Faith Lutheran Church is a member congregation of the E.L.C.A., but its authority is the congregation and its elected leadership.
Congregation: Every member of the congregation is a “minister”-called by God to be ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5.20); salt and light to the world (Matthew 5.13-14); and members of the body of Christ (Romans 12.4-8). Budgets and general direction for the congregation are discussed and voted on the Annual Congregational Meeting in early February, and additional meetings called as needed.
Small Groups: Most of the ministry at Faith takes place when two or more people get together and go to work! There are dozens of small groups, committees, task forces, and circles that offer service, support, and/or study.
Council: The Church Council is charged with leading the congregation and essential ministries. The Council is made up of “stewards” elected to a term of office by the congregation and charged with overseeing one area of the congregation’s ministry. Officers are Convener/ President, Steward of Communications (secretary) and Steward of Finance (treasurer). The rest of the Council is made up of stewards elected to head up key ministry teams, called “Committees.” These include: Worship, Outreach (evangelism, outside missions, congregational care), Fellowship, Property and Maintenance, and Discipleship.
Finances: If the people of Faith don’t give it, Faith Lutheran doesn’t spend it! From heat and lights to SS materials and salaries, everything we do depends on the people of God trusting God’s command to give to their local faith community—your local faith community. Faith Lutheran teaches the Bible’s standard of tithing, or giving 10% of our income back to God, and Faith itself tithes and more to ministries beyond our walls. To be honest, not many dare — imagine if more of us took the challenge! How might God bless our homes and lives? Our church? Our world? (Check out Malachi 3:8-12!)
Staff: Faith’s employees assist the congregation in fulfilling its individual and collective missions. The staff includes Pastors to preach and teach “to prepare God’s people for works of service” (Ephesians 4:12). Program Staff may work with the pastors in areas such as Youth, Education, Care Ministries, and Worship. Faith has great Support Staff who work behind the scenes to make sure bulletins get printed, floors get cleaned, and bills get paid.