I requested this meeting because I have concerns … and some suggestions to share.
CONCERNS
re: Infrequency of Meetings …
- I used to say we don’t have enough … like Pastor McKinney and Mike Rasmussen, both of whom have meetings once per month … I thought Pastor Joiles would do the same or similar, BUT he hasn’t … the last three meetings were called by me, Gerald and Daniel.
- BUT I’m beginning to understand why meetings are not popular … It seems they just waste of time … make very little difference on activities
- I don’t plan to request any more meetings for this group … I’ll just wait for others to request and plan to attend whenever
re: Quality of Pastoral Care …
- We’ve not been performing as we should … because we have a senior pastor that is distracted.
- We have a leadership problem … more reactive than proactive.
- We’re supposed to be a pastor-led team … but I feel we’re drifting more than being led … I’m not sure of what our goals or objectives are (as a team).
re: Sunday Church …
- We need a pastor for 2027.
- We need a MAP for 2027.
- We need a BUDGET for 2027.
- We need a speaking schedule.
- What are the plans for going forward?
- What is our vision for the Saturday church?
- What is our vision for the Sunday church?
SUGGESTION:
- Worldwide Church of God meets on Saturdays.
- Grace Communion Jamaica meets on Sundays.
- GCJ plants a school … the revenue of which could make up for reduced income from Saturday church.
ATTRIBUTES OF A HEALTHY VISION CONGREGATION (DRAFT)
Has a healthy Pastor who proclaims the gospel using sound Trinitarian Theology. Has a Christ-centered, biblically-based understanding, preaching and ministry focus. A Pastor who sincerely cares for people. A Pastor who is intentionally and strategically building relationships, making disciples, and sharing ministry using the F.A.T.E., 4Es, and Apprenticeship Square tools to equip the saints.
Meeting weekly in a clearly identified and well-suited “focus” neighborhood.
Established congregational Mission, Vision, and Core Values.
Established annual congregational Calendar built around Faith, Hope, and Love Avenues.
Hosts a relationship-based Leadership Team Retreat (at least every three years) with Avenue Champions, Treasurer, adding Key Leaders as the Spirit leads.
Established annual congregational Budget built around Faith, Hope, and Love Avenues.
Create and follow annual IMAPs and TMAPs for Pastor and three Avenue Champions.
Established Job Descriptions for Avenue Champions and Key Leaders.
Established Advisory Council which meets at least quarterly.
Established Faith, Hope, Love Avenue Champions who are building relationships and building teams using the F.A.T.E., 4Es, and Apprenticeship Square tools.
Pastor has monthly meetings with Avenue Champions (Avenue Champions should also be meeting monthly with their teams).
o Faith Avenue –
– Building relationships.
– Host monthly team meetings.
– Building and overseeing healthy Connect Groups.
– Providing quarterly events to keep the members connected – keeping all generations in mind.
– Providing care for members who attend and for those who are no longer able to attend.
– Intentionally building out the Faith Avenue Team with new team members, and actively searching for potential new leaders using F.A.T.E., 4Es, and Apprenticeship Square tools.
o Hope Avenue –
– Building relationships.
– Host monthly team meetings.
– Intentional in welcoming members and guests.
– Providing a clean, inviting, and safe environment.
– Providing an inspirational and spiritually uplifting Worship Service.
– Established weekly Ministry-Safe Children’s Ministry (prepared lessons with Ministry-Safe teachers on standby – if no children attend currently).
– Intentionally building out the Hope Avenue Team with new team members, and actively searching for potential new leaders using F.A.T.E., 4Es, and Apprenticeship Square tools.
o Love Avenue –
– Building relationships.
– Host monthly team meetings.
– Host at least quarterly events with neighbors within the neighborhood where your congregation currently meets.
– Intentionally building out the Love Avenue Team with new team members, and actively searching for potential new leaders using F.A.T.E., 4Es, and Apprenticeship Square tools.
Hosting an annual Neighborhood Camp.