| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 405.1 | | TOKNOW::METCALFE | Eschew Obfuscatory Monikers | Wed Feb 16 1994 15:47 | 27 |
| See notes 260.32 and 260.43 church history of the Church of the Nazarene in
a nutshell and how the manual fits in.
Church organization:
Local body (community church)
District (grouped by territory - which may have zone demarkations)
General (worldwide)
Each local body has budgets that include support of district and general church
activities (missions, Pastor's retirement, and many other things).
Local body calls a pastor, pastor interviews, both decide (like an interview).
Board and Pastor are the ones who interface on this account - not general
local body. Local body business is conducted monthly by the board; yearly
by church membership (to select next year's board). Local policies apply
within the framework of the general rules of the church.
District level provides a supertintendent (a Pastor to Pastors) and other
various and sundry details. I see this as a grouping so that the general
church level is not innudated by each of the thousands of churches great and
small. District meetings occur each year.
Every four years (five?) the districts send representatives to a general
assembly. The General church, as I said, is just the over structure.
Mark
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| 405.2 | | DECWET::WANG | | Wed Feb 16 1994 20:18 | 14 |
| Thanks Mark for the introduction of your church's organization. Our church is a
growing(150 members), non-denominational community church. We have a full time
preacher, deacon's board and a three-memeber "planning committee" which also
functions as elders, but we do not have particular person who serves as elder.
Now, I am confused with the definition and functions of such titles as priest,
pastor, elder, preacher etc. Should a sizeable church(like our church) have
these kinds of positions? I am very satisfied with our church and know where
and whom to go to for different things and problems. But some of the people
who are not that involved or familiar to our church often question us that why
don't we have pastor or elder etc. It seems to me that these positions
represent some specific functions that if a church does not provide these
titles then the functions are not there. As far as I can see that our chruch
does not lack of any function and I think if I go to any other church I would
like to know if it is Crhist's body instead of titles.
|
| 405.3 | | TOKNOW::METCALFE | Eschew Obfuscatory Monikers | Wed Feb 16 1994 21:18 | 23 |
| Though they express their religions differently, I believe the
following are roughly equivalent. Other clarifications are welcome.
Pastor = Preacher = Priest = leader of the "flock"
Elder = Deacon = Trustee/Steward = sometimes board member
District Sup. = Bishop (for multi-church associations; denomination has
a poor connotation with some people)
Church hierarchies differ quite significantly from Church to Church.
The Catholic church's hierarchy is well-defined from the Pope on down.
Many Protestant churches are democratic in selecting their leadership.
Many are some hybrid in between (Nazarenes balance these fairly well
I think which makes for some fair checks and balances). Given my
choice of extremes, I would lean toward the more defined hierarchy
(preisthood/calling of God) and less on democracy. There are some
churches today in danger of apostacy because of democracy in the
church, changing their doctrinal stances to suit the [infiltrated]
population of that particular church. On the other hand, strict
hierarchy in leadership has its pitfalls from time to time; the power
(if bad) is not easily unseated (if at all).
Mark
|
| 405.4 | | RICKS::PSHERWOOD | | Thu Feb 17 1994 00:49 | 6 |
| I know that in my (current) church, elder != deacon
Elders are more responsible for leadership type things (I think - I'm
new here) while deacons are more service oriented (oh wait, is there a
difference?:-)
I know there are fewer elders than deacons, and the elders are all
male...
|
| 405.5 | | ICTHUS::YUILLE | Thou God seest me | Thu Feb 17 1994 07:43 | 10 |
| Hi Wally,
As Phil said, I also would see a difference between elder and deacon,
probably more in degree than in absolute terms, though. Springing from
Acts 6:2-4, and the appointment of the seven deacons, to release the elders
to their preaching ministry.
I put in an article about this in note 28.*
Andrew
|
| 405.6 | | TOKNOW::METCALFE | Eschew Obfuscatory Monikers | Thu Feb 17 1994 14:32 | 11 |
| Elder/deacon = trustee/steward
Trustees (I have a job description, want it posted?) administer the
money/facilities, etc.
Stewards minister to the people, preparing sacraments, etc. (I also have
a job description for these.
One seems to be administration while the other is ministration. Go figure.
MM
|
| 405.7 | | DECWET::WANG | | Thu Feb 17 1994 15:27 | 10 |
| Mark,
Please post the job descriptions(or pointers) if you have them handy.
Those "=" signs help(except the arguable deacon=elder :). Thanks a lot.
All,
I have another question, what is(or should be) the relationship between
deacon's board and pastors? What if they have different visions for the church
body they serve?
Wally
|
| 405.8 | | TOKNOW::METCALFE | Eschew Obfuscatory Monikers | Thu Feb 17 1994 19:05 | 16 |
| > I have another question, what is(or should be) the relationship between
>deacon's board and pastors? What if they have different visions for the church
>body they serve?
Postings coming.
If they have different visions, then you have trouble (disunity) and it needs
to be worked out. The Pastor/Leader should lead and articulate a vision
about what God is calling the church to do. The board can provinde input and
insight for this vision. But any division needs to be seen as a hinderance
to the body and I might even go as far as to lock them in a room until a
common vision is hammered out, remembering that Christ is the head of the
Church, not the Pastor/Leader, nor the members/leaders of the church.
Mark
|
| 405.9 | Steward (deacon?) | TOKNOW::METCALFE | Eschew Obfuscatory Monikers | Thu Feb 17 1994 19:08 | 111 |
| Steward
Lowell First Church of the Nazarene
A Steward must be exposed to and comprehend the total operation of the
church. Being a Steward calls for the highest level of confidence, and
you must be an example of faithfulness both to the congregation and
the community. Your influence and leadership as a Steward depends upon
several factors:
o Attendance at all church services
o Attendance at all church board meetings
o Consistent tithing
o Leadership in the area of giving
Many in the congregation will watch your example and look to you for
admonition and strength.
Sensitive discussions may arise at church board meetings that are meant
only for the ears of the executive body. It is seldom wise and often
disastrous to discuss problems that are revealed at church board meet-
ings. Stories that leak out of a church board meeting usually return
distorted and out of proportion. Never stoop to gossip.
The Duties of a Steward
The primary objective of a Steward is the evangelistic outreach of the
church. Stewards are vital to the welfare and growth of the church,
adding much to the spiritual and physical needs of the church. The Pas-
tor and the church suffer is he must carry the total load of the church
in addition to his other duties. An alert Board of Stewards can mul-
tiply the Pastor's ability to perform his pastoral duties by function-
ing knowledgeably and carrying out their duties to completion.
The local church is not left to devise her own standard for leader-
ship but has excellent guidelines in the church manual. The Manual pro-
vides the denominational standards with governing laws, prohibitions,
doctrines, and judicial guidelines. A Steward not only must understand
his or her relationship to the local congregation, but also to the de-
nominational activities and ministry. Denominational loyalty and al-
legiance to the local church is expected. Although the local church
is free to manage its own affairs, she is never cut off from the de-
nominational purpose and organizational philosophy. The following para-
graphs describe the various function of a Steward and the board of Stew-
ards.
A Steward must be interested (and generate interest) in revival within
the church, and in maintaining an evangelistic atmosphere.
The Stewards plan special services and speakers, in consultation with
the Pastor, and initiate and promote interest in these among the con-
gregation. Evangelists should receive an adequate salary for his ser-
vices in addition to his traveling expenses and social security on the
money earned.
The Stewards plans or supplies the dinners for visiting dignitaries.
The Pastor should be reimbursed or given a food allowance to enter-
tain special speakers.
A Steward must understand the budget system of the denomination and
support this as their financial lifeline.
A Steward should be concerned for the welfare of the parsonage fam-
ilies. The Chairman of the Stewards should keep in close contact with
the Pastors in regard to the needs of the parsonages and their fam-
ilies.
The Stewards prepare the elements of communion, under the direction
of the Chairman of the Stewards. Communion dates are set by the Pas-
tor. The elements should be prepared reverently and in advance of the
worship service. The Communion table should be cleared of everything
except the elements. A white, appropriate cloth should be placed over
the communion tray and removed at the time of the Communion service.
The communion utensils should be cleaned and properly stored at the
close of the service.
A Steward exemplifies hospitality. The spiritual life of the church
includes the total community.
The Stewards prepares food and assistance to the bereaved. This touches
people for the sake of Christ.
A Steward remembers those in prayer who are ill or in the hospital.
The Stewards send an appropriate gift in the name of the church to those
in the hospital.
The Stewards schedule and oversee wedding and baby showers. The Stew-
ards ensure that adequate supplies of kitchen utensils, flatware, and
paper products are always maintained in the Lunn Recrearium.
A Steward should set an example and park in the farthest locations of
the parking lot, allowing the closer areas for visitors, the elderly,
and the handicapped.
The Chairman of the Stewards should receive a list of birthdays and
anniversaries of their pastoral staff and their families. It is im-
portant to demonstrate our love through the church's remembrance for
their leaders and their families on their special occasions.
The Stewards are the backbone of the church and their office must func-
tion positively to maintain a harmonious, spiritual, alive church. As
you can see, there is much more to being a Steward than attending a
monthly board meeting.
Along with the Pastor and other members of the church board, you share
in the vision for the growth that has always been emblematic of Christ's
Church. You are part of a great ministry to perpetuate the commission
and task set forth by God in fulfillment of His vision of building the
church.
|
| 405.10 | Trustee (elder?) | TOKNOW::METCALFE | Eschew Obfuscatory Monikers | Thu Feb 17 1994 19:10 | 134 |
| Trustee
Lowell First Church of the Nazarene
The word trust is defined as a "firm belief in the honesty, reliabil-
ity, and faith in another." Trust is a responsibility resulting from
confidence placed in a person.
The word Trustee is defined as "one to whom another property or its
management, is entrusted." and is translated literally to "entrusted
to another's care."
The growth and proper function of the church are closely related to
its leadership. The Pastor needs the assistance and support of well-
trained and godly Trustees.
A Trustee should own a Manual, read it, and understand it. He should
understand the district and general church function regarding budgets
assessments, and government.
Being a Trustee calls for the highest level of confidence, and you must
be an example of faithfulness both to the congregation and the com-
munity. Your influence and leadership as a Trustee depends upon sev-
eral factors:
o Attendance at all church services
o Attendance at all church board meetings
o Consistent tithing
o Leadership in the area of giving
Many in the congregation will watch your example and look to you for
admonition and strength.
Sensitive discussions may arise at church board meetings that are meant
only for the ears of the executive body. It is seldom wise and often
disastrous to discuss problems that are revealed at church board meet-
ings. Stories that leak out of a church board meeting usually return
distorted and out of proportion. Never stoop to gossip.
The Duties of a Trustee
A Trustee must be aware of the physical appearance of the church, its
parsonages, and properties: it is the Lord's house. Our appearance is
a testimony to the congregation and community and a Trustee should in-
sist on clean, well-maintained, properly illuminated grounds and fa-
cilities. A building or properties in need of repair could deter some
in the community from worshiping at our church.
The parsonage, outside and inside, should be well-maintained. Well-
groomed homes give credibility to the Pastors as those leading an ac-
tive, enterprising congregation.
The climate in the church should be monitored:
o The church should be adequately heated or cooled.
o The fire extinguishers should be properly maintained.
o The rest rooms should be clean and bright.
o The plumbing should be properly maintained.
o The kitchen should be free from odor. The appliances should be kept
free of rust and stain.
o Exit signs should be lit during every service and doors kept free
of any obstacles.
The Pastor of the church is the ex-officio, or executive manager of
the congregation. The Trustees are those who manage for others or hold
title on behalf of others. While the Pastor is responsible for admin-
istering to the body, the Trustees are responsible for teamwork mak-
ing the administration successful and fruitful. The Trustees are the
management team under the leadership of the Pastor.
Budgets, the lifeline of the denomination, have been fairly apportioned
to each congregation by the District Ways and Means Committee. The fi-
nancial contingency upon which the district church works can be af-
fected drastically by late or nonpayment of budgets. A Trustee should
support the church's yearly financial budget.
The Trustees must find proper solutions for the raising of monies and
the payment of all expenditures. As a good manager, you must insist
on prompt payment of all local bills, budget payments, and insurance
payments.
The treasurer's books should be audited each year. If a change in trea-
surers occurs during the church year, the books should be audited be-
fore the responsibility is transferred.
Church stewardship is a vital form of service to Christ, and the proper
management of sacred monies and materials is the responsibility of the
Pastor and the Trustees. Together, it is our task to wisely use the
monies entrusted to us. We must be faithful to the people who have given
their tithes and offerings to our church.
A Trustee always works in cooperation with the majority decisions of
the church board; a Trustee is never a one-man crusader. Self-interest
has no place on the church board.
The Pastor, the Finance Committee, the Trustees, and the Stewards should
set up a yearly contingency by discussing every facet of church ex-
penditure and determine how much money the treasurer should set aside
each week in allocation.
The Finance Committee has the responsibility of caring for the pas-
toral salaries and compensation package. The Trustees, Stewards, and
Finance Committee should review the pastoral salaries yearly and keep
up to date with their current financial situation. A Pastor's well-
being affects the well-being of the church. As the church grows and
prosper financially, the board should reflect the pastor's hard work
and leadership remuneratively. Too often, a pastor would have stayed
longer in a pastorate if the board recognized the pastor's true value
and shared the blessings as the church grew.
A Trustee must be aware of the building needs for the congregation.
Expanding and meeting the demands of growth is all-important. The Pas-
tor cannot do it alone and must be supported in maintaining a grow-
ing climate among the people. The Pastor needs the support of intel-
ligent people with a vision of enlarging the kingdom of God.
A Trustee is to be a disciplined follower of Christ and take the re-
sponsibilities entrusted to you solemnly. You can be a credit to your
Lord and your church through this office.
A Trustee should set an example and park in the farthest locations of
the parking lot, allowing the closer areas for visitors, the elderly,
and the handicapped.
Finally, being a Trustee does not mean that you have achieved the high-
est office in the local church... it means that you have entered into
the ministry of servanthood!
|
| 405.11 | | DECWET::WANG | | Thu Feb 17 1994 19:56 | 3 |
| Thanks for all the information here and 28.*. I am much more clear now.
Wally
|
| 405.12 | Our "inner workings" | DELNI::DISMUKE | | Thu Feb 24 1994 11:39 | 19 |
| Our church is an autonomous church - there are others of the same
faith/religion, but we are all run as separate entities. Our
particular congregation has preacher/pastor (1), elders (2), ministry
coordinators (4) and ministry members/workers (any number will work).
The preacher does the preaching, the elders do the eldering (as
described in various references regarding elders such as Titus), the
ministry coordinators act as deacons, but don't hold an official office
or title as such, but their roles are that of deacons - serving the
church in physical and "mental" work. The ministry members are a core
group of people who work within the ministries to "get the work done".
With the exception of the first two roles discussed (preacher/elder)
men or women may serve. Our particular ministries are: Outreach and
Evangelistic (external); Worship and Fellowship (internal); Education
(ext and int); Buildings and grounds; and Youth (junior and senior high
students are the focus). We are a small church of about 100 regulars
and are self supporting.
-sandy
|
| 405.13 | | CSLALL::HENDERSON | Friend will you be ready | Thu Feb 24 1994 12:36 | 19 |
|
Mine is an independant Baptist Church..we have a pastor and associate
pastor who are also the elders, and 2 (soon to expand) deacons who serve
on the board of the church. The membership votes on any major expenditures,
changes in ministry and the annual budget.
At our budget meeting this year several members insisted that the pastors
receive a salary increase, which the pastors refused to accept!
Jim
|