Leadership Council

The leadership council consists of 10 members of the church who are responsible for the direction, administration, and general oversight of our life as a church of God.

Recognizing that our church is in fact a group of people (members) who worship together, work together and share equally in responsibilities and ideas, the council performs its leadership role by being in close communication with congregational members.

The council’s responsibilities are detailed in the constitution, bylaws, and continuing resolutions of the church.

Some of the major areas of council activities include: 

• Determine a vision and plan of action for each year
• Evaluate progress in achieving the vision
• Assist the pastor and staff in performance of their duties
• Support or provide ideas to ministry teams
• Manage financial affairs
• Evaluate performance of existing employees and hire new ones
• Foster close and open communications with congregation

The council serves a two year term. Congregational members may nominate others or volunteer to run for a council position; the only stipulation is that you are a member. The council is elected by written ballot at an official meeting. It is one way to serve the church and an excellent way to learn even more about the many groups and individuals that are constantly active. Elected council positions include president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary, and five advocates (see separate discussion.) The pastor is a continuing member of each council.

The council has regular meetings once monthly and schedules special meetings as necessary.

Advocates

A key part of the essential functioning of our church is filled by five members who serve as “advocates” on the leadership council. These people each are responsible for contact with 2-3 ministry teams, which are groups of people who have volunteered to serve in a specialized area of church ministry. It can be generally said that it is the role of each advocate on the council to “advocate for” or support those ministry teams. This is set out by the continuing resolutions of our church. (See separate discussion of the leadership council and ministry teams.)

More specifically, the types of activities advocates typically do:

• Keep the council abreast of ministry team activities
• Ask for council support or input on ministry team activities
• Communicate vision and specific ideas of council to ministry teams
• Assist in making sure ministry teams meet regularly and are active
• Perform as a sounding board for ideas of ministry teams
• Be active with ministry team in their actions (if desired)

Advocates attend regular monthly meetings of the council and the periodic meetings of the ministry teams they work with.

Ministry teams perform the primary share of work that supports us internally as a church organization and also externally as we assist in needs of the global, national, and especially local community. Advocates assist in that work individually and by performing as a liaison with the council.

The advocate position puts you in the very midst of what we do in serving needs. It is a great way to immerse yourself both in leadership issues as a council member and the hands on work of ministry teams.