BUSINESS MEETING Year 2017-2018 DECEMBER 10, 2017 RIVER OF LIFE CHURCH OF INDIANAPOLIS, INC. 3255 German Church Road, Indianapolis, IN 46235
River of Life Church of Indianapolis, Inc. Business Meeting, December 10, 2017 ROLC Vision & Purpose River of Life Church believes that God has always called the church from its inception to making disciples. We believe God s goal for the local church ministry is that the total body is fully developed for the purposes of reproduction. The intentional training of disciples, with accountability, on basis of loving relationships is our desire for every person who connects with ROLC. Our Vision River of Life Church exists to give God the glory as we seek to develop fully-devoted followers of Christ. We envision a ministry where God is our consuming passion. A ministry with a reputation of being radically God-centered in every aspect of life and ministry. Passionately pursuing Christ-like character and conduct Humbly serving one another in the Body of Christ Wholeheartedly worshiping the one true God Lovingly proclaiming Christ to those who need Him Assessment: Are we meeting our Vision & Purpose? Pursuing Christ-likeness Sunday Messages o We started the year of 2017 studying Good Stewardship principles in our relationships, finances and time-management. Continued on from there to hear from the scriptures of our Lord s Revealing. Then the Spirit of God lead us through the first letter of Peter, which then led us onto The Truth Will Set You Free sermon series. Currently, we find ourselves concluding the year with our current series A Church of Integrity. Real Talk o Real Talk was developed to allow for a better understanding of how to live the Word in our world today. It gives us time to address real issues with God providing the answers. o This past year seen a decline in Real Talk participation and a weakening in the intent for a service like this. Realistically, Real Talk for some became an excused absence or a time just to hang out. I (Pastor Robert) know there were times when we got off course from the initial intent but I believe these times helped us learn how to help and serve our laboring brothers and sisters in Christ. o Real Talk is a crucial ministry and has been reevaluated and will continue to serve as a vital aspect of our church, just in a different manner. Sunday Celebration 1:00pm Tuesday, Bible Study 7:00pm www.riveroflifeindy.org 2
Tuesday Bible Study o To help us grow spiritually and become better followers of Jesus, we began Tuesday Night Bible Studies. These evenings are intentional in making us become better students of the Word. They are meant to draw us closer in understanding Sunday messages and address lingering questions. o Disciple-making is the foundation of this ministry. Better followers of Christ are those who are better students of the Word of God. Women s and Men s breakfast o Women s Breakfast were held on the 2 nd Saturdays and Men Breakfast 4 th Saturdays of each month. o These breakfasts were a success for the women and offer a substantial room to grow for the men. We will resume again in 2018. New Membership Course o This year we held one New Membership course at the beginning of the year. o There have been a few individuals who have expressed a willingness to become a part of our church and interest in going through the membership course over the coming year. Youth Days and Events o The youth were able to express themselves in worship and through church events, which emphasized their spiritual and social growth. o 2018 will bring with it a continued effort to get our youth more involved to grow in their faith and discipleship. Utilizing our Gifts to serve one another There was a lack of commitment in 2017 for members of ROLC to discover and use their gifts. o We will continue teaching what the gifts are through our membership classes and discipleship training. o The discipleship approaches will provide helps for members to discover and utilize their gifts. Worshipping God It has always been the intent of this church to provide fresh, contemporary was to show that our God is central to our worship. With a focus on the young adult generation we sought to have different college student s help with our musical portions of our worship services. We modernized our look as much as possible. While implementing some traditional songs and methods that make River of Life Church the church God has formed it to be. Building our Reach This past year we seen growth in our outreach ministries. (i.e. PraiseFest, Back-To-School Pencil Pouch Give-a-wat, Family and Friends Day, and College Weekend) we incorporated many family and friends to assist in the serving of our Lord. It is our hope to continue building relationships for better service and fellowship and to join God where He is working. Elders Assessment of Ministry Commitment our church has an issue with lack of commitment to spiritual growth, one-another and to serving our local ministry, which was/is disheartening to many of the leaders. (My personal concern, is lack of a commitment to God rather than to ROLC, I know that when the commitment to God increases ROLC will benefit.) Sunday Celebration 1:00pm Tuesday, Bible Study 7:00pm www.riveroflifeindy.org 3
ROLC Goals & Objectives for 2018 Goals & Objectives for the coming year is simply to address this comment issue corporately. Commitment Strategies for 2018 are: ROLC Discipleship o Commitment Discipleship Training As a church, we need to understand what it means to be better followers of Christ. When we understand this, I your Pastor, believe that your Commitment to the God will be better and this local assembly will see its benefits as well. Discipleship is the number 1 element of our vision and purpose. Therefore, we cannot discontinue our efforts in this crucial part of our ministry. Since we have tried to grow people through other activities or events, to little success. We are going to try another way of reaching out and providing this crucial part of our ministry. Consequently, we are going to renew our Discipleship Training (Online and at a time that is appropriate for you - explain) [See the Seven Principles of Discipleship] Throughout the year all of our sermon series will center on these 7 principles of Discipleship and there will be consistent challenge to practicing this strategy of commitment. o Commitment Discipleship Strategies Last year we instituted within our service teams, events and programs, Chairs and a Co-Chairs to not only overseer these ministries. But we did so keeping in line with the scriptures where the Lord sent the disciples out two by two (Luke 10:1). Well we will continue to stay committed to the scriptures in fulfilling our roles of service and discipleship. (See ROLC Service Team and Event Oversight Committees documents) o Commitment Accountability Partners Last year there was a struggle to fulfill our newly implemented Accountability Partners. To help with our commitment to each other, throughout the year I personally, will encourage all of us to connect with our partners to perform some special task; keeping with the Seven Principles of Discipleship (See ROLC Accountability Partners document). Reminder: As new people come in and complete the New Membership Course, they will be assigned to an accountability partner. The requirement for being an accountability partner is finishing the Discipleship Training. o Other areas of Sacrificial Commitment: Commitment in attendance Commitment in giving Commitment to service Sunday Celebration 1:00pm Tuesday, Bible Study 7:00pm www.riveroflifeindy.org 4
ROLC 2017 & 2018 Financials November 1, 2016 to October 31, 2017 Total Yearly Deposits: Cash $10,919.75 Non-cash $6,474.97 Total $17,394.72 Total Yearly Payments: Rent $5,177.95 Insurance $482.00 Musicians $3,525.00 Outreach $1,129.13 Misc Exp $2,882.92 Total $13,197.00 Other Non Cash Expenses: Receipts $0.00 Signage $0.00 Events $0.00 Total $0.00 Total Yearly End Cash Balance: Tithes Bal $5,469.75 Expansion $4,850.00 Benevol. $600.00 Total $10,919.75 NOTE: a) Deposits are money that are collected every Sunday and considered tithes (cash/ (check) or contributions (cash / check). b) Payments are money paid out for bills where most of the cost are for monthly rent payments which are $500 per month and $6,000 per year. c) Non Cash Ministry is money paid by members of the church for the monthly Real Talk food, supplies, etc. d) Non Cash Admistration is money paid by members for operational expenses to run the church. Examples are marketing to purchase Yard Greeting Sign, printing & programs. e)non Cash Outreach is money paid by members for a social function, examples are Family & Friends and other events. 2017 Budget Expectations Yearly Rent $ 6,000.00 Musicians Cost $ 4,325.00 Church Insurance Cost $ 705.00 Other Church Cost $ 3,000.00 Total Expenses for the church $ 14,030.00 Monthly Income required $ 1,169.17 to run the church Note: these are the monthly tithes expectations for ROLC to function in 2018. Our financial picture this past year compared to last year was substantially down. However, we had larger one-time expenses than previous years. As we move forward into 2018, we need more of us to sacrificially give to the services of this ministry. Last year it was asked of you to support our future church expansions. Expansions like: o The church signs. o The purchasing of equipment that will service our future ministry needs. o Internal items to make our look and feel, youthful and centralized on the one we serve. We have done well. I am still going to encourage you to continue supporting these causes. Throughout the year, I will encourage us more to stay committed to this part of our worship. Sunday Celebration 1:00pm Tuesday, Bible Study 7:00pm www.riveroflifeindy.org 5
APPENDIX: *2018 Calendar of Events Bible Study: Tuesdays 7:00pm January February Prayer Walks: Saturdays 1 st & 3 rd 11:15am March 13 Women s Breakfast 10am 18 Service Team Mtg 7pm 21 Real Talk 1pm 27 Men s Breakfast 10am April 1 Resurrection Sunday 1pm 7 Financial Literacy 10am 14 Women s Breakfast 10am 15 Real Talk 1pm 19 Service Team Mtg 7pm 28 Men s Breakfast 10am 29 Youth Day 1pm 10 Women s Breakfast 10am 15 Service Team Mtg 7pm 18 Real Talk 1pm 24 Financial Literacy 10am 25 Black History Program 1pm May 12 Women s Breakfast 10am 13 Mother s Day 1pm 17 Service Team Mtg 7pm 20 Real Talk 1pm 26 Men s Breakfast 10am 3 Financial Literacy 10am 10 Financial Literacy 10am 15 Service Team Mtg 7pm 17 ROLC Banquet 18 Real Talk 1pm 18 Leadership Mtg 24 Financial Literacy 10am 25 Palm Sunday 1pm 31 He Lives Praise Fest 6pm June 9 Women s Breakfast 10am 17 Father s Day (ROLC Cookout) 1pm 21 Service Team Mtg 7pm 23 Men s Breakfast 10am July 14 Women s Breakfast 10am 15 Real Talk 1pm 20 Service Team Mtg 7pm 28 Men s Breakfast 10pm 29 Youth Day 1pm August 4 Financial Literacy 10am 11 Financial Literacy 10am 12 Family & Friends Day 1pm 16 Service Team Mtg 7pm 18 Financial Literacy 10am 19 Real Talk 1pm 25 Financial Literacy 10am September 4 Financial Literacy 10am 8 Women s Breakfast 10am 15 Fall Fest 2pm - 6pm 16 Real Talk 1pm 16 Leadership Mtg 20 Service Team Mtg 7pm 22 Men s Breakfast 10am 30 Youth Day 1pm October 12 College Friday Night Kickoff 7pm 14 College Day 1pm 18 Service Team Mtg 7pm 21 Real Talk 1pm 27 Men s Breakfast 10am November 10 Annual ROLC Retreat 10am 18 Real Talk 1pm December 7 ROLC Christmas Celebration 7pm 9 Annual Business Mtg 16 Real Talk 10am *Dates, Events and Times are subject to change Sunday Celebration 1:00pm Tuesday, Bible Study 7:00pm www.riveroflifeindy.org 6
Service Teams (Ministry to serve as in service to God and His people. Mark10:45) Worship Service Isha Treadwell (Elder) The focus of this team is to draw participants to concentrate our attention toward God and to make sure River of Life Church maintains God as our central focus. This team will also work with several other teams to set an atmosphere that is inviting and welcoming every time we come together corporately to serve our God. Audio & Visual Service Isaiah Treadwell (Elder). This team provides audio & visual reinforcement to church activities (Sunday Service, special events, etc.). This team will eventually be responsible for editing, making copies and maintaining audio and video CDs, digital files and YouTube files. Member / Non-member Care Service Chair Muriel Treadwell. Needing to train a Co-Chair This team s primary role is to keep the leadership aware of personal needs of the church community. This includes hospitalization, funerals, and other family situations. The service of this team helps connects new members with other members of the Church and makes sure they are being assimilated properly through follow up calls, emails and simple words of encouragement. Hospitality Service Chair - Jeryl Hooks, Co-Chair Leslie Balogen This team of individuals serves the body by welcoming God's people and assisting wherever there is a need. They serve by greeting, preparing Communion, Baptism, and visitor gifts. This team also helps in planning church activities such as Real Talk, picnics and holiday celebrations. Prayer Service Robert Treadwell III (Elder) The saints on this team have the responsibility of holding up the church through prayer. This team prays in conjunction with prayer cards or as the Holy Spirit leads. These community of believers are true seekers of God on behalf of others. Usher Service Lutrell Lauderdale (Elder) Co-Chair Latrice Smith The usher team has the tremendous responsibility, as they are servants, watchmen, and hosts. These individuals are responsible for making sure all members and visitors are prepared to commune with and worship the Lord; by passing out bulletins, pins, note sheets, bibles, etc, This team is also responsible for the collection of tithes and offerings along with communication cards. Sunday Celebration 1:00pm Tuesday, Bible Study 7:00pm www.riveroflifeindy.org 7
Youth Service India Treadwell (Elder) Junior Youth Leaders: Brittany Smith and Brian Smith The purpose of our Youth Service team is to provide our youth with a strong foundation in Biblical truths and principles. With that foundation, our desire is that our youth will learn, grow, and share with others the Good News about Jesus Christ!!!! Outreach (Communication) Service Betty J Lauderdale (Elder) This service team is set apart to restore hope and provide opportunities for people to become all that God intends them to be. This team of individuals act as the liaison between ROLC and the surrounding communities and determine how we can build partnerships with others for the purposes of serving our communities and other ministries. Evangelism Service Lutrell Lauderdale (Elder) This service team is responsible for leading our local body of believers into to joining God where He is working in our local and universal communities. The role of the evangelistic leader is to motivate and make us aware of our call to serve. Financial Service Lutrell Lauderdale (Elder) This team of selected individuals has the primary role to make sure River of Life Church of Indianapolis, Inc. (ROLC) This service has two components: o Fiscal Stewardship for the Church, which oversees, maintains and verifies that we as a church are rightly handling all resources God has entrusted to this body of believers. o Fiscal Stewardship for the Members, (Chair: Robert Treadwell Jr.), which is a service to the members of ROLC for the purpose of making sure members have the opportunity to learn and apply financial skill-sets to their personal resources God has entrusted to them Sunday Celebration 1:00pm Tuesday, Bible Study 7:00pm www.riveroflifeindy.org 8
Event Oversight Committees Black History (Youth) Program (February 25) Chair Betty J This event it geared to celebrate the life and culture of the African American Community ROLC Anniversary Celebration & Fundraiser (March 17) Chair Muriel ROLC has a history and mission that needs to be shared and celebrated. This annual anniversary should highlight our service to the Kingdom and to our community. We also want to highlight and celebrate our members by commending that member that has done an exceptional job of serving our local body of believers. This celebration should also look to our future in serving Youth, the fundraiser for the immediate future will raise money for youth events, scholarships and summer programming. TFOB Services (Real Talk, Father s Day Cookout) [Every 3 rd Sunday) Chair - Jeryl, Co-Chair Leslie Following the example of Acts 2:42-47, TFOB (The Fellowship of Believers) services should build our togetherness / The Anotherings Serving our community of believers should always build one another up in the faith. Our non-traditional services are ways for us to reach out beyond our local body. This year-round event is an inward strategy with an outward focus. Women & Men Breakfast [Every 2 nd & 4 th Sunday] Chair Darlene (Women), Robert III (Men) Women s Breakfast held on the 2 nd Saturdays and Men Breakfast 4 th Saturdays of each month. Is a gender specific discipleship initiative, purposefully implemented to build the fellowship of male or female believers. This service is also keeping with the scriptures Titus 2:1-8 Financial Literacy Training (February 24 th & August 5) Chair Robert Jr. Co-Chair - Lutrell Good Steward ship is a spiritual requirement for followers of God. ROLC is being taught that we are to manage God s possessions well. Having a testimony of being a good steward of your finances and possessions speaks volumes to those who are watching your life. This Service to our ministry is crucial to our outreach. Family & Friends Day (August 12) Chair - Darlene This outreach opportunity allows ROLC family and friends an annual time of year to celebrate God with us during this special service. Praising God with our loved ones is the approach for this opportunity. Sunday Celebration 1:00pm Tuesday, Bible Study 7:00pm www.riveroflifeindy.org 9
Fall Fest (September 15) Chair Betty J Historically fall festivals were celebrated by farmers giving God thanks for what he done in protecting their fields and crops. Fall Festivals throughout the generation for churches have form to continue celebrating God s provision while at the same time bringing family and friends together. ROLC has begun Fall Fest to reach out to our community here with Calvary and surrounding areas. God and Families and great combination and celebration. College Weekend (October 12-14) The scriptures share with us my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Chair & Co-Chair India, Isaiah & Isha Education is this world is crucial to employment and the ability to make it through some of the pitfalls that come with being an adult in America. Awareness of higher education and its advantages helps those contemplating this medium of growth. ROLC college weekend is a great way to both familiarize oneself with a variety of schools that could help meet their needs and how to overcome the obstacles that may await them. Sunday Celebration 1:00pm Tuesday, Bible Study 7:00pm www.riveroflifeindy.org 10
Seven Principles of Discipleship How did Jesus Disciple His disciples? 1. He Invited them to join His work. (Matthew 4:19, Mark 1:16-20) 2. He Taught them about the Kingdom, the Secrets of Heaven and End Time Realities. (Matthew 5:1, 13, 24, 25, Mark 4:1-20, 30-34, 13) 3. He Showed His Authority over Illness, Death, Nature and Demons (Matthew 8-9:8, Mark 1:20-2:12, 2:23-28) 4. He Revealed His Human and Divine Identity and Purpose. (Get passages, Mark 2:13-17, 4:35-41) 5. He Discloses their Purpose and Kingdom Identity {lowly, bondservants} (Matthew 9:35-37; 20:20-34, 23:1-12) 6. He Instructs and Directs them to Serve. (Matthew 10, Mark 6:6-13) 7. He Corrects their Decisions, Thoughts and Dealings (Matthew 14-19, Mark 6:30-44, 8:1-13, 9:30-50) He Commissions Them to GO MAKE MORE DISCIPLES (Matthew 28:16-28) Sunday Celebration 1:00pm Tuesday, Bible Study 7:00pm www.riveroflifeindy.org 11