Ministry Description

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By Senior Pastor Martin Schlomer

November 6 marks the beginning of a very important week in the life and history of Elim! We will candidate Nate Champneys for Elim’s second full-time associate pastor position. As the Champneys are here for the week of November 6-11, we’ll fill their time with opportunities for you to meet Nate and Becky and hear Nate’s heart and vision for Worship and Children’s ministries. The schedule of events is in the e-newsletter, but you can also find it posted on Elim’s website as well as on the information board in the fellowship room.

A very important part of this process will be to understand the responsibilities of this new position. I, along with the Elders, have spent a lot of time prayerfully thinking through what is needed in the areas of Worship Arts and Children’s ministries, and we have created a ministry description that answers the question, “What will Nate do if we call him to this position?”

Please review this description. It will be very helpful as we walk this path together.

God’s blessings,
Martin

MINISTRY DESCRIPTION:
Associate Pastor to Lead Worship Arts

JOB SUMMARY: With heart and passion, oversee the Worship Arts and Children’s ministries by providing vision, leadership, creativity, and volunteer development so that these ministries fulfill the mission, vision, and discipleship process of Elim EFC.

HOURS: 45 hours per week.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Managerial Responsibilities – With heart and passion, oversee the Worship Arts and Children’s ministries and volunteers by providing vision, leadership, creativity, volunteer recruitment, and development so that these ministries fulfill the mission, vision, and discipleship process of Elim EFC. The specific areas of managerial oversight include:

  1. Worship leaders, instrumentalists, and vocalists
  2. Sound ministry technicians
  3. Presentation ministry volunteers
  4. Children’s ministries from nursery through 5th grade
  5. Administrators for Children’s and Worship Arts ministries

Task Responsibilities – Take direct responsibility for the fulfillment of the following ministry tasks:

Worship Arts ministry

  1. Develop and implement a mission, vision, and process (MVP) for Elim’s Worship Arts ministry that accomplishes Elim’s MVP.
  2. Establish ministry goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timely) at the beginning of each year that will accomplish MVP.
  3. Review each worship service to make sure it accomplishes our vision and purpose for the Worship Arts ministry.
  4. Work closely with the Senior Pastor to ensure our vision for the service is being accomplished.
  5. Lead worship services (potentially multiple weekly services) 2-3 times a month.
  6. Recruit and train developing worship leaders, musicians, and vocalists.
  7. Attend rehearsals as required to coach volunteers and troubleshoot problems.
  8. Train, evaluate, and encourage all personnel on a quarterly basis in the ministry so that encouraging, praiseworthy ministry results.
  9. Work with the worship administrator to develop a quarterly schedule for musicians, vocalists, sound personnel, and presentation personnel for all worship and special services. Finalize and disseminate this schedule one month prior to the start of the quarter.
  10. Lead and work closely with the sound and presentation ministries’ leaders to ensure cohesive communication and unity among all participants.
  11. Be competent in all aspects of the sound system and presentation software.
  12. Order necessary slides and other materials for worship services.
  13. Incorporate new music into worship on a monthly basis.
  14. Oversee the setup of Communion.
  15. Creatively incorporate appropriate worship elements for the theme of the service, in addition to music (video, prayer, special music, readings, ensembles).
  16. Attend weekly staff meetings, monthly Ministry Leadership Team meetings and all Elder Board meetings.
  17. Incorporate an average of at least one hymn per service in accordance with our worship style.
  18. Network with other worship pastors/leaders in the Puyallup area for encouragement and development.
  19. Other duties as directed by the Elder Board and Senior Pastor.

Children’s ministries

  1. Develop and implement a mission, vision, and process (MVP) for Elim’s Children’s ministries that accomplishes Elim’s MVP.
  2. Establish ministry goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timely) at the beginning of each year that will accomplish MVP.
  3. Recruit teachers and helpers for Discipleland.
  4. Train and evaluate Discipleland volunteers twice a year.
  5. Work with the church administrator to develop a quarterly schedule for Discipleland teachers and helpers. Finalize and disseminate this schedule one month prior to the start of the quarter.
  6. Work with the church administrator to order curriculum for all Discipleland classes.
  7. Ensure adequate supplies in children’s rooms.
  8. Work with custodians to make sure the rooms are set up and organized.
  9. Oversee the AWANA ministry by working closely with the commander(s) to make sure the ministry accomplishes its mission, vision, and purpose.
  10. Develop and oversee a creative strategy to reach out to children through a summer ministry outreach like soccer camp, sports camp, etc.
  11. Work with church administrator and communications team to reach out and communicate with parents regarding Children’s ministries.
  12. Network with other children’s pastors/leaders in the Puyallup area for encouragement and development.
  13. Develop and administer a process for securely accepting and releasing children to designated guardians.
  14. Other duties as directed by the Elder Board and Senior Pastor.

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
This position comes with a part-time worship administrator as well as administrative support for Children’s ministries from the part-time church administrator.

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Letter from Pastor Martin, Dan Amos and the Elder Board

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Dear Elim members and friends,

Six months ago, Stan Peterson began a one-year internship with us in holistic outreach and assimilation. During this year Stan was challenged to finish seminary with a Master of Divinity degree, pursue credentialing with the EFCA, help equip us to reach out to our community, and help us care for guests who visit with us on Sunday mornings. This was to be a year of exploring opportunities as well as having a role in preparing Stan for full-time ministry — possibly at Elim.

During the past six months Stan has jumped in head-first and has gotten well underway on each of those tasks. In addition, the entire staff, including Stan, has undergone an intensive profile assessment and coaching process to help us all better understand how God has wired and equipped them to be most effective in serving Him by leading His church.

As a result of this process, it became clear to Stan that an associate pastor position at Elim would not be a good fit. It became clear that Stan’s gifting leans more toward shepherding a church plant, being an army chaplain, or possibly a professor. All of these options are exciting to Stan! Please pray for the Petersons as they pray and discern their next steps.

This begs the question, “What’s next for Stan and Elim?” Stan will continue with the Elim internship through December. During this time, we will continue to do what we can to help prepare him for his next season of ministry. He will also finish his licensing through the EFCA in November.

We want to thank those who have been praying for this effort as well as contributing financially to Stan! Without your sacrifice, this internship would not have been possible.

As Elim grows, there is still a need for another staff position. As an Elder Board we are evaluating exactly what that need is, and how to best fill it. Please be in prayer about what this means for Elim moving forward. Pray for God-given discernment for the Elders as we process through the unique gifting of our staff and seek to identify the best way to organize and build our staff to meet the opportunities God has entrusted to us.

Thanks for your prayers! It is an exciting time to be at Elim right now. We look forward to seeing what God is going to do both in Stan and at Elim. If you have any questions, please talk with Pastor Martin or the Elders.

Sincerely,

Martin Schlomer
Senior Pastor

Dan Amos
Elder Board Chair

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Let’s take a risk … so please read

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by Martin Schlomer

Have you ever sensed God leading you to break out of your comfort zone, to take a risk that might make you feel a little uncomfortable? I have had the growing sense for the past month that God would have us, as a church, take such a risk.

As you know, Christmas falls on a Sunday this year. A few weeks ago, I ran an idea by the Elders and the Stewardship Team that felt uncomfortable and risky. Out of this idea came the following proposal to the Elder Board: We would take the Christmas offering as usual; however, half of it would go to meet the regular (budgeted) needs of the Body, and the other half would go to meet the special (unbudgeted) benevolence needs of Christ’s Body at Elim.

You may ask, “Why does this feel risky?” Elim has experienced incredible growth this past year. This has stretched our budget and financial resources. While everyone has pulled together and we have not only met the budget but have also exceeded it, expenses have also kept pace with the income and thus exceeded the budget as well.

While our financial position is decent, our needs will continue to grow in the new year. Yet despite these needs, the Elders passed this proposal unanimously.

The Christmas season is always a time to celebrate God’s lavish sacrifice to meet our enormous need, by sending and sacrificing His Son! Experiencing His gift must surely move our hearts to become like the heart of the poor widow in Mark 12:41-44.

I can’t think of a better way of celebrating God’s gift and sacrifice than by being generous toward others! As you prepare for this special Sunday, please ask our Father what He would have you give, and come ready to celebrate what God is doing in our midst!

God’s richest blessings to you in this holy season …

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Thanksgiving … Giving thanks for what?

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by Pastor Martin Schlomer

As we enter into preparations for Thanksgiving, I want to prepare you to take a different approach from what you may have taken in the past. Regardless of your circumstances, God has met all of us in various ways this past year. How he meets us reflects His character. For example, He met Hagar at the lowest and most desperate point in her life (Genesis 16.13). As she wept, God met her and revealed Himself to her. She responded, “You are the God who sees me.”

How has God met you this past year? Please … give serious consideration and reflection to this question. He has met every one of us in various ways. Sometimes, we don’t see it because we don’t make time to reflect and remember.

I have listed below some of the many names of God revealed in Scripture. Each name illustrates one way God meets us. This Sunday, we will have our annual Thanksgiving celebration service. During the service, I will give you the opportunity to answer the question, “Which name(s) represent the way(s) God has met you this past year?” Together, we will remember and celebrate the manifold glory of our Father through your stories.

May you and your family experience the presence of our Father as you celebrate His manifold grace!

God says: “I Am Your …

1. Abba

2. Advocate

3. Almighty

4. Alpha

5. Author of our Faith

6. Bread of Life

7. Bridegroom

8. Comforter

9. Consuming Fire

10. Cornerstone

11. Counselor

12. Creator

13. Emmanuel

14. Eternal God

15. Everlasting

16. Father

17. Faithful and True

18. Glory of the Lord

19. God Almighty

20. God Most High

21. God Who Sees

22. Guide

23. Healer

24. High Priest

25. Holy One

26. Hope

27. I Am

28. Jesus

29. Judge

30. King of Kings

31. Lamb of God

32. Life

33. Light of the World

34. Lily of the Valley

35. Lion of Judah

36. Living Water

37. Lord

38. Lord of All

39. Lord of Glory

40. Lord of Lords

41. Love

42. Master

43. Mediator

44. Merciful God

45. Messiah

46. Omega

47. Potter

48. Prince of Peace

49. Provider

50. Purifier

51. Redeemer

52. Refiner’s Fire

53. Resurrection

54. Righteous One

55. Rock

56. Ruler

57. Savior

58. Servant

59. Shepherd

60. Shield

61. Source

62. Sovereign Lord

63. Spirit of God

64. Teacher

65. Truth

66. Vine

67. Way

68. Wisdom

69. Witness

70. Wonderful

71. Word

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Growth: Embracing the challenges and the opportunities

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by Martin Schlomer

If you hang around on Sunday mornings for very long, it won’t take long to notice that this group of God’s people is rapidly changing and growing. There are a lot of new people representing all generations and backgrounds!

Growth always raises new opportunities and challenges. One of the challenges we currently face is financial. Let me assure you, finances have remained stable even in the midst of a very difficult economy. As of last Sunday, September 18, our giving is only $300 behind budget! Considering that we are just coming out of the summer months, this is incredible! Thank you for your faithfulness!!! However, even though our spending is only $1,800 over budget as of August 31, the pressures on spending are mounting. These pressures are due to expanding ministry demands — which are to be expected with the growth — as well as numerous property issues.

This summer, we built a new shed to replace the one that was literally falling down. We also poured a larger porch on the north entrance to help keep people from falling off the smaller one that was there. We replaced the roof on the annex to avoid the kind of major leaks we had last year.

There are several property issues that we still need to address.

  • We need to repair the septic system at the Youth House which is currently inoperable. The cost will be $1800.
  • We need to replace the stove in the kitchen to accommodate Freezing Nights, KidReach and various other ministries. The estimated cost will be $1100.
  • We are starting a food pantry over in the Youth House to accommodate the needs of Freezing Nights and MOPS which means we needs shelves to store the supplies on. In addition, MOPS would like to have a sink and counter space in the Youth House to prepare snacks for their meetings. The estimated cost is $1000.
  • We are in need of a projector screen for the front of the sanctuary to make it easier for people to see the words for the music and sermon notes. This has become more evident as we seat people further back into the fellowship area. The estimated cost is $800.

These are exciting times at Elim, but how will we meet these needs? On October 2, we will receive a special offering following Communion. Our goal is to raise $5000 over and above our normal offering to cover these needs.

We realize that these are difficult economic times for most. Please seek the Lord regarding how He would have you contribute, and please continue to pray for the health and growth of Christ’s body. My goal, along with the Elders’, is to make sure we glorify Christ in our leadership of this church and in the shepherding of your lives. This is of the utmost importance!

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JESUS: “Who is this man?”

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by Martin Schlomer

Last Sunday, I spoke on the Deity of Jesus as a part of the doctrine series, “Foundations.” While it is essential for believers at Elim to understand and be able to support from Scripture the Deity of Jesus, it is also important that we understand how to address some objections that are raised regarding His Deity. When you talk to Jehovah’s Witnesses they will quickly point out two objections which I will deal with in this Last Word.

Speaking of Jesus in Colossians 1.15, Paul writes, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” At first glance, calling Jesus “the firstborn” appears to teach that He is God’s offspring, born into existence at some point in time and that He is not the eternal pre-existent God. Therefore, JW’s will use this verse to support their belief that Jesus is a created being.

Is this what this verse teaches? The Greek term for “firstborn” can refer to a child who is the firstborn in a family. However, it is also used to describe a person who is preeminent in rank. This second usage is a very common and represents Paul’s usage in Colossians 1.15. His emphasis is on the priority of Jesus’ rank as over and above ALL creation as indicated in the very next verse. This is why Paul goes on to write in Colossians 2.9 “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form….” Christ is the head over everyone and everything!

The second verse that can be confusing when discussing the Deity of Jesus is the King James translation of John 3.16 which reads, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Once again, it appears that the word “begotten” teaches that Jesus is God’s offspring, born into existence at some point in time. However, this translation is very misleading. While the Greek term can be used to indicate an only child (Luke 7.12; 9.38) it is also used to describe a person who was unique, set apart, one of a kind. This is how the term is intended here and should therefore be translated “his one and only son” or “his only son” to communicate this one of a kind identity that belongs only to Jesus Christ.

Why is this important? As our culture moves further and further away from its Christian roots and understanding of the Bible, cults will become more and more influential in society. As followers of Christ, we must have clarity in our understanding of the core historic beliefs of Christianity and Scripture.

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