structure enables our members to exercise their spiritual and material gifts.

“Support” means:

1. Administration — office personnel and committees
2. Vision — long-term, strategic, institution-level planning and evaluation
3. Finance — dealing with money
4. Physical Resources — the tools needed to facilitate ministry
5. Partnerships — outside individuals and organizations who may facilitate our ministry
6. Communications — internal and external

Some priorities for our support ministry

A. Leadership — Generating energy and fulfilling vision

• Whole church body
• Church Council
• Deacons
• Staff

B. Administrative — Attending to daily tasks

C. Strategic Planning — Long-range planning and scheduling

D. Physical Resources — The tools needed to facilitate ministry and scheduling use of

buildings and equipment

E. Finance — Dealing with money

• Stewardship — Enabling people to participate in ministry and giving
• Budgeting — Planning and management of annual financial resources
• Development — Long-term strategic financial planning

F. Personnel — Providing professional and volunteer leadership

1. Communication — Using various means for disseminating information to the congregation and the community

1. Organizational Life — Discovering, deciding and committing to those elements and institutions that fulfill our mission in a way greater than we can alone

• Staff retirement and benefits
• Administrative assistance
• New staff placement
• Continuing education for staff, administrators, and volunteers
• Conferences
• Missions organization and sources for missions education.
• Resources and training
• Identity
• Outreach communications