For me this has been a great week of dialogue on the subject of church membership. As I stated in my first posting for the week it is my desire for more participation among our attendees in the decision making process of the church. I hope over the next several months our Spiritual Life Commission, elders and staff will continue to discern what is in the best interest of our fellowship regarding this matter. We have certainly provided them a lot of fodder to chew on through the blog.
I would like to thank those of you who participated in this discussion. I value your opinion on matters such as this. The older I become the more I appreciate the truth that rings forth from the old Quaker saying that "Friends do not go where Friends do not go together." As a body we must move together on important decisions and constantly assessing our practices for relevance and effectiveness. Through discernment of the Holy Spirit, open dialogue, and consensus we can get to where God wants us to be and continually stay there.
I am excited for Willoughby Hills Friends Church. God is uniting us through His love and purpose. We have spirit filled leaders who believe that God still speaks to His people today and they are bent on hearing and obeying His voice. I am encouraged to hear from this week's discussion that you want to include and not exclude people in the body life our church while still maintaining doctrinal integrity and the heritage of our testimonies. SWEET!
Heavenly Father,
We your humble servants at WHFC want to glorify You in every way. We consecrate our lives and church to You. Lead us we pray. May our joy be found in serving our fellow man and through the kindred spirits with have with one another. Please give our leadership discernment regarding our membership procedure. And Lord, as in other matters, we will patiently, prayerful, humbly wait Your leading and direction.
In Jesus' name, Amen
Thanks for stopping by!
--------
Adrian
Showing posts with label Policy manual. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Policy manual. Show all posts
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
Membership - Part 6
Organizational Structure
George Barna, Donald Cousins and other church guru of statistics report that the average church in America aligns with the following (or similar) organizational structure:
> Board Led
> Staff Run (or solo pastor)
> Congregation Served
> World Ignored
I believe a biblical organizational model for a church is:
> Board Protected
> Staff Led (paid/unpaid people who are commissioned by the church)
> Congregation Serving
> World Served
I believe the above biblical model is close to how we are organizationally structured at this time. We are still defining roles and very much in the process of providing our key lay leaders with more responsibility over the membership of the church (namely, elders and overseers). I assume a healthy change in the membership procedure at WHFC would require us to view the role of elders and overseers all the more in this way.
Instead of screening membership applicants for conformity to the doctrine and testimonies of Friends the overseers would focus more on searching out the relationship candidates have with Christ and their commitment to the vision, mission and objectives of WHFC. Then they would make recommendations for membership to Administrative Council assuring these two primary objectives have been met. They would also be empowered to spend more of their time and resources assessing the giftedness of members, discerning the calling of the Holy Spirit for ministry among members, making recommendations to the Nominating Committee for action, and assume greater responsibility to thoroughly disciple and develop those under their sphere of responsibility and care.
In addition, we would need for the elders to be able to spend less of their time and energy each month assessing and developing policy and procedure and function more in a biblical role of protecting the body of Christ. The scriptures make this matter of importance very clear. In Acts 20 Paul tells the elders in Miletus, "Be on guard for all the flock which the Holy Spirit has made you an overseers, to shepherd the church of God." Paul goes on to say to the elders that "savage wolves" would come and "speak perverse things that will draw people away." Paul's admonition to elders was to protect the flock from harm.
Peter tells elders in his first book "to shepherd the flock of God among you... with eagerness" (5:2). In Hebrews the church is told to submit to the elders "who are to keep watch over their souls and who will one day give account to God" (13:17). James states, the congregation should "call upon the elders when they are sick for anointing and prayer and to seek how help when struggling with sin" (5:13-15). Clearly scripture calls elders to pastor people as priority number one.
Specific to this discussion on membership is Acts 6:1-6. Here scripture presents the role of elders as given to the ministry of prayer and teaching the Bible and searching out needs in the body of Christ and the appointment of Spirit filled, qualified people to serve. Clearly elders are given the duty of delegation in the New Testament as priority number two.
I believe these objectives will require further consideration in order to change our membership practice from being "doctrinally driven" to "relationship based" and still maintain integrity in discipleship, discipline and screening for leadership. I guess it would be the Spiritual life elders responsibility to make all of this happen. What say you?
Thanks for stopping by!
-------
Adrian
George Barna, Donald Cousins and other church guru of statistics report that the average church in America aligns with the following (or similar) organizational structure:
> Board Led
> Staff Run (or solo pastor)
> Congregation Served
> World Ignored
I believe a biblical organizational model for a church is:
> Board Protected
> Staff Led (paid/unpaid people who are commissioned by the church)
> Congregation Serving
> World Served
I believe the above biblical model is close to how we are organizationally structured at this time. We are still defining roles and very much in the process of providing our key lay leaders with more responsibility over the membership of the church (namely, elders and overseers). I assume a healthy change in the membership procedure at WHFC would require us to view the role of elders and overseers all the more in this way.
Instead of screening membership applicants for conformity to the doctrine and testimonies of Friends the overseers would focus more on searching out the relationship candidates have with Christ and their commitment to the vision, mission and objectives of WHFC. Then they would make recommendations for membership to Administrative Council assuring these two primary objectives have been met. They would also be empowered to spend more of their time and resources assessing the giftedness of members, discerning the calling of the Holy Spirit for ministry among members, making recommendations to the Nominating Committee for action, and assume greater responsibility to thoroughly disciple and develop those under their sphere of responsibility and care.
In addition, we would need for the elders to be able to spend less of their time and energy each month assessing and developing policy and procedure and function more in a biblical role of protecting the body of Christ. The scriptures make this matter of importance very clear. In Acts 20 Paul tells the elders in Miletus, "Be on guard for all the flock which the Holy Spirit has made you an overseers, to shepherd the church of God." Paul goes on to say to the elders that "savage wolves" would come and "speak perverse things that will draw people away." Paul's admonition to elders was to protect the flock from harm.
Peter tells elders in his first book "to shepherd the flock of God among you... with eagerness" (5:2). In Hebrews the church is told to submit to the elders "who are to keep watch over their souls and who will one day give account to God" (13:17). James states, the congregation should "call upon the elders when they are sick for anointing and prayer and to seek how help when struggling with sin" (5:13-15). Clearly scripture calls elders to pastor people as priority number one.
Specific to this discussion on membership is Acts 6:1-6. Here scripture presents the role of elders as given to the ministry of prayer and teaching the Bible and searching out needs in the body of Christ and the appointment of Spirit filled, qualified people to serve. Clearly elders are given the duty of delegation in the New Testament as priority number two.
I believe these objectives will require further consideration in order to change our membership practice from being "doctrinally driven" to "relationship based" and still maintain integrity in discipleship, discipline and screening for leadership. I guess it would be the Spiritual life elders responsibility to make all of this happen. What say you?
Thanks for stopping by!
-------
Adrian
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Membership - Part 5
He who loves disciplines... Proverbs 13:24
"Spare the rod and spoil the child; The Lord disciplines those whom He loves," and "He who loves disciplines" are common citings used from the Bible to emphasis the need for discipline in the House of God. As we progress in our discussion about church membership I am wondering how you see church discipline fitting into the mix?
Up until this point our church membership has had a strong affinity with the doctrine and testimonies of Friends. There had to be some level of conformity pledged and demonstrated before membership was granted. It sounds to me like the majority of people want membership to be more relational in orientation. Members need to have relationship with Christ and affinity with the vision of the church but not necessarily be in compliance or have conformity with doctrine and testimonies of Friends. And yet, most of you see the value of doctrine and testimonies.
So where does church discipline fit into your membership scheme? What does church discipline look like in your model? Do we not need some level of conformity in the meetinghouse? If our vision is to love God and people unconditionally... and God equates loving with discipline... then how is it embraced and enforced if not in or through the membership process?
Thanks for your comments and for stopping by today!
-------
Adrian
"Spare the rod and spoil the child; The Lord disciplines those whom He loves," and "He who loves disciplines" are common citings used from the Bible to emphasis the need for discipline in the House of God. As we progress in our discussion about church membership I am wondering how you see church discipline fitting into the mix?
Up until this point our church membership has had a strong affinity with the doctrine and testimonies of Friends. There had to be some level of conformity pledged and demonstrated before membership was granted. It sounds to me like the majority of people want membership to be more relational in orientation. Members need to have relationship with Christ and affinity with the vision of the church but not necessarily be in compliance or have conformity with doctrine and testimonies of Friends. And yet, most of you see the value of doctrine and testimonies.
So where does church discipline fit into your membership scheme? What does church discipline look like in your model? Do we not need some level of conformity in the meetinghouse? If our vision is to love God and people unconditionally... and God equates loving with discipline... then how is it embraced and enforced if not in or through the membership process?
Thanks for your comments and for stopping by today!
-------
Adrian
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Membership - Part 4
What I hear you saying is ...
That was one of the phrases I remember from the late 70's that was said to enrich interpersonal communication. I still use it some in counseling sessions today. It helps communicate understanding and clarity in communication. So much of problem solving requires effective communication. The issues/problems must be surfaced, emotion expressed and validated, needs communicated, solutions found, etc.
So, if I hear you correctly on the subject of membership your sense of the Spirit is:
One, the threshold for membership is relationship with Christ and affinity with the vision, mission and objectives of the local church. Two, adhering to doctrine and testimonies should not be a stopper for membership but has value in the maturation of the Christian life and in the health of body life. Three, discernment of leadership qualities should come through relationship. That one should not serve in leadership positions unless testimony is given by others in the fellowship that includes: call, character, competence and commitment on the part of the candidate. Right?
Who then has the responsibility to oversee this discerning process? How would information flow and to whom would it be funneled? This seems like it would be quite a task in a church of 1200 don't you think?
By the way, I like this venue. When you get all of my professional needs addressed can you fix the rest of me too? "How does that make you feel?" (That's another one of those psycho-babble phrases from the 70's)
Thanks for stopping by!
-------
Adrian
That was one of the phrases I remember from the late 70's that was said to enrich interpersonal communication. I still use it some in counseling sessions today. It helps communicate understanding and clarity in communication. So much of problem solving requires effective communication. The issues/problems must be surfaced, emotion expressed and validated, needs communicated, solutions found, etc.
So, if I hear you correctly on the subject of membership your sense of the Spirit is:
One, the threshold for membership is relationship with Christ and affinity with the vision, mission and objectives of the local church. Two, adhering to doctrine and testimonies should not be a stopper for membership but has value in the maturation of the Christian life and in the health of body life. Three, discernment of leadership qualities should come through relationship. That one should not serve in leadership positions unless testimony is given by others in the fellowship that includes: call, character, competence and commitment on the part of the candidate. Right?
Who then has the responsibility to oversee this discerning process? How would information flow and to whom would it be funneled? This seems like it would be quite a task in a church of 1200 don't you think?
By the way, I like this venue. When you get all of my professional needs addressed can you fix the rest of me too? "How does that make you feel?" (That's another one of those psycho-babble phrases from the 70's)
Thanks for stopping by!
-------
Adrian
Monday, March 30, 2009
Membership - Part 3
"Survey said..."
I like that phrase from the Family Feud television show. I appreciate all of the comments regarding church membership. Some have posted on the blog and others have sent email. I have enjoyed open discussion with our staff, elders, and Area Superintendent over this past week as well. The Survey Said: the majority opinion from each of the above groups is that something needs to change. For the good of the local church we need more people engaged in membership.
The consensus of those surveyed was that membership should be limited to Christ followers who share an affinity with the vision and mission of our local church. That adhering to doctrine and testimonies is important to the body life of the fellowship and for the personal discipleship of the attender but should not be a stopper for membership.
One person suggested we could view church membership similar to how we credential our pastors. As a denomination we "record" what God has ordained and issue a license to pastors for public ministry. Likewise, through membership we could simply acknowledge the redemptive work of God in an attender's life and welcome them into fellowship.
All of this leads me to another question for discussion, "How then do we discern acceptability for leadership in the local meetinghouse if we are not screening for it in the membership process?" Is there a practical, effective way to identify spiritual gifts, and the biblical standards and qualifications that are required to lead or teach in a local church?
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
I like that phrase from the Family Feud television show. I appreciate all of the comments regarding church membership. Some have posted on the blog and others have sent email. I have enjoyed open discussion with our staff, elders, and Area Superintendent over this past week as well. The Survey Said: the majority opinion from each of the above groups is that something needs to change. For the good of the local church we need more people engaged in membership.
The consensus of those surveyed was that membership should be limited to Christ followers who share an affinity with the vision and mission of our local church. That adhering to doctrine and testimonies is important to the body life of the fellowship and for the personal discipleship of the attender but should not be a stopper for membership.
One person suggested we could view church membership similar to how we credential our pastors. As a denomination we "record" what God has ordained and issue a license to pastors for public ministry. Likewise, through membership we could simply acknowledge the redemptive work of God in an attender's life and welcome them into fellowship.
All of this leads me to another question for discussion, "How then do we discern acceptability for leadership in the local meetinghouse if we are not screening for it in the membership process?" Is there a practical, effective way to identify spiritual gifts, and the biblical standards and qualifications that are required to lead or teach in a local church?
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Church Membership
Is Church membership biblically based?
I ask that question out of concern for the local church. As district superintendent I see the statistics and membership is down across the board in our denomination. Not weekly attendance per se, but membership. Some might say, "So what's the big deal if attendees do not want to join the church? They still attend, serve and give their money, etc.!"
The "big deal" for our denomination is this, we are a "congregationally lead" organization. Power and decision making resides with individual members. Our system of government needs spirit lead members for discern the will of God and make decisions accordingly. If they choose not to participate then the system is incomplete, "broken," if you will.
Without the church body as a whole participating in this process "factions" or "special interest" groups/agendas can greatly influence to direction of the church. All the Evangelical Friends Church needs as a movement for Satan to beset the local church is for Spirit-filled saints to not participate in the governance of the church. In reality, all that it would take to change policy and procedure of a local fellowship is a dominant personality who has "kissed the Blarney Stone" (referring to someone with a silver tongue and can wield influence over those with weaker personalities) to present a "cause" and rally the troops for a majority vote, and it is a "done deal" in the Friend's movement. It could happen in the local church or at annual conference. In some ways, our form of government is fragile in this way.
So, we begin this discussion by restating the question, "Is church membership as we practice it biblically based?" Is it broke because it is not the will of God in the first place? As we read Paul's words in I Corinthians 12,"For just as it the body is one and has many members and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For from one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit (12-13)" is he saying that membership is universal through faith in Christ? Or is this an obscure passage that needs the support of the context of scripture for proper interpretation?
What say you on this subject? Is there a biblical basis for church membership? Maybe it does not really matter whether is is biblically based or not. Should it be?
Regardless, it seems like some change is needed in how we govern our affairs in the Friends' movement. Why do you think regular attenders are not joining the local church? How can we address the poor participation at called business meetings? I look forward to discussion on this topic.
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
I ask that question out of concern for the local church. As district superintendent I see the statistics and membership is down across the board in our denomination. Not weekly attendance per se, but membership. Some might say, "So what's the big deal if attendees do not want to join the church? They still attend, serve and give their money, etc.!"
The "big deal" for our denomination is this, we are a "congregationally lead" organization. Power and decision making resides with individual members. Our system of government needs spirit lead members for discern the will of God and make decisions accordingly. If they choose not to participate then the system is incomplete, "broken," if you will.
Without the church body as a whole participating in this process "factions" or "special interest" groups/agendas can greatly influence to direction of the church. All the Evangelical Friends Church needs as a movement for Satan to beset the local church is for Spirit-filled saints to not participate in the governance of the church. In reality, all that it would take to change policy and procedure of a local fellowship is a dominant personality who has "kissed the Blarney Stone" (referring to someone with a silver tongue and can wield influence over those with weaker personalities) to present a "cause" and rally the troops for a majority vote, and it is a "done deal" in the Friend's movement. It could happen in the local church or at annual conference. In some ways, our form of government is fragile in this way.
So, we begin this discussion by restating the question, "Is church membership as we practice it biblically based?" Is it broke because it is not the will of God in the first place? As we read Paul's words in I Corinthians 12,"For just as it the body is one and has many members and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For from one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit (12-13)" is he saying that membership is universal through faith in Christ? Or is this an obscure passage that needs the support of the context of scripture for proper interpretation?
What say you on this subject? Is there a biblical basis for church membership? Maybe it does not really matter whether is is biblically based or not. Should it be?
Regardless, it seems like some change is needed in how we govern our affairs in the Friends' movement. Why do you think regular attenders are not joining the local church? How can we address the poor participation at called business meetings? I look forward to discussion on this topic.
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Evangelism
"To evangelize or not to evangelize? That is the question..."
Last week I posed the same question in three different venues and surprisingly received the same response. The question: "You are God for a day and your job is to decide who gets into heaven. Your first case is a primitive man from Africa. He never heard of gospel message or even the mention of Jesus' name. Yet he was a good man. Loved his wife and kids, cared for his neighbors, and was an all around good guy. Does he get in?"
Most of those whom I polled said "Yes, he's in!" Some determined he had a good heart and would receive admission accordingly. Most of the others said he would be admitted into heaven out of a state of innocence. Stating that God would not hold him accountable because he never heard the claims of Christ. Only two of those I polled said "the man was going to Hell because he did not confess Jesus Christ as Lord and seek forgiveness of sins." Do these results surprise you? They did me. I would have thought more would have chosen a traditional "narrow road/gate" approach as spoken of in the gospel of John.
All of this is leading to a question and pointing out discussion Willoughby Hills Friends Church will need to have regarding what evangelism and altar calls will look like in the years to come. If I understand the trends of my industry then the results of my little poll is in step with mainstream Christianity today. The process of salvation is under construction and is being redefined to fit a post modern society.
So the question I raise as fodder for discussion is this: "Why evangelize if it means destroying someones innocence and possibly condemning them to Hell?" Why give a public invitation at church to confront one's personal sin and repent if it could hurt as much as it helps in some instances? Should evangelism be limited to non-public venues where the "fishers of men" can discern the leading of the Spirit and the preparedness of the hearer? What say you?
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
Last week I posed the same question in three different venues and surprisingly received the same response. The question: "You are God for a day and your job is to decide who gets into heaven. Your first case is a primitive man from Africa. He never heard of gospel message or even the mention of Jesus' name. Yet he was a good man. Loved his wife and kids, cared for his neighbors, and was an all around good guy. Does he get in?"
Most of those whom I polled said "Yes, he's in!" Some determined he had a good heart and would receive admission accordingly. Most of the others said he would be admitted into heaven out of a state of innocence. Stating that God would not hold him accountable because he never heard the claims of Christ. Only two of those I polled said "the man was going to Hell because he did not confess Jesus Christ as Lord and seek forgiveness of sins." Do these results surprise you? They did me. I would have thought more would have chosen a traditional "narrow road/gate" approach as spoken of in the gospel of John.
All of this is leading to a question and pointing out discussion Willoughby Hills Friends Church will need to have regarding what evangelism and altar calls will look like in the years to come. If I understand the trends of my industry then the results of my little poll is in step with mainstream Christianity today. The process of salvation is under construction and is being redefined to fit a post modern society.
So the question I raise as fodder for discussion is this: "Why evangelize if it means destroying someones innocence and possibly condemning them to Hell?" Why give a public invitation at church to confront one's personal sin and repent if it could hurt as much as it helps in some instances? Should evangelism be limited to non-public venues where the "fishers of men" can discern the leading of the Spirit and the preparedness of the hearer? What say you?
Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
"At Will" Calls
As I mentioned yesterday on March 15 the membership of Willoughby Hills Friends Church will vote on pastoral calls. Our pastors receive an "at will" call that can be renewed annually. What is an "at will" call?
At-will employment is a doctrine of American law that defines an employment relationship in which either party can break the relationship with no liability, provided there was no express contract for a definite term governing the employment relationship. Our hope is that our pastors will serve out a full pastoral year (July 1-June 30)but we want to provide them with the freedom to follow the Spirit's leading at anytime without negative repercussion from the church. It also provides the church with the flexibility to to adjust its budgetary needs during uncertain economic times should the need arise.
The lines of demarcation for the "at will" call of each pastor is based upon their job description. This week our Administrative Council will consider the individual job descriptions of our pastors and then send a recommendation on to our membership for action on March 15. I will include a copy of their job descriptions for your consideration as well. Enjoy and please pray daily for these great servants of God!
Pastor Greg Beirbaum
Greg will continue to serve as our teaching pastor. This will also include oversight to the mechanics of worship service structure, creativity and flow. In addition to this he will give oversight to the Connection Ministry in Pastor Randy’s absence, The Well, Neighborhood Networking, Upwards Basketball and sit on the Elder Board. He will also continue to be our “face” in the community by actively pursuing relationship with other pastors and church leaders.
Pastor Jim Davis
Jim will continue to serve as our pastor of teens. In addition, he is commissioned to solicit greater parental participation in the lives of our youth and programming and develop leadership and programming to the single young adults in our church and community. Jim will continue to serve on our denominational Youth Board and ministries and offer consulting services to other youth workers in our community and district Friends churches upon request.
Pastor Tom Fowler
Tom will continue to be an extension of our hearts and the compassion of Jesus Christ as our visitation pastor to those in the hospital, nursing homes, rehab centers or otherwise home bound. Tom will continue to compile our weekly prayer list, communicate to elders and staff when attendees are admitted to the hospital, conduct the majority of our funeral services, and give leadership to our Mercy Ministry. Tom plans to begin a new outreach for those suffering from grief and loss this coming December called a “Blue Christmas Service.”
Pastor Jim Belt
Jim will continue to serve as our Facilities Director and give oversight to Senior Adult Ministry. His facility duties involve coordinating the use of rooms between Cornerstone Christian Academy, Quaker Care Day Care, and WHFC ministries, providing maintenance services and repairs to buildings and buses, overseeing the leasing of our rental homes, providing scheduling and oversight of the custodial staff, developing, evaluating and implementing our security operation, keeping us in compliance with State of Ohio and local fire and health codes, and overseeing the energy management system. In addition the maintenance of the sound, lighting, and video systems fall under his supervision with Greg Saive reporting directly to him. As Senior Adult Pastor, Jim leads a Sunday class, schedules monthly outings and weekly gatherings, leads our Griefshare ministry and provides consistent spiritual care and emotional support to our mature seasoned adults. In addition to all of this, Jim will assume responsibility for Sunday evening worship when Pastor Randy’s tenure ends in the near future.
Pastor Walt Scheiman
This next year Walt will continue to give leadership and oversight to our Single Adult Ministry. This includes counseling, teaching, and running outreach programs and coordinating weekly activities. In addition he performs all of our I.T. functions and needs through the church. Walt conducts weekly ministry at a local care facility as well. Throughout this next year Walt has been commissioned to develop leadership and programming for singles in the 25-35 year age range. He will also assist Jim Belt and me in developing an “Empty Nester's” (Prime Timer’s) ministry.
Pastor Adrian Halverstadt
The Spiritual Life Commission and Elder Body recommend I return as the Executive Pastor with the primary task of providing oversight and direction for the church and staff. I will continue to work closely with the Elder Body in the administration of the church, assist the President and Board of Cornerstone Christian Academy in implementing their vision at WHFC, Chair the Quaker Care Day Care Board as well as oversee the daily operations of the Day Care, serve as the staff advisor to Dennis Anthony and the Family Life Team, preach in Greg absence, lead the Sunday evening Bible Study, and serve on a volunteer basis, as the northern Ohio District Superintendent and member of our denominational Executive Board per the General Superintendent’s request.
Additional Staff (not voted on by the Congregation)
Lynn Pierce
Lynn will continue to serve with part time compensation as our Women’s Ministry Director this year. She currently volunteers as our Children’s Ministry Director, and Internet Webmaster.
Bill Ruff, Clerk
Bill will continue to serve as our volunteer Church Administrator. His primary responsibility is/will be to ride herd over me. :-)
Ed Kompik
Ed will continue to serve as our Maintenance Supervisor this next year. His primary responsibility is to maintain the campus facility and grounds enabling WHFC to fulfill her vision, mission and objectives for the glory of God. To this end, Ed monitors and schedules the maintenance and preventive maintenance performed by employees and sub contractors, specialized repairs to the equipment and facilities, and maintains the church’s rental properties. Currently Ed is developing a “maintenance procedure manual” and detailed records of the buildings and grounds.
Ed is directly accountable to the Administrative Pastor and indirectly to the Trustees. As with all full time staff Ed provides weekly updates at staff meetings and submits monthly SMART goals through Administrative Council reports. This year Ed will be work closely with the Trustees in developing annual objectives in his areas of concentration.
Thanks for stopping by!
-----=
Adrian
At-will employment is a doctrine of American law that defines an employment relationship in which either party can break the relationship with no liability, provided there was no express contract for a definite term governing the employment relationship. Our hope is that our pastors will serve out a full pastoral year (July 1-June 30)but we want to provide them with the freedom to follow the Spirit's leading at anytime without negative repercussion from the church. It also provides the church with the flexibility to to adjust its budgetary needs during uncertain economic times should the need arise.
The lines of demarcation for the "at will" call of each pastor is based upon their job description. This week our Administrative Council will consider the individual job descriptions of our pastors and then send a recommendation on to our membership for action on March 15. I will include a copy of their job descriptions for your consideration as well. Enjoy and please pray daily for these great servants of God!
Pastor Greg Beirbaum
Greg will continue to serve as our teaching pastor. This will also include oversight to the mechanics of worship service structure, creativity and flow. In addition to this he will give oversight to the Connection Ministry in Pastor Randy’s absence, The Well, Neighborhood Networking, Upwards Basketball and sit on the Elder Board. He will also continue to be our “face” in the community by actively pursuing relationship with other pastors and church leaders.
Pastor Jim Davis
Jim will continue to serve as our pastor of teens. In addition, he is commissioned to solicit greater parental participation in the lives of our youth and programming and develop leadership and programming to the single young adults in our church and community. Jim will continue to serve on our denominational Youth Board and ministries and offer consulting services to other youth workers in our community and district Friends churches upon request.
Pastor Tom Fowler
Tom will continue to be an extension of our hearts and the compassion of Jesus Christ as our visitation pastor to those in the hospital, nursing homes, rehab centers or otherwise home bound. Tom will continue to compile our weekly prayer list, communicate to elders and staff when attendees are admitted to the hospital, conduct the majority of our funeral services, and give leadership to our Mercy Ministry. Tom plans to begin a new outreach for those suffering from grief and loss this coming December called a “Blue Christmas Service.”
Pastor Jim Belt
Jim will continue to serve as our Facilities Director and give oversight to Senior Adult Ministry. His facility duties involve coordinating the use of rooms between Cornerstone Christian Academy, Quaker Care Day Care, and WHFC ministries, providing maintenance services and repairs to buildings and buses, overseeing the leasing of our rental homes, providing scheduling and oversight of the custodial staff, developing, evaluating and implementing our security operation, keeping us in compliance with State of Ohio and local fire and health codes, and overseeing the energy management system. In addition the maintenance of the sound, lighting, and video systems fall under his supervision with Greg Saive reporting directly to him. As Senior Adult Pastor, Jim leads a Sunday class, schedules monthly outings and weekly gatherings, leads our Griefshare ministry and provides consistent spiritual care and emotional support to our mature seasoned adults. In addition to all of this, Jim will assume responsibility for Sunday evening worship when Pastor Randy’s tenure ends in the near future.
Pastor Walt Scheiman
This next year Walt will continue to give leadership and oversight to our Single Adult Ministry. This includes counseling, teaching, and running outreach programs and coordinating weekly activities. In addition he performs all of our I.T. functions and needs through the church. Walt conducts weekly ministry at a local care facility as well. Throughout this next year Walt has been commissioned to develop leadership and programming for singles in the 25-35 year age range. He will also assist Jim Belt and me in developing an “Empty Nester's” (Prime Timer’s) ministry.
Pastor Adrian Halverstadt
The Spiritual Life Commission and Elder Body recommend I return as the Executive Pastor with the primary task of providing oversight and direction for the church and staff. I will continue to work closely with the Elder Body in the administration of the church, assist the President and Board of Cornerstone Christian Academy in implementing their vision at WHFC, Chair the Quaker Care Day Care Board as well as oversee the daily operations of the Day Care, serve as the staff advisor to Dennis Anthony and the Family Life Team, preach in Greg absence, lead the Sunday evening Bible Study, and serve on a volunteer basis, as the northern Ohio District Superintendent and member of our denominational Executive Board per the General Superintendent’s request.
Additional Staff (not voted on by the Congregation)
Lynn Pierce
Lynn will continue to serve with part time compensation as our Women’s Ministry Director this year. She currently volunteers as our Children’s Ministry Director, and Internet Webmaster.
Bill Ruff, Clerk
Bill will continue to serve as our volunteer Church Administrator. His primary responsibility is/will be to ride herd over me. :-)
Ed Kompik
Ed will continue to serve as our Maintenance Supervisor this next year. His primary responsibility is to maintain the campus facility and grounds enabling WHFC to fulfill her vision, mission and objectives for the glory of God. To this end, Ed monitors and schedules the maintenance and preventive maintenance performed by employees and sub contractors, specialized repairs to the equipment and facilities, and maintains the church’s rental properties. Currently Ed is developing a “maintenance procedure manual” and detailed records of the buildings and grounds.
Ed is directly accountable to the Administrative Pastor and indirectly to the Trustees. As with all full time staff Ed provides weekly updates at staff meetings and submits monthly SMART goals through Administrative Council reports. This year Ed will be work closely with the Trustees in developing annual objectives in his areas of concentration.
Thanks for stopping by!
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Adrian
Monday, March 2, 2009
360 Degree Evaluations
At Willoughby Hills Friends Church we use annual "360 degree evaluations" to assess and improve the effectiveness of our leaders. It is a feedback tool that gives peers and lay people the opportunity to rate and evaluate staff. Most of the feedback addresses behaviors people observed throughout the year, many of which our pastors may not realize they exhibited to others.
This method is different from our previous administration who used a standard “top- down” appraisal, where staff was generally just evaluated by the senior pastor. I felt this unilateral approach was dated in approach and effectiveness and did not provide constructive feedback for our pastors from their peers or the laymen who serve under them.
There is great value in the feedback our pastors receive from the people they serve with each week in ministry. They are the ones who experience the “good, the bad, and the ugly” of ministry with them. Their feedback and perspective on staff performance is invaluable. Thus, the evaluation process is designed to be reflective and not punitive in purpose.
My hope is that our “360 evals” will help our staff grow in their position and in the likeness of Jesus Christ. It should reveal areas where additional training or professional development is necessary. The comments in the review are compiled and shared with our pastors to consider but the names of those filling out the questionnaires remain in confidence.
Hopefully the “360 evals” demonstrate to our staff and church body that we value open communication and seek to better our performance for the good of this local body and for the glory of God. I hope our laity can see how their feedback, whether positive or negative, is appreciated and used for professional improvement and character development. And, I hope they will be more apt to “speak the truth in love” when they feel something needs immediate attention in the ministry of our staff.
What about you? You do not need to be a staff member at WHFC to benefit from a “360 degree evaluation!” Go ahead and give it as try … “I triple dog dare you!” It will tell you how others perceive you, which we all know deep down inside is good for our personal development and growth in Christlikeness. Feel free to contact me for more information on 360 evaluations if you like and be sure to join us on Sunday, March 15 at 6 PM for the recall vote of our pastors.
Thanks for stopping by!
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Adrian
This method is different from our previous administration who used a standard “top- down” appraisal, where staff was generally just evaluated by the senior pastor. I felt this unilateral approach was dated in approach and effectiveness and did not provide constructive feedback for our pastors from their peers or the laymen who serve under them.
There is great value in the feedback our pastors receive from the people they serve with each week in ministry. They are the ones who experience the “good, the bad, and the ugly” of ministry with them. Their feedback and perspective on staff performance is invaluable. Thus, the evaluation process is designed to be reflective and not punitive in purpose.
My hope is that our “360 evals” will help our staff grow in their position and in the likeness of Jesus Christ. It should reveal areas where additional training or professional development is necessary. The comments in the review are compiled and shared with our pastors to consider but the names of those filling out the questionnaires remain in confidence.
Hopefully the “360 evals” demonstrate to our staff and church body that we value open communication and seek to better our performance for the good of this local body and for the glory of God. I hope our laity can see how their feedback, whether positive or negative, is appreciated and used for professional improvement and character development. And, I hope they will be more apt to “speak the truth in love” when they feel something needs immediate attention in the ministry of our staff.
What about you? You do not need to be a staff member at WHFC to benefit from a “360 degree evaluation!” Go ahead and give it as try … “I triple dog dare you!” It will tell you how others perceive you, which we all know deep down inside is good for our personal development and growth in Christlikeness. Feel free to contact me for more information on 360 evaluations if you like and be sure to join us on Sunday, March 15 at 6 PM for the recall vote of our pastors.
Thanks for stopping by!
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Adrian
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Pastoral Calls
Willoughby Hills Friends Church has a congregational form of government which means ultimate power resides with the membership. The membership approves yearly budgets, sets policy and appoints leaders to govern their affairs. On March 15 the membership will discern God's will regarding pastoral staff and vote on whether or not to extend one year "at will" calls based upon my recommendation.
Last year due to a decrease in weekly giving we had to adjust the budget and issue a final call to one full time pastoral staff and four part time supporting staff members. With God's help we were able to finish 2008 in the black and at this point we are meeting our 2009 budgetary needs. As of this time I am recommending the recall of all existing staff personnel except for the ones referenced above.
Recently I have been asked, "How I determine who will be recalled?" My answer, the recall process is both an art and science. It is an art form in that it involves relationship. The decision is not made in a vacuum but rather is vet through key leaders such as our elder body and overseers. Also, before a recommendation is presented for a Congregational vote it is passed through our Administrative Council as well.
The recall process is also "artful" in that it involves prayer and fasting. Decisions of this magnitude cannot be made emotionally by myself or others. We need God's direction. Through prayer God centers and unites the hearts of His people. Fasting aids us spiritually in separating ourselves from the distractions that would normally hinder our ability to discern God's will.
The recall process is scientific in that a system is utilized. Each year I systematically conduct a review of our staff commonly referred to as a "360 evaluation." I will share more about the "360" tomorrow but the "skinny" today is, the 360 includes a written evaluation of the lay leaders who serve with our pastoral staff (generally these people are selected by the person under review), other staff members, my self, elders, and in some instances our Spiritual Life Commission. The 360 also includes a "personal assessment" completed by the individual pastor. Along with the "360" data, our leadership gives consideration to performance, goals, vision, style, creativity, attitude, and the strength of individual job descriptions verses the current needs of the organization.
Once all the scientific data is gathered and sufficient fasting and prayer has occurred, we lay it all on the proverbial spiritual "fleece" before the Lord. At WHFC we believe this is Christ's church and He is the Head. That God still speaks today and His people can discern His voice. What are your thoughts on this process?
Thanks for stopping by!
--------
Adrian
Last year due to a decrease in weekly giving we had to adjust the budget and issue a final call to one full time pastoral staff and four part time supporting staff members. With God's help we were able to finish 2008 in the black and at this point we are meeting our 2009 budgetary needs. As of this time I am recommending the recall of all existing staff personnel except for the ones referenced above.
Recently I have been asked, "How I determine who will be recalled?" My answer, the recall process is both an art and science. It is an art form in that it involves relationship. The decision is not made in a vacuum but rather is vet through key leaders such as our elder body and overseers. Also, before a recommendation is presented for a Congregational vote it is passed through our Administrative Council as well.
The recall process is also "artful" in that it involves prayer and fasting. Decisions of this magnitude cannot be made emotionally by myself or others. We need God's direction. Through prayer God centers and unites the hearts of His people. Fasting aids us spiritually in separating ourselves from the distractions that would normally hinder our ability to discern God's will.
The recall process is scientific in that a system is utilized. Each year I systematically conduct a review of our staff commonly referred to as a "360 evaluation." I will share more about the "360" tomorrow but the "skinny" today is, the 360 includes a written evaluation of the lay leaders who serve with our pastoral staff (generally these people are selected by the person under review), other staff members, my self, elders, and in some instances our Spiritual Life Commission. The 360 also includes a "personal assessment" completed by the individual pastor. Along with the "360" data, our leadership gives consideration to performance, goals, vision, style, creativity, attitude, and the strength of individual job descriptions verses the current needs of the organization.
Once all the scientific data is gathered and sufficient fasting and prayer has occurred, we lay it all on the proverbial spiritual "fleece" before the Lord. At WHFC we believe this is Christ's church and He is the Head. That God still speaks today and His people can discern His voice. What are your thoughts on this process?
Thanks for stopping by!
--------
Adrian
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Pursuing Excellence
One of my objectives this year is to revamp our outdated policy manuals. Not only is our policy manual outdated but so is the concept of a policy manual obsolete as well. I plan to create a “management system” or “operations manual” instead. Not a policy manual that subconsciously tells people what not to do but a management tool that will teach people a system of operation that will equip and empower them for service at Willoughby Hills Friends Church.
We must strive for excellence in all that we do at WHFC and an up to date management system will help us train new people almost instantly and have them producing a result that meets or exceeds our expectation in service and standard. I want us to deliver a predictable result to those who encounter WHFC. Every aspect of our ministry must be taken under consideration and we need one hundred percent participation from our constituents. We will need to create an environment where not pursuing excellence is unacceptable and pursuing excellence is woven into the very fabric of our organization.
This is our watch. At WHFC we will take our tenure seriously. What say you? What are your thoughts? What are some practical suggestions for presenting ourselves in a more excellent way? Thanks for stopping by!
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Adrian
We must strive for excellence in all that we do at WHFC and an up to date management system will help us train new people almost instantly and have them producing a result that meets or exceeds our expectation in service and standard. I want us to deliver a predictable result to those who encounter WHFC. Every aspect of our ministry must be taken under consideration and we need one hundred percent participation from our constituents. We will need to create an environment where not pursuing excellence is unacceptable and pursuing excellence is woven into the very fabric of our organization.
This is our watch. At WHFC we will take our tenure seriously. What say you? What are your thoughts? What are some practical suggestions for presenting ourselves in a more excellent way? Thanks for stopping by!
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Adrian
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