One packet per family. Keep this packet & return ONLY signed pages. Christian Education Volunteer Packet Please read through the contents of this packet with all family members that volunteer in our programs. Christian Education s PURPOSE STATEMENT It is our intent to make disciples who are faithful in trusting, loving, and obeying God; and to equip the faithful to stand influentially strong in Christ, so that all who are willing, may receive eternal life through Jesus and experience the life changing power of the Holy Spirit. Christian Education Commission The Christian Education Commission serves this church body by endeavoring to present programs that will provide opportunities for our members to both become God s children and to make disciples. Our hope is as the Lord s, that none should perish, but all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) This commission consists of a chairman and a group of members who are program leaders and supporters. The chairman gives direction as this team works together to plan, coordinate, recruit, train, promote, and evaluate all tasks regarding the programs, personnel, and properties of the Christian Education Department of the church.
STATEMENT OF FAITH Evangelical Free Church of America 1. God We believe in one God, Creator of all things, holy, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in a loving unity of three equally divine Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Having limitless knowledge and sovereign power, God has graciously purposed from eternity to redeem a people for Himself and to make all things new for His own glory. 2. The Bible - We believe that God has spoken in the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, through the words of human authors. As the verbally inspired Word of God, the Bible is without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for salvation, and the ultimate authority by which every realm of human knowledge and endeavor should be judged. Therefore, it is to be believed in all that it teaches, obeyed in all that it requires, and trusted in all that it promises. 3. The Human Condition - We believe that God created Adam and Eve in His image, but they sinned when tempted by Satan. In union with Adam, human beings are sinners by nature and by choice, alienated from God, and under His wrath. Only through God s saving work in Jesus Christ can we be rescued, reconciled and renewed. 4. Jesus Christ - We believe that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, fully God and fully man, one Person in two natures. Jesus Israel's promised Messiah was conceived through the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, was crucified under Pontius Pilate, arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father as our High Priest and Advocate. 5. The Work of Christ - We believe that Jesus Christ, as our representative and substitute, shed His blood on the cross as the perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins. His atoning death and victorious resurrection constitute the only ground for salvation. 6. The Holy Spirit - We believe that the Holy Spirit, in all that He does, glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts the world of its guilt. He regenerates sinners, and in Him they are baptized into union with Christ and adopted as heirs in the family of God. He also indwells, illuminates, guides, equips and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service. 7. The Church - We believe that the true church comprises all who have been justified by God's grace through faith alone in Christ alone. They are united by the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ, of which He is the Head. The true church is manifest in local churches, whose membership should be composed only of believers. The Lord Jesus mandated two ordinances, baptism and the Lord s Supper, which visibly and tangibly express the gospel. Though they are not the means of salvation, when celebrated by the church in genuine faith, these ordinances confirm and nourish the believer. 8. Christian Living - We believe that God's justifying grace must not be separated from His sanctifying power and purpose. God commands us to love Him supremely and others sacrificially, and to live out our faith with care for one another, compassion toward the poor and justice for the oppressed. With God s Word, the Spirit s power, and fervent prayer in Christ s name, we are to combat the spiritual forces of evil. In obedience to Christ s commission, we are to make disciples among all people, always bearing witness to the gospel in word and deed. 9. Christ s Return - We believe in the personal, bodily and premillennial return of our Lord Jesus Christ. The coming of Christ, at a time known only to God, demands constant expectancy and, as our blessed hope, motivates the believer to godly living, sacrificial service and energetic mission. 10. Response and Eternal Destiny - We believe that God commands everyone everywhere to believe the gospel by turning to Him in repentance and receiving the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that God will raise the dead bodily and judge the world, assigning the unbeliever to condemnation and eternal conscious punishment and the believer to eternal blessedness and joy with the Lord in the new heaven and the new earth, to the praise of His glorious grace. Amen.
Room Usage Guidelines These are a few room usage guidelines that I believe, if followed, will promote orderliness and leader cohesion/unity: 1. Commit to keeping any room you use set up according to the Room Chart (if available) for that room. Priority will be given to the largest (or most permanent) function which operates in that room (ie - Awana and KidZone set up will receive priority over Sunday school, committee meeting, etc. in room J). If you have any questions regarding how a room should be set up, please contact the CE Chair. 2. If you must change the set up of a room, please allow time following your event or meeting to return any tables, chairs, etc. to their original position or Room Chart position. 3. Clean the room when you are finished. At a minimum, it is expected that you clean up any messes you/your group made while meeting in that room...(including tabletops, instructional boards, large debris on floors, food scraps and containers, staples, craft supplies, etc.) Ideally, clean up your mess - plus do 1 more thing to clean that room. 4. Take care of any liquid spills immediately or ASAP - do not leave any liquid on the floors. 5. Turn off lights and close doors before leaving. NOTE: Any time your room is not in order when you arrive, please inform the CE Chair, so the problem can be noted and dealt with if necessary. Remember that there will be exceptions and goof-ups occasionally, so try to be patient when they occur. Also note any damaged equipment to properties. Thanks for your cooperation! CE Deacon STANDARDS FOR LEADERSHIP The following standards are to guide the selection and recruitment of all Christian Education workers: 1. Has a biblical basis of a personal salvation experience through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Rom. 10: 9, 10) 2. Completely endorses the doctrinal statement of this church - Statement of Faith of the EFCA. (Eph.2: 20-22) 3. Committed to this church through attendance at its regularly scheduled services as well as attending any events or meetings pertaining to his/her ministry area (i.e. attendance at workshops or meetings for program leaders, attendance at Sunday school when not directly teaching, Bible studies and prayer meetings, congregational meetings) (Heb.10: 23-25; II Tim.2: 15) and supporting the ministry of Grace as God provides. 4. Personal devotion to Bible study and prayer, including prayer for church members and persons under his/her leadership. (Col. 1:9) 5. Abstains, by the grace of God, from worldly habits or sinful practices which would in any way compromise or hinder one s Christian testimony as found in the Word of God. (I Jn.2: 15-17; I Cor.8: 9) 6. Teaches through personal example the Christian way of life. (Col.3) 7. Strives to maintain the unity of the Spirit, having a loving attitude toward leadership and a loving concern for others. (Eph.4: 1-3; Phil.4: 8, 9) 8. Considers how to guide others in ministry to a personal, saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and lead them in their Christian growth. Will periodically provide challenge/opportunity for students to receive and make a commitment to follow Christ. (II Peter 3: 9) 9. Capable and willing to prepare in advance for ministry or service (including lesson preparations, and commitment to arrive early to set up room and greet participants). (I Cor.10: 31) 10. Informs supervisor and helps secure a replacement in case of a needed absence. 11. Follows church and room usage policy when using the church or church equipment by checking with the church office or appropriate staff. 12. Willing to submit to the discretion of the Christian Education Commission concerning a temporary or permanent termination of responsibilities.
Christian Education Leadership, Teaching and Serving Commitment As an agent for the furtherance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, through the ministry of Christian Education, I will strive to commit myself to responsible behavior and character in the following ways: Personal Growth 1. I have accepted Christ as my personal Savior and am certain of my eternal destiny in Him (based on His life, death, and resurrection). As a result, my life is a testimony of the saving grace and power of Jesus Christ. (Romans 10:9,10) 2. I will seek to maintain a close walk with the Lord by regularly spending time alone with Him in his Word and in prayer. (Duet.6:5-9; 11 Chron.7:14) 3. I will maintain an open and teachable attitude by committing to attend the weekly worship services and Sunday school, as well as additional educational opportunities (workshops, etc...) in my area of ministry and/or service. In so doing, I may receive instruction, spiritual sharpening, and encouragement for my leadership role. (Hebrews 10:23-25) Commitment to the Body of Believers 1. I will pray regularly for the ministry of this church and its members, as well as for those who I mentor, lead, and instruct. (Col. 1:9; II Peter 3:9) 2. I will support the ministry of Grace Church. 3. In order to promote communication, unity, and orderliness, I will: - faithfully attend organizational meetings for my area of service - arrive early to set up and greet my students or participants - help to secure a replacement if I must be absent - state any concerns (having prayed first) with an attitude of love and patience, realizing that I may not fully understand God s working in a given situation (Eph.4:1-3, 29-32; Phil.4: 8,9) - follow church and room usage policies when using the building or church equipment by checking with the church office or appropriate staff person. 4. I will consult with my supervisor or CE Commission if I cannot fulfill my responsibilities. I agree to terminate my responsibilities (temporarily or permanently) at the discretion of the Christian Education Commission. Exemplary Conduct 1. I will act as a spiritual instructor, guide, and encourager, striving to live a life that is consistent with biblical standards of conduct for my benefit and God s glory (I Cor.10:31; Col.3), abstaining from worldly habits/sins which would compromise or hinder Christian testimony (1 Jn.2:15-17; I Cor.8:9). 2. I will prepare for my ministry by adequately preparing for lessons, presentations, or demonstrations, and by submitting myself anew and afresh to the Holy Spirit. (Prov.12:27). I will proclaim God s Word (Duet.6:6-9; Matt.28:19,20). 3. I will set an example to my students by modeling a positive attitude in ministry as well as by participation in programs and activities that will build me up spiritually (Phil.4:8,9; II Timothy 2:15), and supporting the church and its leadership. I agree to the importance of committing to the above stated behavioral and character qualities as I take responsibility in my leadership position, understanding that such conduct is vital to my personal growth in Christ as well as to my effectiveness in ministry. If I am ever unable to follow through on this commitment for whatever reasons, I will immediately step out of my leadership/teaching role. Date: Signature:
Grace Evangelical Free Church Ministry Volunteer Application Grace desires to be a safe place for all children, youth, and vulnerable adults. To ensure the safety of those God has entrusted to us, we ask that those who would serve in children s and youth ministries or ministries specifically to vulnerable adults complete a Ministry Volunteer Application. Grace s safety policy requires that we screen applicants. The screening process involves contacting references and former churches you give us to contact. We also do background checks on all applicants. These checks require your permission. Please do not look at this as an inconvenience. This is for the safety of our children and youth and its importance cannot be minimized. The following policies reflect our commitment to provide care of all children, youth and volunteers that participate in Grace Church and its sponsored activities. 1. Volunteer staff who have been convicted of child abuse (sexual or physical) should not volunteer service for any activity related to our children s or youth ministries. 2. Volunteer staff should never be alone with a child in a locked room or a room without a window. For example: the nursery bathroom, handicap bathroom, crib room, and nursing room. In these or other enclosed rooms, a door should be propped or the presence of another adult should be secured. All children (other than nursery and toddlers) should be directed to the public restrooms. 3. Volunteer staff should strive to remain visible at all times when working with youth. 4. Volunteer staff must not take a child alone to another part of the building. The only exception is to take a child to its parents. 5. Volunteer staff should immediately report any behaviors that seem abusive or inappropriate to the pastor or commission chairperson. 6. Volunteer staff must agree with the Bible s guidelines that a sexual relationship is to be expressed only within the confines of a marriage between a man and a woman. 7. Volunteer staff must be regular attendees or members of Grace Church for a minimum of six months prior to participating in children s or youth work, and submit to a Minnesota Department of Criminal Apprehension background check. Confidential Ministry Volunteer Application Note Only one applicant on this form. Additional applicants must complete a separate application. Name Date of Birth Social Security Number FIRST MIDDLE LAST (SS # needed for background check will be blacked out when completed) Address Street City State Zip How Long lived here? Please list any addresses other than above where you have lived at for the past seven years. Address Street City State Zip How Long lived here? Address Street City State Zip How Long lived here? Are you a regular attendee of Grace? yes / no How long have you attended Grace?. Have you served at Grace previously?. In what capacity?. For how long?. Do you wish to serve at Grace but regularly attend elsewhere? yes / no If yes, where do you attend church? How long have you attended there? years If you have attended your present church or Grace for less than two years, give name and city of your previous church (if any) Pastor s name Those wishing to be involved in ministry at Grace should read the doctrinal statement of the Evangelical Free Church located at the Information Center in the narthex before answering the following question. Do you accept the doctrinal statement of the Evangelical Free Church? yes / no
The Evangelical Free Church accepts a conservative and biblical view concerning certain issues that our modern society may find acceptable. We believe homosexuality, abortion, pornography, and sex outside of marriage are sin and that they are not an acceptable lifestyle for a Christian. Do you agree with the Free Church stand on these issues? yes / no Presently, is your life free from involvement in these practices and do you intend to abstain from them? yes / no Have you ever been convicted of a crime involving physical or sexual abuse, molestation or exploitation of children, teens, or vulnerable adults or physical assault of children or adults? yes / no Do you have a legal order restraining you from being in proximity of any child or adult known by you to be an attendee of one or more of Grace s ministries? yes / no Grace believes that being a Christian involves a decision to accept Christ as Savior and Lord. Have you made such a decision? yes / no Tell us briefly about that decision. If someone were to ask, How can I know that I am going to heaven? what would you answer? (Be brief.) List two references of people who have known you for more than three years (include addresses and phone numbers if you have those available) Permission I believe the information on this application to be accurate. I give my permission to the Grace Evangelical Free Church to perform both criminal and sexual/violent offender background checks on me as required by Grace s Safe Place policy. I understand Grace may use a third-party service to perform such checks and I give my permission to that third-party service to perform required background checks on behalf of Grace Evangelical Free Church. I also give my permission for Grace to contact references I have provided above and previously attended or presently attended churches for references. I also understand that Grace Evangelical Free Church may be required to check local public law enforcement records for information that may be relevant to my being accepted as a volunteer worker with children and youth. I hereby give permission to former churches, pastors, and my references listed above to release information to Grace Evangelical Free Church that would be pertinent to my ability to serve at Grace. Print Name Signature Date Privacy Disclosure. The Grace Evangelical Free Church promises to the applicant named above that the information provided in this document will be kept strictly confidential. Such information as birthdates and social security numbers are requested only for the purpose of providing proper identification in the screening process. No information will be sold or given to any individual or company. No information on this application will be shared with any members or attendees of the Grace Evangelical Free Church, other than the reviewing pastor and clerical person who performs the checks. I understand Grace will only enlist the services of a third party screening company that is completely confidential in all of its transactions. IF UNDER AGE OF 18 I have reviewed the above information, as well as the information on the Leadership Commitment and the volunteer packet (if attached), with the above minor. To my knowledge, the minor has no criminal/sexual offense activity. Parent/Guardian Signature: Date: Printed name: Approved by: Date: (Christian Education Chairperson)