Organizational Structure of the Church:
Matthew 16:18
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Guiding Principles of the Church
In God establishing the church in Christ, He gave a Divine Order that allows the church to stand no matter what the obstacles or circumstances may be. For He declared through Christ that, “upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”(Matthew 16:18) In so doing, it requires organization and structure. There was a need for leadership, and God provided the leadership by giving them “pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding” (Jeremiah 3:15).
Undershepherd/Pastor (Scriptural)
(Refer to Romans 10:14-15)
The pastor serves as undershepherd to God as the leader and visionary for the people of God that he leads. Through Divine calling, God gives him the ability, insight, and wisdom to take care of the House of God. To do that effectively, he needs dedicated, committed leaders appointed by him and responsible to him.
These leaders help him as he shepherds those whom God has placed him with so that the church may be inclusive:
I. Deacon (Scriptural)
The deacon’s role is one of an arm bearer to the pastor aiding the pastor in carrying out the program that God has given the pastor, in the work of giving a committed service that allows the pastor to stay focused on the Word of God and to oversee the entire work of the church as a whole. Acts 6:2-5 says, “Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude….”
The Chairman’s role is to coordinate what the pastor gives him and to delegate it to the deacon body. The pastor receives his authority from God for his commission and call, and the deacon receives his appointment from the pastor.
II. Associate Ministers
The associate ministers work closely with the pastor in carrying out the various functions that are assigned by the pastor.
III. Missionary
The missionary is appointed by the pastor to carry out a special task for the church through local mission in teaching and evangelism in the community that they know the work of Christ in the life of the church family.
IV. Church Secretary
The church secretary is responsible for maintaining church records and files, keeping accurate minutes of all church business meetings, maintaining the church calendar, preparing the Sunday morning bulletins, and performing other secretarial responsibilities as assigned by the pastor.
V. Finance Committee
The finance committee is to work under the direction of the pastor for financial planning and the administering of church finances. The financial committee works closely with the financial secretary and the treasurer. Their responsibilities include developing a church budget, periodically reviewing expenditures, recommending adjustments, and preparing an annual report from the committee.
VI. Financial Secretary
The financial secretary is responsible for the preparation and maintenance of all church financial records and reports and all records of receipts and disbursements. The financial secretary posts individual tithes and offering records, reconciles all bank statements, prepares all monthly financial reports, maintains records of purchase orders, invoices, etc., prepares checks for approved expenditures, and performs other responsibilities as assigned by the pastor.
VII. Treasurer
The treasurer is responsible for the proper accounting, receipts and the disbursement, of all church finances according to the guidelines established by the pastor. The treasurer works closely with the finance committee and financial secretary to implement approved policy relating to the finances of the church. The treasurer keeps accurate records of all money received and disbursed, is responsible for banking all money received, and provides a monthly report to the church.
VIII. Choir
The president of the choir is responsible for the business affairs of the choir, planning, and the selection of all choir officers.
The director of the choir is responsible for all musical matters of the choir, selecting soloists, spiritual balance, repertoire of music, preparing the choir for worship, training members for better vocal production, and for motivating members and keeping their interest.
The musician is very important to the worship. It is of the utmost importance that the musician comes prepared as a vessel that God can use. Through their dedication and commitment the choir can lift their voices like trumpets as they sing praises to God. They are responsible for providing music for worship and any other function of the church.
IX. Mothers
The mothers are to be an example for the younger women. They are to provide that Godly example to display Godly character, integrity, and honesty that build lives that glorify God. The mothers assist the pastor in preparing for Holy Communion.
X. Ushers
The ushers are to work closely with the pastor in preparation for worship to make certain that the sanctuary is orderly, before and after worship, in order to enhance the spirit of worship.
The president is responsible for the selection of ushers as needed. Their responsibilities are to greet and seat people appropriately at worship, provide information and assistance to people as needed, assist in receiving tithes and offering as needed.
XI. Church School
The Church School is the arm of the church that provides Bible teaching and outreach for winning the lost to Christ.
The Church School Superintendent is an important part of that arm. The superintendent works closely with the pastor for the selection of staff members so that the best training is provided to those who come. The superintendent is responsible for providing the staff with the necessary materials for teaching their various classes, makes themselves available to the teachers for any direction or instruction needed, and regularly visits all classes and keeps the pastor informed of the progress of the Church School.
XII. Pastor’s Aid
The Pastor’s Aid is to assist the pastor with finances, prayers, and encouraging words and actions. The pastor is entitled to the liberal support of those with whom he labors. Untold blessings can be received by those who aid the pastor.
XIII. Youth Department
The Youth Department is the training ground for young disciples of Christ. It provides wholesome activities, games, recreation, retreats, and instruction on living for Christ.
The Pastor and the Youth Director work closely together to provide a Christian environment that will allow them to grow mentally, physically, and spiritually to be young disciples of Christ.
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