Dillon Community Church 2014-17 Ministry Plan Going passionately out of our growing intimacy with God; a caring community for the County and the world; sharing Christ in word and deed.
1. INTRODUCTION Churches, by definition, are organizations comprised of congregants in need of vision and direction. In the absence of vision, churches lose their purpose and focus and begin to accommodate themselves to their surrounding cultural climate or entrench themselves in or-der to fill safe. When this happens, most members fail to grasp the mission of their church in the world. In order to fulfill the mission of God (missio Dei) in Summit County, it is critical that we retain our focus on representing the righteousness of God to the surrounding culture. When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices (Prov 11:10). This Ministry Plan presents ministry goals over the next year that fulfill our purpose and mission, and is in keeping with our values. 2. TERMS 2.1. Purpose Statement: A permanent statement that answers the question, Why do we exist? 2.2. Mission Statement: A permanent statement that answers the question, What are we supposed to be doing? 2.3. Values: Those permanent qualities that define the culture of DCC and answer the question, What do we stand for? 2.4. Vision: Statements that answer the question, What do we look like in the future? 2.5. Ministry Objective: Statements that answer the question, What areas do we need to focus on in order to fulfill our vision? 2.6. Goal: Statements answer the question, What will we do to complete our ministry objectives? 3. PURPOSE STATEMENT, MISSION STATEMENT, AND VALUES 3.1. Purpose Statement The purpose of DCC answers the question, Why do we exist? The constitution states that the purpose of DCC is: to maintain in this vicinity a testimony to historic and fundamental Christian faith; to preach the Word of God to the mutual edification, instruction and discipline of its members and other believers; to be instrumental of the Holy Spirit in the salvation of souls; to help young Christians develop in the spiritual life; to instruct the children in the Scriptures; to aid in any way possible the furtherance of the Gospel ministry on both home and foreign fields. 3.2. Mission Statement Similarly, the mission statement answers the question, What are we supposed to be doing? The elders have approved the following mission statement: 1 2014-17 DCC Ministry Plan
Going Passionately, out of our Growing Intimacy with God, a Caring Community for the county and the world, Sharing Christ in word and deed. The elders have further declared that, these values determine every decision we make about programming and body life. We need to be constantly growing in our relationship with God, and that growing intimacy with the Father should naturally lead to following Christ's command to Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you... In turn, we must treat one another as God has treated us and become a community modeling the love of Christ for one another. 3.3. Values Values help us assign worth and importance to ideas, attitudes, and actions, and answer the question, What do we stand for? Thus, they communicate what is important in the way we relate to one another and address overall behavior. In order to answer the question, What do we stand for? the DCC leadership has developed the following values that will guide overall behavior at DCC: 3.3.1. Prayer. We value prayer as an integral means of growing a deep and abiding relationship with God. We desire prayer to be part of both the member s personal life and the corporate experience. 3.3.2. Strong relationships with God. We value strong and growing relationships with God. We desire our members walks to match their talks. Within the corporate set-ting, we desire to see the spiritual disciplines evidenced in the congregation, resulting in obvious passion for serving the Lord. 3.3.3. Strong teaching and relevant communication of biblical truth. We value teaching that is biblical and in agreement with our statement of faith. We desire the teaching to be culturally relevant and transparent in order to draw the congregation deeper into God s word. 3.3.4. Unity in Spirit. We value the unity of the Spirit brought about through the work of Christ. We desire to work hard to maintain this unity and to maintain a balance between truth and grace. We also desire to create an environment of openness and safety wherein the congregation is encouraged and invited to engage in civil dis-course, including areas in which the church has historically disagreed. 3.3.5. Community of the Saints. We value genuine and authentic community wherein the congregation can find refreshment and safety to grow in their respective areas of brokenness. We desire that this be evidenced by 2 2014-17 DCC Ministry Plan
the shepherding of each other, the equipping of the members for ministry and spiritual life, and the deepening of relationships with one another. 3.3.6. Social conscience to our neighbors. We value a thriving conscience for the social well-being of our neighbors. We desire our county to come to know Christ and realize that action in areas such as social justice, brokenness, evangelizing, caring for the hurting and marginalized, etc., is a vital goal in this process. We also desire to engage our congregants in the mission of God in Summit County and around the world. 3.4. Vision In order to explore what our church looks like in the future, we have developed the following three vision statements. 3.4.1. Caring Community We commit ourselves and our resources to grow in Christ through fellowship with one another and to care for one another in practical and spiritual ways. 3.4.2. Intimacy with God We commit ourselves and our resources to deepen our intimacy with God, both individually and corporately, as we journey together in worship, prayer, service, teaching and fellowship. 3.4.3. Going Passionately We commit ourselves and our resources to fulfill God s mission in Summit County and the world by living out our faith in love through service, justice, and mercy toward those in need, and by inviting others into a relationship with Jesus. 4. CARING COMMUNITY 4.1. Vision: We commit ourselves and our resources to grow in Christ through fellowship with one another and to care for one another in practical and spiritual ways. 4.2. Ministry Objectives: 4.2.1. More fully engage and integrate the DCC community in relationships through intentional creation of new ministries and shaping of existing ministries. 4.2.1.1. Board: Encourage DCC members and attenders twice each year (annual). 4.2.1.2. Adult: Conduct at least three Inquirer s classes each year and work with the elders to receive the new members into DCC (annual). 4.2.1.3. Adult: Conduct general church-wide events to connect members a minimum of twice each year (annual). 4.2.1.4. Student: Conduct a minimum of three events including weekend 3 2014-17 DCC Ministry Plan
or shorter retreats leveraging extended time investigating a significant issue in order to disciple students in theological process. (MH) 4.2.1.5. Children: Host at least eight family nights to offer experiences where families engage in new relationships (annual). (AC) 4.2.1.6. Women: Diversify experiences for women in order to emphasize and celebrate their uniqueness in their personal lives and faith journeys (annual). (JM) 4.2.1.7. Outreach: Host at least three events that appreciate volunteers and supporters of outreach ministries (annual). (JM) 4.2.1.8. Adult: Develop and implement a newer model of small group ministry that provides a variety of options to connect with one another. 4.2.1.9. Adult: Host an event that honors the previous pastors and DCC s historical contribution to Summit County. 4.2.1.10. Adult: Research with young families the needs related to the summer amphitheater services in order to attract younger families. (JH & AC) 4.2.1.11. Adult: Maintain a list of available resources and skills for use by the DCC congregation. (JM) 4.2.1.12. Adult: Plan an all-church retreat for 2016-17 year to celebrate God s blessings to DCC and develop closer relationships and connectivity. 4.2.2. Equip families and singles to navigate Summit County culture through more effective theological thinking and healthier relationships and community. 4.2.2.1. Adult: Educate the congregation on current events in the County such as legalized marijuana, civil unions, etc. (annual). 4.2.2.2. Children: Equip families to thrive in Summit County through events and education of children and parents (annual). (AC) 4.2.2.3. Women: Mentor young women lacking local family support to thrive in this transitional community through small groups, fellowship, and education (annual). (JM) 4.2.2.4. Library: Encourage use of the library resources to equip our families (annual). (JM) 4.2.2.5. Student: Provide a minimum of one seminar for parents/students providing education specific to a difficult and relevant adolescent issue. (MH) 4 2014-17 DCC Ministry Plan
5. INTIMACY WITH GOD 4.2.3. Manage church administration with integrity such that all facilities, finances, policies, and procedures assist in fulfilling the DCC mission. 4.2.3.1. Board: Review and update the By-laws and Constitution to ensure consistency and relevance to the current cultural and legal climate. 4.2.3.2. Staff: Review and update the Employee Handbook and Agreements. 4.2.3.3. Communications: Develop a written communications policy that reflects current best practices including streamlining dissemination of information and use of electronic communication and social media. 4.2.3.4. Technology: Develop the strategy for use of technology including upgrading church management software, integrating all aspects of web presence, and use of social media. 4.2.3.5. Facilities: Coordinate with the Facilities Team to create longterm strategies for use and care of the campus. (JM) 4.2.3.6. Administration: Align budget with new Ministry Plan format. (JM) 4.2.3.7. Administration: Create a finance committee to work with the Church Administrator to simplify the accounting process, restate financial statements according to GAAP, and evaluate and modify existing internal controls. (JH & JM) 4.2.3.8. Administration: Research the need and opportunities for creating an estate planning process to facilitate future funding needs. 4.2.3.9. Student: Track and evaluate the evolution of the Youth Ministry Director position as a paid internship with recalibrated mutual expectations. (MH) 5.1. Vision: We commit ourselves and our resources to deepen our intimacy with God, both individually and corporately, as we journey together in worship, prayer, service, teaching and fellowship. 5.2. Ministry Objectives: 5.2.1. Equip our people to live out their faith through increased understanding and assimilating biblical principles in a 21 st century cultural context. 5.2.1.1. Staff: Create and implement an age development philosophy for educating and maturing the DCC family from cradle to grave. 5 2014-17 DCC Ministry Plan
5.2.1.2. Adult: Increase opportunities for people to live out our value of prayer (annual). 5.2.1.3. Student: Infuse weekly Youth Group gatherings with discussionbased teaching regularly led by both pastors in order to develop theological thinking and intergenerational discipleship. (MH) 5.2.1.4. Children: Provide at least two events for older elementary students and parents with hands-on teaching about worship, prayer, the Bible (annual). (AC) 5.2.1.5. Men: Provide opportunities for theological thinking applying the Bible to 21 st century issues within the context of Iron Hour (annual). (MH) 5.2.1.6. Women: Provide theological and cultural training by using small groups and other study opportunities (annual). (JM) 5.2.1.7. Hospitality: Shape an understanding of serving the church for volunteers using biblical principles and examples in scripture (annual). (JM) 5.2.1.8. Adult: Develop intentional mentoring and discipling to connect the generations. 5.2.2. Continue to shape our corporate worship experience to increase celebration, community response, and to build and respect tradition. 5.2.2.1. Children: Conduct Sunday School, children s sermons, and Kids Sing for children to learn to be active participants in their faith and community (annual). (AC) 5.2.2.2. Worship: Shape the worship and community environment for the fluctuating seasons of the church calendar and Summit County (annual). (MH) 5.2.2.3. Worship: Integrate various generations and skills such as musicians, ushers, greeters, etc., in the corporate worship experience to accomplish the goals of each series (annual). (MH) 5.2.2.4. Worship: Work with the congregation to reenvision worship at both the individual level and the community level. 5.2.2.5. Student: Teach broader concepts of worship in guided youth group contexts. (MH) 5.2.3. Develop maturing believers to more effectively lead ministry at all levels. 5.2.3.1. Board: Work with the elders to identify, select, and prepare future elders (annual). 5.2.3.2. Adult: Identify, equip, and empower members of DCC to shepherd the various ministries and individuals in order to carry out the mission and vision of the church (annual). 6 2014-17 DCC Ministry Plan
6. GOING PASSIONATELY 5.2.3.3. Outreach: Identify, equip, and empower individuals to direct food bank, missions, and benevolence ministries (annual). (JM) 5.2.3.4. Outreach: Provide continued educational and training resources for those serving the underserved in our community. (JM) 5.2.3.5. Student: Direct students on the Student Leadership Team into development of the mission, vision, and values of DCC within their demographic base. (MH) 5.2.3.6. Worship: Develop an additional younger worship leader in order to foster our intergenerational distinctive. (MH) 6.1. Vision: We commit ourselves and our resources to fulfill God s mission in Summit County and the world by living out our faith in love through service, justice, and mercy toward those in need, and by inviting others into a relationship with Jesus. 6.2. Ministry Objectives: 6.2.1. Engage the congregation in increased personal missional involvement through raising awareness and providing evaluated experiences. 6.2.1.1. Adult: Provide opportunities for participation in evaluated cultural and cross-cultural trips (annual). 6.2.1.2. Adult: Raise awareness and build momentum for missional involvement at local, state, national, and international levels (annual). 6.2.1.3. Student: Create three action-based events utilizing Stefan Seeling s contacts and skill set to reach unchurched Summit County students. 6.2.1.4. Hospitality: Emphasize welcome baskets as opportunities for individuals to welcome neighbors and new residents (annual). (JM) 6.2.1.5. Children: Research the possibilities for providing a family crosscultural experience. (AC) 6.2.2. Educate the congregation regarding issues and trends within Summit County and the world. 6.2.2.1. Board: Research county and state statistics and develop a fact sheet (annual). 6.2.2.2. Adult: Provide education to highlight needs in the community and the world (annual). 6.2.2.3. Student: Intentionally pursue other Summit youth ministries, either congregation-based or para-church to create at least one 7 2014-17 DCC Ministry Plan
joint venture. (MH) 6.2.3. Increase church-wide missional impact by better evaluation of needs and more effective utilization of ministry and resources. 6.2.3.1. Adult: Host at least one event to invite county churches to participate in such as the annual National Day of Prayer (annual). 6.2.3.2. Outreach: Host at least one fun event to attract residents to DCC (annual). (JM) 6.2.3.3. Outreach: Host at least one event to encourage and support local service providers (annual). (JM) 6.2.3.4. Children: Research hosting regular community date nights for parents by providing childcare. (AC) 6.2.3.5. Adult: Begin contacting VBS parents who self-identify that they are not connected with any church. (JH & AC) 6.2.3.6. Student: Develop community connections by providing a minimum of four service-based youth functions. (MH) 6.2.3.7. Outreach: Food Bank staff and leadership will work on revisions to the public image and conveyed message and purpose of the Food Bank ministry. (JM) 8 2014-17 DCC Ministry Plan