Ministry Plan

First Christian Church, Corpus Christi, Texas

Adopted May 25, 2003

Initiated with the election of Ministry Council on August 17, 2003

Core Values

(Positive preferences that the congregation makes in daily life. These are the values they strive to model in their lifestyles and behavior. The core values below are based on Executive Council and Congregational study, Spring 2003)

Worship Spiritual Growth Love expressed in action

Family Nurture of self and others

Confidence that we can do all things in Christ. Compassion

Education Financial Responsibility

Bedrock Beliefs

(The principles, symbols or faith stories to which congregational participants return for strength in times of confusion or stress. These are the profound beliefs that are so precious that no external pressure will force participants to compromise them. The beliefs identified below are based on a process used in the Executive Council in Spring 2003.)

As a part of the Christian Church the only required belief for church membership is that Jesus is Christ, the Son of the Living God and one accept him as Lord and Savior. The broader statement below reflects the general beliefs of the congregation as identified by the Executive Council and serve as a guide for our ministry. It is not intended to be a statement that determines who can or cannot participate in the life of First Christian Church.

We believe that God, the Father, created heaven and earth, and out of love for all that was created sent his Son, Jesus, to redeem it.

We believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and our Lord and Savior. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and lived a sinless life as one both fully God and fully a human being. He died as the perfect sacrifice for our sins, was buried, and on the third day rose again, reconciling us to God and granting all who trust in him eternal life. Christ reigns with God and will come again to judge the living and the dead.

We believe in the Holy Spirit who dwells in each believer and who is worshipped and glorified with God and Jesus Christ.

We believe that as Christ’s disciples, we have been baptized into new life and are called to minister in Jesus’ name. In our weekly sharing of the Lord’s Table we celebrate this new life and are strengthened for service to others. In reading and studying the Bible, which serves as our guide for faith and life, we are connected to God and grow in our faith and understanding.

Vision

(The song in the heart, the image or spiritual metaphor that provides the rhythm for daily living. The mere presentation of this vision excites the heart, and fills participants with a sense of noble purpose. It is the compass setting to which they turn to orient themselves in the chaos of their lives.

(The statement below was approved in 1996 as part of the Congregation 2006 Process but would be reviewed under the new mission plan.)

A Church Alive with the Spirit of God, drawing people into Fellowship, Spiritual Growth and Service.

Mission

(The statement or graphic that in ten words or less communicates everything the public needs to understand about the church if it is to capture their imagination. It is the audacious goal the congregation seeks to achieve for the betterment of humanity and the fulfillment of God’s purpose.

(The statement below was approved by the Executive Council following a Mission Statement process in 2001 and would be reviewed under the new Mission Plan.)

Where Families Grow Together.

Ministry Structure

Congregation

Membership in First Christian Church shall consist of:

• Participating Members. All persons who are now identified as members of the congregation and those who shall unite with it by confession of faith and baptism or by reaffirmation of faith and transfer of membership.
• Non-Participating Members. All person who have been members of the congregation but have shown no continuing interest in the congregation for a year. “Continuing interest” is defined as attendance at a worship service or church event or a financial contribution to the church. Those who are homebound or in nursing homes, or who are caregivers for those who are, shall be excluded from such expectations.
• Constituents. All persons who participate in the life of the congregation on a regular basis but for whatever reason have not chosen to become members. No such person shall be excluded from the congregation’s ministries but shall not be eligible for leadership positions or be eligible to vote in congregational meetings.

The Duties of the Congregation:

• To identify and annually review the congregation’s Values, Beliefs, Mission and Vision.
• To elect officers and members to the Ministry Council.
• To approve an annual budget.
• To approve the employment or termination of employment of the Senior Minister upon the recommendation of the Ministry Council.
• To fulfill its role with regard to Auxiliary Ministries as provided for in the documents and agreements establishing those organizations. Such documents are on file in the church office and are available upon request.

Meetings of the Congregation

• Two regular meetings of the congregation shall be held annually, as scheduled by the Congregational Chairperson.
• One meeting will be for the purpose of reviewing the Values, Beliefs, Mission and Vision of the congregation.
• A second meeting will be to receive updates from the Ministry Council, Discipleship Groups and Ministry Teams as well as other church organizations.
• Special meetings, such as for the approval of the budget, the election of officers or for other congregational business, shall be held at the request of the Congregational Chairperson, the majority of the Ministry Council, or by petition of fifty (50) or more members of the congregation, provided that the announcement of the meeting has been printed in the church newsletter and announced in worship services at least seven (7) days in advance.
• A quorum for the transaction of congregational business at any regular or special meeting shall be the number of members present, but in no event shall a quorum be less than fifty (50) members.
• All members of the congregation shall be accorded the privilege of voting at the meeting of the congregation.
• Voting by proxy shall not be allowed at any meeting of the congregation.

Auxiliary Ministries

Definition: Organizations within the life of the church with specifically defined ministries that report directly to the congregation.

Mission: Defined by groups organizing documents.

Current Groups: Trustees, Elders, Day School Board, Christian Foundation, Permanent Endowment Fund, Long-Range Building Maintenance Fund, Christian Women’s Fellowship, Boar’s Head Guild.

Membership: The Trustees, Elders, Day School Board, Permanent Endowment Fund, Long-Range Building Maintenance Fund and Boar’s Head Guild select their own leaders and members and present them to the church for approval. The Christian Foundation and the Christian Women’s Fellowship select their own leaders and present them to the church for information only.

Limitations: Auxiliary Groups may do whatever they believe necessary to support its mission and fulfill the mission of the church, provided that it does not contradict the Values, Beliefs, Mission and Vision of the congregation or its own organizational documents (Trusts, etc.).

Auxiliary Groups shall:

· Report to the congregation at least annually how they are fulfilling their mission;

· Annually provide a copy of its financial report to the church for its files.

Ministry Council

Mission: To prayerfully seek God’s leading to ensure that every facet of the church’s life and ministry are consistent with the congregation’s Values, Beliefs, Mission and Vision.

Limitations: The Ministry Council may do whatever it believes necessary to motivate and support the ministries of the church, provided that they do not contradict the Values, Beliefs, Mission and Vision of the congregation, and provided that it does not do the following:

• Say “no” to any creative idea or initiative that falls within the boundaries of our Values, Beliefs, Mission and Vision. (Say “no” to any idea or initiative to which Jesus would say “yes.”)
• Ignore concerns or conflict in the church without seeking understanding, reconciliation and peace.
• Allow essential core ministries to lapse for lack of leadership (Examples of core ministries might be worship, hospital visitation, funerals, etc.)
• Fail to instill the Values, Beliefs, Mission and Vision in every leader and ministry of the church.

The Ministry Council shall:

• Identify the congregation’s core ministries, i.e. those ministries that must at all cost be maintained.
• Appoint annually a Nominating Committee to recommend new Ministry Council members, a Personnel Committee to evaluate the performance of the Ordained Clergy, and any Ad Hoc Teams as it deems necessary for the fulfillment of the church’s mission.

Composition: 15 members (4 church officers—chairperson, vice chairperson, treasurer, secretary; 3 elders; 7 at-large members, and the immediate past chairperson of congregation) plus pastoral staff (ex-officio without vote).

Election: The Nominating Committee will recommend 12 members for the Ministry Council based on prayerful consideration of spiritual maturity, character, skills in ministry development, leadership or administration; devotion to church and its vision. (Three elders are to be recommended by the elders.)

Terms: Members shall serve three-year, rotating terms with five persons in each class.

(Initially, the Nominating Committee will recommend four persons for each of one-, two- or three-year terms. The elders shall select one elder for each of those terms as well. Those elected to serve one-year terms are eligible for re-election.) No person shall serve on the Ministry Council for more than four consecutive years. The Congregational Chairperson will fill vacancies on the Ministry Council.

Ad Hoc Teams

Mission: As identified by the Ministry Council in their appointment.

Limitations: Ad Hoc Teams may do whatever they believe necessary to fulfill the mission given them by the Ministry Council, so long as it does not contradict the Values, Beliefs, Mission and Values of the congregation.

Composition: Members from both the Ministry Council and Congregation, as determined by the Ministry Council.

Spiritual Development Team

Mission: Initiate new ministries to guide personal growth, spiritual discernment, continuing education and outreach of the congregation to ensure the vitality and effectiveness of the church in fulfilling its mission.

Limitations: The Spiritual Development Team may do whatever it believes to be necessary to guide the spiritual development of congregational members as long as it does not contradict the Values, Beliefs, Mission and Vision of the congregation; and provided that it does not do the following:

• Fail to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit through prayer, scripture, research and networking with other churches with similar missions and values;
• Say “no” to any creative idea or initiative that falls within the boundaries of our Values, Beliefs, Mission and Vision.
• Allow the core congregational process of growth, ministry and witness to break down or plateau.

Composition: 5 members of the Ministry Council representing various classes and pastoral staff as assigned by the Senior Pastor.

Leadership Development Team

Mission: To equip members for ministry by modeling, mentoring and training leaders in the spiritual disciplines (Scripture, prayer, theology, etc.) and skill development (pastoral care, prayer for sick, etc.)

Limitations: The Leadership Development Team may do whatever it believes necessary to focus and equip leaders for ministry, provided that it does not contradict the Values, Beliefs, Mission and Vision of the congregation; and provided that it does not do the following:

· Fail to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit through prayer, scripture, research and networking with other churches with similar missions and values.

The Leadership Development Team shall always:

· Cast a compelling and ever-growing Christ-centered vision for the church;

· Nurture disciples with the intent that they will make new disciples;

· Work with the Spiritual Development Team to effectively accomplish the Mission and Vision of the congregation;

· Give primary leadership in the hiring of staff;

· Work with the Ministry Council to continually affirm and live out the Values, Beliefs, Mission and Vision of the congregation.

· Train and support lay leaders so that they can carry out the ministry of the church.

Composition: 5 members of the Ministry Council representing various classes and pastoral staff as assigned by the Senior Pastor.

Administrative Team

Mission: To support the congregation’s work through faithful management of its day-to-day life and resources, including raising funds, administering budget, and overseeing the church facilities.

Limitations: The Administrative Team may do whatever it believes necessary to support the mission of the church, provided that it does not contradict the Values, Beliefs, Mission and Vision of the congregation; and provided that it does not do the following:

· Allow the mission of the church to break down or plateau because of insufficient resources;

· Say “no” to any creative idea or initiative that falls within the boundaries of our Values, Beliefs, Mission and Vision.

The Administrative Team works with the pastors and ministry team leaders in supporting the church’s Values, Mission and Vision. It shall:

• Regularly review the financial statements of the church and assure their accuracy and completeness.
• Allocate physical and financial resources to undergird and support the overall mission of the congregation.
• Assign financial resources for core ministries and seed money for new ministries as needed by the Spiritual Development Team or Leadership Development Team.
• Encourage the spontaneous development and financial self-support of new ministries whenever possible.

Composition: 5 members of the Ministry Council representing various classes and pastoral staff as assigned by the Senior Pastor.

Discipleship Groups and Ministry Teams

Definitions:

• Discipleship Groups are groups of three or more people who join together for spiritual growth and mutual support.
• Ministry Teams are groups of three or more people who partner to accomplish a particular strategic project, task or mission.

Mission: To engage in any ministry to which three or more people feel called.

Limitations: Discipleship Groups and Ministry Teams may do whatever they believe necessary to accomplish their ministry task, provided that they do not contradict the Values, Beliefs, Mission or Vision of the congregation, and provided that they abide by the following:

• No Discipleship Group or Ministry Team may be deployed without a designated leader and at least two other persons committed to the ministry.
• No Discipleship Group or Ministry Team shall undertake its work without including a process of spiritual growth (prayer, Scripture, etc.) and outreach (either service to others or evangelism).
• No Discipleship Group or Ministry Team may establish a new ministry that conflicts in purpose or schedule with other established ministries.
• No Discipleship Group or Ministry Team may begin without providing the Ministry Council a simple statement of its mission and goals.
• No recommendation will be made that a Ministry Team leader lead more than one team at a time.

Examples of Discipleship Groups and Ministry Teams : Godly Play, Youth (or Chi Rho, CYF, JYF teams), 2:7 Discipleship Groups, Pastoral Care, Bible Alive, Altar Guild (communion preparation), Communion Ministers, Bread Calling Team, Communications Team, Salvation Army Meal Team, etc.

Implementation

Upon approval by the congregation of this Ministry Plan, the Constitution and By-laws will be suspended for two years to allow for its implementation. At the end of that period, evaluation of the Permission-Giving Process will be undertaken.

Auxiliary Ministry Documents

Board of Elders

(Based on By-Laws approved in 1996.

They are subject to review and change by the Board of Elders.)

The Board of Elders of First Christian Church shall:

• Establish goals, governing policies and procedures for itself.
• Elect a chairperson who will serve for a two-year term and serve on the Ministry Council.
• Hold a minimum of semiannual meetings of Active Elders and Reserve Elders for the purposes of reviewing the policies of the Church, their role as Elders of the congregation, and how best to serve the needs of the Church in performing the duties of Elders.
• Identify potential new Elders and recommend them to the Congregation.
• Identify distinguished Elders and recommend them to the congregation for Elder Emeritus status.

· Whatever else it believes necessary to fulfill its ministry provided that it does not contradict the Values, Beliefs, Mission and Vision of the congregation.

Individually, Elders shall:

· Promote the growth and welfare of the church

· Preside at the Lord's Table

· Serve in the church’s ministry

· Visit the sick

· Carefully consider the policies and ministry of the church.

· Encourage, by example and word, the missionary, evangelistic, educational, and stewardship responsibilities of the Church.

Day School Committee

(Based on By-laws approved in 1996.

Subject to change by the Day School Committee.)

The Day School Committee shall:

· Recommend to the Nominating Committee a Day School Committee Chairperson from a Day School Committee of not less than eight (8) members.

· Develop and supervise a preschool and day care center at the Church.

· Employ and supervise the Day School Director in the operation of the Center.

· Act on recommendations of the Day School Director in the employment of personnel.

· Set fees and tuition and oversee expenditures, and submit regular financial reports to the Ministry Council and Congregation.

· Screen scholarship applications.

· Coordinate with the Ministry Council to ensure compliance with any and all government regulations.

· Whatever else it believes necessary for the well being of the Day School and its parents and children provided that it does not contradict the Values, Beliefs, Mission and Vision of the congregation.

Trustees of the Church Corporation

(Based on Bylaws approved 1996)

The three (3) Trustees of the Church Corporation shall:

· Act as the legal agents of the Church in all business matters, subject to the approval of the Ministry Council

· Hold legal title to all Church property

· Handle all business transactions related to the church property.

Key documents from the following Auxiliary Ministries will be attached to the Ministry Plan and be available through the church office.

Boar’s Head Guild

Christian Foundation Trust Agreement

Christian Women’s Fellowship

Long-Range Building Maintenance Fund

Permanent Foundation

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