Day 28 — Church Council

Saturday, March 24, 2007

God’s Word

“So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood —over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders. – Acts 20:28

“Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord.” – James 5:14

Free to Serve

Picture… Council begins with devotions and prayer. Prayer is followed by affirmations. People individually affirm the events and persons who have made a difference in this community of faith. Minutes are reviewed. Finances are presented. A vision for ministry within or outside our church is presented. New business is reviewed. The various ministries and teams are affirmed.

Meetings often last about an hour and fifteen minutes. Sometimes, people are surprised that serving on the Church Council is first and foremost a spiritual experience.

Why…. The Church Council provides an orderly structure under which ministry may thrive. Teams of gifted, talented individuals work on the various teams of the church ministering in areas such as property, personnel, finance, multiple worship teams responsible for worship and teams working on so many areas of important ministries involving the church.

Lives Are Changed… The Church Council has an empowering function enabling people of the congregation to serve freely in ministry. Sometimes people are surprised when they are told that serving on our Church Council is described as a spiritual experience through which people will grow in Christ using the spiritual gifts of administration or leadership.

Connect… Where are your passions or interests? Perhaps you’re needed to serve on a ministry team.

Prayer… Lord, strengthen and empower our council to effectively lead ministries serving your name and your purposes. Amen.