|
A (Growing) church for all ages |
|
|
|
Church Structure – An Update from the Vision & Leadership Team
Eight months have passed since we started the challenging step of changing our church structure to reflect the exciting times that we’re going through. Now is an ideal time to take stock of what’s happened over the last few months and highlight some of the key changes which have taken place. We would like to ensure that you’re all fully up-to-speed with how things are progressing. We would value all feedback and suggestions as we continue to walk this new path.
2007 is the year we get to ‘know our God’, and building a relationship with Him based on the Old Testament. As God’s people then faced a journey into the unknown, so do we. We’re really encouraged by the challenge this brings. Many of you have already said how much this has spoken to you. This is great, and evidence that God continues to work in the church.
You’ll see that the main key areas that have developed over the first few months of the new ‘era’ have been largely support areas. You’ll agree that such a fundamental change in the church structure cannot be done without any levels of support, so these were very much the vital starting points.
The Finance Team was vitally set up in it’s current form by Les Findon, as Treasurer, and we extend our grateful thanks to him. Steve Hands has then taken up the reins in a very capable manner, and we are very grateful to him also.
The HR Team has now begun to take shape. Dave Peters has stepped into this key role, with Paul Cheesman offering valuable support throughout (from various continents of the globe!)
The Pastoral Care Team has taken shape, offering help, support and encouragement to those who need it most in the church. This is headed up by Janice Myles.
The Administration and Communications Team, (playing an indispensable role behind the scenes, doing a lot of work which many of us may never see, but is invaluable to making OBC tick) is fronted by Robert Myles.
The Sunday Manager Team has also taken a very important role in the Church. This team (again headed by Robert Myles) make the running of OBC on a Sunday happen and they all do a brilliant job.
The IT Team has also made in-roads, with Les Findon heading this team. This is such a necessary area of support, in particular for the Branch, that without this team’s ongoing work, there would be many a glitch especially at the Branch.
Sunday Club - There have been major changes in the Sunday Club. Sue Lawson has worked very hard in this area of ministry, and after her decision to step down, the Vision and Leadership Team felt that we should look at the strategic position of this crucial role. As Sunday Club is so important in the Church, we felt that this could not, therefore, be something that could be rushed into. So, in order to give this the justice it deserves, we should spend the next 12 months thinking about how this position can fit in with the long-term view of OBC. Meantime, Jo Price and Howard have taken a sterling role in working with all of the Sunday Club leaders to look at the immediate challenges, and work with them to develop this ministry, ensuring that the spiritual well-being of the children remains paramount.
The Child Protection Team - As the importance of child protection continues to grow, the Child Protection team has also taken shape. Andy Morris heads up this team, supported by Ann Mason and has begun to make real in-roads in this very important area. His team also sees Karen Fortnam take over the role of Children’s Advocate – a crucial role in promoting the safety and well-being of children.
The Youth Work Action Team is headed up by our international and ever young Paul Cheesman. This is a very challenging, and rewarding team to be involved in and has grown steadily over the last few years.
The CiA Team - This fits in well with the CiA team, which is currently headed up by Pete and Mandy English, Louise Hopton, and Dave and Sharon Peters. This is a very important role in the Church, and come September, this team will be short, so please speak to any of the above should you feel called to help in this ministry;
The Buildings Team, headed up by John Fortnam, who are currently co-ordinating some sterling work looking at alternative properties and location for the future church.
The Worship Team is led by Denise Pratt, so that we can join in the worship together on a Sunday morning, and we currently have a great supply of talent partaking in this, as we learn again to know God more through worship.
Home Groups Action Team - headed up by Sarah Corden, these continue to grow. Please speak with Sarah if you would like to join a home group, as we want to be able to support all members of OBC in this important area of fellowship.
There remain many more exciting times ahead for OBC, and personally speaking, this is a real humbling experience to be able to serve God in the church. Please continue to pray for the church as we continue to walk with the Lord and seek His direction. Pray for all the action teams, the action team leaders, and also please pray to see where God could be calling you to help serve in the church. Please also pray for the VLT, as we help lead the church in this time. There will doubtlessly be many challenges that we, as a church, will face, but it’s so encouraging to know that the Lord our God is with us. As Psalm 121 says ‘I lift my eyes up to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of Heaven and Earth’. Howard |
|
This is something we are doing with
the church, not to the church! So we want to keep communicating all through the process. That's
what this page is for. Please use it to catch-up on any stuff you missed and please do communicate with us too.
You can e-mail the Vision & Leadership Team by clicking on this button
|
Olton Baptist Church
