Grow - Go - Glow          Grow - In faith through the Word of God for a lifetime
                                                    Go - With the Gospel from backyard to community to the world
                                                    Glow -  Through weekly worship and in daily lives to God’s glory

 
(Refer to Star of Bethlehem’s proposed Ministry Organizational Chart.)  
 
The Lord of the Church
“Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior” (Ephesians 5:23).  “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25).  Compelled by Christ’s love (2 Corinthians 5:14), we members of Star of Bethlehem Lutheran Church know that it is the Lord Christ we are serving (Colossians 3:24), and it is both our privilege and responsibility to participate in his make-disciples mission (Matthew 28:19).  We, therefore, serve wholeheartedly because we know we are serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 6:7).
 
Purpose for this organizational structure
The primary purpose of organizational realignment is to enable, as best possible under God, our vision as outlined in our strategic ministry plan.  The proposed organization system is designed (1) to be more flexible and adaptive to changing ministry needs, (2) to position elected leaders to focus mainly on the accomplishment of current and longer-range ministry goals, (3) to involve many more members in meaningful roles that match their gifts and interests, and (4) to enhance communication and accountability.
 
Congregation and Voters
As a congregation – a gathering of believers in Christ – all members of Star of Bethlehem have the responsibility and privilege of carrying out Christ’s make-disciples mission.  The Planning Council and all other organizational units receive their authority to function within the congregation from the voters.
 
Planning Council
The members of the Planning Council consult together concerning the overall spiritual and physical well-being of the congregation, giving due attention also to the work of the Lord in the church-at-large.  They focus primarily on (a) implementing the current ministry plan by accomplishing measurable ministry goals and (b) envisioning the future direction of the congregation.  Additionally, the Planning Council implements resolutions and carries out assignments as directed by the voters.
 
Executive Leadership Team
The Executive Leadership Team serves at the direction of the Planning Council.  This team’s primary focus is to ensure that the current approved ministry plan is wholeheartedly implemented by all areas of ministry, and they work closely with the Vision Planning Team to prepare and propose annually an updated ministry plan for council and voter approval.  They also make emergency decisions, when necessary, on behalf of the Planning Council.
 
Vision Planning Team
The Vision Planning Team’s primary focus is to envision future ministry in consultation with the Executive Leadership Team.  Annually, they seek input from elected and appointed leaders and all willing members on what may be included in the updated ministry plan.
 
Team Leaders
Team leaders provide passionate leadership in their areas of ministry.  They determine priorities, establish measurable goals, and develop strategies and action plans consistent with the congregation’s overall ministry plan.  They appoint team members in their areas of ministry (with assistance from the Volunteer Ministry Coordinator and approval of the Planning Council) and proactively provide oversight with their area of ministry coordinators and ministry teams. 
 
Coordinators and Ministry Teams
Coordinators are appointed by team leaders (with the approval of the Planning Council).  They are responsible for action planning and implementation of specific ministry goals with associated authorized funding (consistent with the congregation’s overall ministry plan within the team leader’s area of ministry).  Coordinators, in consultation with their team leader, may request the assistance of others and form ministry teams.
 
Volunteer Ministry Coordinator
This person (possibly called and funded), with the assistance of others, develops and manages a process for helping all new and current members discover their gifts and ministry interests, matches members with appropriate opportunities to serve, and works with the pastors and leaders to ensure adequate ministry training is provided as needed/desired.
 
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee, with guidance from the pastors, selects from the voting membership a slate of candidates to fill the vacancies of those whose terms are expiring.  Elections are held at the annual meeting of the voters.
 
Called Worker Care Team
This team communicates with and supports our called workers and their families, encouraging them in their ministries and enhancing their quality of life.
 
Audit Committee
This committee conducts an annual internal audit of the church’s financial records, or (if directed to do so) arranges to have an external audit conducted.  The findings are reported to the Planning Council and voters’ assembly.