Several of our teams and committees have met this month to plan and carry forward the work of our church. The meeting of our leadership through these efforts points our congregation in the direction set forth through our Constitution and Bylaws: Article V, Section 5.05, Member Controlled Church – “The policy of the Church is vest in the body of believers who compose the membership of the Church. Persons duly received as members shall constitute the membership. All internal groups created and empowered by the church, shall report to and be accountable to the Church, unless otherwise specified by church action” (pg. 5, Constitution and Bylaws).
Article XII of the church’s Constitution and Bylaws further establishes the purpose of every officer, leader, committee and team: “Church committees and Ministry Teams may be established as needs arise. Church committees function in the areas of church operations and administration. Ministry Teams function in the areas of Sunday School, Discipleship, Evangelism, Leadership, and Missions. Both church committees and ministry teams serve to insure the advance of the overall mission of the church” (pg. 15, Constitution and Bylaws).
Many churches today advance their mission through staff and hired professionals. Grace is different in that it accomplishes what God has called and empowered it to do through its membership as volunteers assume responsibilities and serve at the pleasure of the congregation. We do not ever plan to hire-out the ministry of our church for pay, but we ask God to provide willing members to fulfill the ministry that God has called them to do. Grace Baptist Church is a lay-led congregation.
Our Stewardship Committee meets once each month to pray, plan and oversee the financial work of the church. This month, our Stewardship Committee members; made plans to accomplish a church wide celebration on site at our new location (September 18th); introduce and carry out a Capital Campaign through which we may finance the renovations and upgrades to the new location; begin a stewardship emphasis by which offering envelops will be available to every member, plus, Every Member Can Become a Tither emphasis beginning in 2017.
The Student Ministry Team met with parents to plan the Fall calendar for our young people. Goals were established and plans are underway for activities that will be carried out through the end of the year. Parents were enlisted to participate in the provision of food as well as volunteer as chaperones for every event our students will have. The students and parents enjoyed a trip to Stone Mountain to see the Laser Show as well as finalized their work for the Pink Flamingo fund raising campaign.
Our Men’s Ministry Team met and finalized plans for the August Cook Out and Enlistment program. Our men have elected their leaders, chosen a theme and selected a logo. Promotion of men’s ministry is well underway.
The Sunday School Leadership Team met as well to begin the planning process for our upcoming Sunday School year. Plans were initiated to start new classes, work on increasing attendance, making plans to advance our curriculum and contact every church member to encourage their participation in Bible Study each week.
You can see that July was a busy month here at Grace. Thank God today for our leaders. Praise God for the way He is calling people to serve. Commit yourself to pray and do what you can do to see Grace move forward.