MINISTRY GOALS

CONGREGATIONAL MISSION – OVERSIGHT/DEVELOPMENT TEAMS

I.  FAITH GROWTH & COMMITMENT:  Deepening Faith Commitments in our Lives

Objective:  Deepen Levels of Faith Commitment of all Grace disciples to grow in faith, care, and service.

GOAL #1) Beginning in 2011, initiate a congregation-wide emphasis, utilizing the “Book of  Faith” Initiative to increase overall Biblical literacy  and deepen our faith.

GOAL #2) Create diversity of opportunities for every Grace disciple (all ages) to be involved in regular study & faith/prayer growth, including SS or alternatives, small groups, partnerships with other congregations, enhanced educational experiences via technological advancements (wireless, online, etc.)

GOAL #3) Develop intentional  program to revitalize, affirm & lift up all disciples actively involved in ministry, including opportunities for renewal through equipping & training, as well as fellowship & fun.

GOAL #4) Utilize creative networking tools/events to build relationships of support & care among members of all ages: e.g., geographic care groups, e-mail lists for classes/committees/groups, text banks, electronic prayer chains, Facebook for various  groups, e-reminders, e-summaries of worship & activities, other contact methods for seniors, elderly, sick, etc.

GOAL #5) Develop program of opportunities for annual re-commitments of discipleship & service in time/talent/treasure, including focus on spiritual gifts, year-round stewarding education, and emphasis on daily ministry & congregational service as a core part of our identity as Christ’s disciples (not just another volunteer opportunity or another thing on our busy schedules.)

II. PROCLAIMING, SHARING, INVITING:  Sharing the Good News. 

Objective:  Grow the ministry & membership of Grace, using creative & modern methods to spread the Good News of what God is doing in this place, inviting others to experience & participate in God’s work of  grace.

GOAL #1) Develop updated ministry pamphlets & communications to share exciting work of God.

GOAL #2) Train every disciple of Grace for daily outreach, with mindset of sharing & inviting.

GOAL #3) Re-vitalize our community welcome & visitor follow-up ministries that were vital in the past decade – including some type of new residents contact list.

GOAL #4) Utilize technology to enhance community contacts/invitations, and to share excitement with  all who enter our doors (e.g. narthex ministry screen,
e-series, Facebook, on-line newsletter & links, etc.).

GOAL #5) Expand our proclamation of the story of God’s love in Christ via community outreach  programs such as Outdoor Nativity, with efforts to reach the unchurched & spiritually searching.

III. COMMUNITY HOPE MINISTRIES:  Sharing God’s  Hope in Community & Beyond.

Objective:  Grow Ministries of Caring & Responding  to Basic Life Needs of those in this Community & Beyond,  including connections with opportunities for spiritual growth.

GOAL #1) Expand food outreach ministries - building on Thanksgiving meal outreach, perhaps extending food ministries throughout the year and including
partnership opportunities.

GOAL #2)  Create faith-life education & support ministries, such as counseling services, parental workshops, family support, elderly population, aging issues & caregiver support, spiritual guidance, medical issues, grief support, Special Needs population, AA / NA / Al-Anon, etc.

GOAL #3) Develop year-round support mechanism for basic needs such as shelter, clothing, finances (clothing bank, household furnishing bank, emergency house, Project Inasmuch, etc.), plus resources & response for neighbors (community or world) in times of crisis/disaster. 

IV.   YOUTH & SCHOOL MINISTRIES:  Planting Seeds of Faith. 

Objective:  Strengthen & Expand our Faith-Based School Ministries & Youth Ministries.

GOALS #1) Solidify our Preschool foundation and possibly expand to older age groups.

GOAL #2) Find ways to offer faith-based ministry for at-risk pre-teens & teens, perhaps expanding partnership in efforts like Tutoring Ministry and the Middle School Bible Class, as well as new programs.

GOAL #3) Develop intentional plan for youth ministry leadership (lay, parents, and/or hired staff).

GOAL #4) Build upon and expand a growing youth music ministry.

GOAL #5) Find creative ways for our youth & youth ministries to more effectively reach out to youth in the community, as well as congregation - perhaps partnering with others and including exploration of technology and other structures that fit into teens’ life & schedules.

V.  CONGREGATIONAL FOUNDATIONS

WORSHIP TEAM

Objective – provide planning and structures for comprehensive worship ministry.

GOAL #1) Foster commitment to regular weekly worship as a foundation of life in each Grace disciple.

GOAL #2) Explore alternatives in worship opportunities, including styles, schedules & times, with possible consideration for seekers and those unable to worship Sunday am.

TECHNOLOGY TEAM

Objective – provide technological infrastructure to creatively enhance of all present & future ministries.

GOAL #1:  develop 3-person team to provide & maintain computer infrastructure -
including hardware, ministry software, electronic communications, web, social networking, etc.

GOAL #2:  develop 3-person team to provide & maintain audio-visual infrastructure – including the church’s sound systems, video displays, projection capabilities for Ministry Center, etc.

FINANCE TEAM

Objective - strengthen financial foundations for present & future ministries.

GOAL #1:  Develop process for creatively sharing the images & stories of Christ’s
ministry in this place, as part of our annual budgeting & congregational meeting process.

GOAL #2:  Develop a more streamlined financial structure for ministry.

GOAL #3:  Develop future capital appeal strategies for successfully paying off the Ministry Center Loan as quickly as possible, as well as emphasizing planned giving options.

FACILITIES TEAM

Objective – provide structures to care for the good facilities God has provided for present & future ministry.

GOAL #1:  Organize specific teams or structure to ensure regular upkeep of facilities.

GOAL #2:  Provide oversight for increasing number of required regulations, inspections, reports, etc.

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** Identify 1-2 leaders in each area with passion skills, calling & unwavering commitment to build team in that area.

** Every team:  Think outside box regarding formats, modern life schedules, technology changes, our new facilities.

** Oversight/Development teams can create subgroups, boards, teams to carry out their goals as needed.

** Only other “committees” are constitutionally-required ones (council, personnel, audit, call, school board, etc.)

** Auxiliaries of Lutheran Men, WELCA, and Lutheran Youth continue and take active part in overall goals