Yates Baptist Church
TEAM 24/7 RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT
Submitted by Team 24/7 and the Deacon Body November 2008
November 14, 2008
Dear Yates Family,
The attached 24/7 Recommendations Report is being submitted for your approval at the Yates Annual Business Meeting on Sunday, November 23, 2008, by the Deacon Body and Team 24/7.
These recommendations, action plans, and implementation timelines have been compiled with the purpose of enhancing our ministries to more effectively reach and disciple people for the sake of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Your approval of the report will enable their implementation.
A summary of the updates since the October 2008 Preliminary Report is as follows:
- Worship Ministry Recommendation 1: The description was updated to include the intent for exploring alternative numbers and schedules of worship services.
- Senior Adult Ministry Recommendation 1: The Action to be Taken was broadened to include ministry areas other than Sunday School.
– Recommendation 2: The list of examples in the Action to be Taken was modified to include only ministries of the church, not missions activities.
- Adult Sunday School Ministry Recommendation 2: Updated to include Sunday School curriculums as well as schedules and formats.
- Missions Ministry Recommendation 2: Actions to be Taken were updated to include exploration of establishing a tutoring program and a statement regarding the participation of retirees and senior adults.
- Outreach Ministry Recommendation 2: A second action was added to implement an outreach emphasis focused on going out into the community. The need to publicize existing church activities was also added.
You will also note that, though the recommendation to explore alternative numbers and schedules of worship services was given high priority at our Family Meeting, this exploration process is planned to begin in January 2010. This effort will be a time-consuming task. In addition, it will be done in collaboration with the exploration of alternative Sunday School schedules and formats. For these reasons, it was felt the evaluation should be performed when it can receive the attention and focus needed.
Please continue to pray for our Yates leadership as we seek to further God’s kingdom through the ministries and missions of Yates Baptist Church.
Believing in HIM, Linda Mercer Deacon Chair
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Section | Page |
|---|---|
| Introduction — Background and Process | 1 |
| Worship Ministry | 3 |
| Singles Ministry | 5 |
| Senior Adult Ministry | 7 |
| Adult Sunday School Ministry | 10 |
| Missions Ministry | 12 |
| Outreach Ministry | 14 |
| Small Group Ministry | 16 |
| Committee Structure | 18 |
| Implementation Timeline Summary | 20 |
| Team 24/7 and Deacon Body Members | 22 |
Italicized print denotes updates since the October 2008 Preliminary Report.
INTRODUCTION
Background (Page 1)
Based on the belief that Yates Baptist Church is a unique Baptist congregation in Durham and that it should make itself more visible, integrated, and active in its geographic setting, the Ministerial Staff in early 2007 recommended to the Deacon Body that the church embark on a process to determine what we need to do to prepare our minds and educate our church as to how to welcome, receive, and assimilate new people.
The result of this process would enable us to enhance our ministries to better meet newcomers with a Christian witness and hospitality, and with confidence in the ultimate truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that transforms lives and bears witness to the kingdom of God.
To initiate this process, the Church Ministerial Staff and Deacon Body formed Team 24/7 in August 2007. The team was subsequently approved by the congregation in the October 17, 2007 business meeting.
The name of the team was derived from Acts 2:47:
“And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
The purpose of the team was to examine the ministries of the church to more effectively reach and disciple people for the sake of the Gospel. This purpose was to support the broader Yates mission:
“To be a community of believers who seek to bring people into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and encourage each other toward spiritual maturity.”
The team was not charged with determining the future direction of church ministries by itself, but rather to gather input from a broad group of people and then to make recommendations for enhancing our ministries to fulfill the mission of the church.
Process (Page 2)
Team 24/7 prioritized eight ministry areas as having the most impact on the church’s ability to reach and disciple people for the sake of the Gospel. Those eight ministries were as follows:
- Worship
- Singles
- Senior Adults
- Adult Sunday School
- Missions
- Outreach
- Small Groups
- Committee Structure
A series of two-hour focus group discussions was conducted on each of these ministry areas. Congregation members who were or had been active participants in these areas—or who had a particular interest—were invited.
The meetings were publicized to the church as a whole, and attendance was open to any interested members. In each meeting, attendees were asked for input on the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Challenges (SWOC) in that ministry area.
The team summarized this input and presented it to the church in a Family Meeting held on May 21, 2008. In that meeting, the congregation was given the opportunity to provide written input on each of the eight ministry areas.
Input from the focus groups and the church-wide meeting was consolidated, discussed, and summarized by the team. Recommendations to address the issues identified were developed for each ministry area.
The team’s summary of each area’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges—along with the recommendations—was presented to the Deacon Body on September 7, 2008.
The Deacon Body assessed each recommendation, considered congregational input, and created action plans to implement the final recommendations.
These recommendations and action plans were then presented to the church congregation in a Family Meeting held October 19, 2008. The purpose of this meeting was for the deacons to listen to comments, respond to questions, and gain input from the congregation on prioritization of the recommendations.
Based on this input, the deacons updated the recommendations and/or action plans as needed and assigned a timeline for implementation to each recommendation.
The final 24/7 Recommendations Report was presented to the church congregation for approval at the Annual Business Meeting on November 23, 2008.
WORSHIP MINISTRY
Recommendations and Action Plans (Pages 3–4)
Recommendation 1: Explore an alternative number and schedule of worship services with the intent of providing a choice of service times, each offering approximately the same blended-style worship service and the same sermon.
Action to be Taken: Create a Worship Services Team with the purpose of further evaluating this recommendation. The evaluation shall include collaboration with the ministerial staff to discuss concerns, expectations, and limitations. The team shall, if possible, consider data from previous evaluations of multiple worship services. It should also be considered that multiple services may assist with the immediate need for more parking during the 11 o’clock service.
Responsible for Action: The Deacon Body is responsible for defining and establishing the Worship Services Team. Target Date to Begin: January 2010, with a projected completion date of July 2010 for the evaluation.
Recommendation 2: Conduct a professional assessment of the Sanctuary audio-visual and sound systems.
Action to be Taken: Take necessary steps to have a professional assessment of the Sanctuary audio-visual and sound systems performed. Seek immediate improvements in anticipation of longer-term renovations.
Responsible for Action: House and Grounds Committee Target Date to Begin: January 2009, with a projected completion date of July 2009 for the assessment.
Team 24/7 Assessment Summary
Strengths
- Pastor and staff
- Music — diversity and balance of style, variety of hymns and praise choruses
- Fellowship and friendliness
- Adaptability of the congregation to different styles of music and worship
Weaknesses
- Worship is too narrowly defined as service activities rather than the act of worship itself.
- Diverse worship-style preferences across the congregation.
Opportunities
- Greater involvement of all age groups in worship services.
- Professional assessment of audio-visual and sound systems.
- Exploration of multiple worship-service options.
- Use CDs (instead of tape) for recording services; explore adding sermon recordings to the website and offering podcasts.
Challenges
- Meeting the needs of all people.
- Facility limitations.
- Maintaining the spirit of worship rather than the routine of worship.
SINGLES MINISTRY
Recommendations and Action Plans (Pages 5–6)
Recommendation: Bring focused attention to Singles Ministry with the purpose of meeting the diverse needs within this group.
Action to be Taken: Establish a Singles Ministry Council with the Minister of Adult Discipleship as staff liaison. The council shall:
- Define the scope and purpose of the Singles Ministry.
- Gather detailed input from singles to gauge interest levels, program ideas, and specific needs.
- Identify and train leaders responsible for designated ministry areas.
- Recommend social events that meet singles’ needs.
- Develop a proposed budget item to support the establishment of a Singles Ministry.
- Create a communication strategy for ministry events (e.g., a Singles page on the Yates website).
- Decide which programs will form the core of the ministry.
Membership of the council shall include at least two young-career singles, two middle-age singles, two divorced/widowed singles, a Singles Leader (or teacher) or a person experienced in Singles Ministry, and the Minister of Adult Discipleship as staff liaison.
After researching and discussing the above plans, specific actions shall be created and implemented for publicity, programming, and events. Guidelines established during the research stage shall govern subsequent action steps.
Responsible for Action: Minister of Adult Discipleship (selects council members); Singles Ministry Council (implements plans). Target Date to Begin: January 2009 with a projected date of April 2009 for council establishment and approval. Council work continues thereafter.
Team 24/7 Assessment Summary
Strengths
- Singles are engaged in a wide variety of ministries and missions throughout the church.
- Singles represent an important resource for accomplishing the mission of Yates.
Weaknesses
- No structured or clearly led Singles Ministry with staff oversight.
- Church focus and resources emphasize families and other ministries; dedicated singles focus is missing.
- The term single is narrowly applied (young singles) instead of broadly (older singles, divorced, widowed, etc.).
Opportunities
- Strong unmet need exists to minister to singles within the church and community.
- A structured Singles Ministry could become an effective outreach tool.
Challenges
- Difficult to define the scope and purpose of a singles ministry given the diversity of groups (young, older, divorced, widowed, etc.).
- Meeting the wide variety of needs across those life situations.
SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY
Recommendations and Action Plans (Pages 7–9)
Recommendation 1: Create more opportunities for intergenerational fellowship and interaction.
Action to be Taken: More opportunities for intergenerational fellowship and interaction shall be created through our Children, Youth, Recreation, and Discipleship ministries. Examples include:
- Pair each of the three most senior adult Sunday School classes with a corresponding median-adult Sunday School class for periodic study and fellowship.
- Youth and Senior Adult afternoon of Bingo.
- Child Development Center Senior Adult Day.
Responsible for Action: Minister of Adult Discipleship, Minister of Youth and Recreation, Minister of Children, and Director of Child Development Center. Target Date to Begin: January 2009.
Recommendation 2: Create more opportunities for seniors to participate in ministry activities.
Action to be Taken: Invite seniors to participate in Vacation Bible School, youth events, food drives, ushering, serving on committees, and other ministry activities. Coordinators and team leaders should extend personal invitations to each senior-adult Sunday School class and offer transportation if needed.
Responsible for Action: Coordinator or team leader of the specific event. Target Date to Begin: January 2009.
Recommendation 3: Explore opportunities to minister to seniors based on their immediate needs.
Actions to be Taken:
- Establish a pool of volunteers (including retirees) of “handy-men/women.”
- Conduct a skill-set survey to identify various talents.
- Create an electronic roster listing name, address, phone, email, skills, availability, and limitations.
Needs will vary but may include:
- Transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, or church events.
- Light yard work or home repairs.
- Small car repairs.
The Deacon Care Team ministry will be expanded to handle simple needs during monthly visits (e.g., changing a lightbulb). For larger issues, the deacon will contact the Care Team Leader and notify the volunteer coordinator.
Responsible for Action: A volunteer coordinator (to be identified). Target Date to Begin: January 2010.
Recommendation 4: Organize off-site communion services.
Action to be Taken: Provide communion at least twice a year (Easter and Christmas) for members unable to attend corporate worship. If requested more frequently, arrangements will be made. Deacon Care Team members will ask during visits if members wish to receive communion and notify the Deacon Care Team Leader for follow-up with ministerial staff.
Responsible for Action: Deacon Care Team Leader (in coordination with ministerial staff and Deacon Chair). Target Date to Begin: April 2009.
Team 24/7 Assessment Summary
Strengths
- Wide variety of ministries for seniors.
- Willingness of senior adults to serve.
Weaknesses
- Ministry focuses more on social than spiritual needs.
- Facilities create difficulty (parking, sound system, steps, etc.).
Opportunities
- Intergenerational fellowship.
- “Handy-man” and “on-call” ministries to meet practical needs.
- Off-site communion services for homebound members.
Challenges
- Physical separation of classes limits interaction.
- Need clearer definition of “senior adult ministry.”
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MINISTRY
Recommendations and Action Plans (Pages 10–11)
Recommendation 1: Provide ongoing Sunday School teacher support through training, evaluations, and opportunities for interaction and idea sharing.
Actions to be Taken:
- Investigate available teacher-training opportunities.
- Develop an annual Sunday School evaluation survey to gather feedback.
- Plan and implement teacher fellowships (quarterly, semi-annual, or annual) for sharing ideas and discussing concerns.
Responsible for Actions: Minister of Adult Discipleship. Target Date to Begin: June 2009.
Recommendation 2: Explore alternative Sunday School curriculums, schedules, and formats.
Action to be Taken: Form a team of representatives from adult classes (teachers and/or members) to explore alternative schedules and formats. Survey the congregation about desired class types or topical studies (e.g., contemporary issues). An example of an alternative schedule is a later start time for the College Ministry Class (following Sunday worship).
Responsible for Action: Minister of Adult Discipleship (establishes and leads the team). Target Date to Begin: January 2010, with a projected completion of July 2010 for proposed alternatives.
Team 24/7 Assessment Summary
Strengths
- Variety of classes available.
- Strong emphasis on Biblical teaching.
- Comfortable and inviting facilities.
Weaknesses
- Some classes start late, reducing teaching time.
- Limited parking can discourage attendance.
- Inconsistent follow-up with worship visitors.
- Little cross-class interaction.
- The term “Sunday School” may discourage attendance for some seekers.
Opportunities
- Annual teacher and class evaluations.
- Ongoing teacher training and support.
- Classes for seekers and new believers.
- Topical and small-group studies beyond Sunday mornings.
Challenges
- Making Sunday School relevant for all people.
- Addressing the needs of younger adults (ages 25–35) within existing structures.
MISSIONS MINISTRY
Recommendations and Action Plans (Pages 12–13)
Recommendation 1: Continue support of the Mission Fund through the annual budget, providing scholarships for individual Yates Baptist Church members to assist with mission-trip costs.
Action to be Taken: Request the Finance Committee to re-establish the funding of the Mission Fund.
Responsible for Action: Missions Council and Finance Committee. Target Date to Begin: September 2009.
Recommendation 2: Create an environment that nurtures active missional involvement by all church members.
Actions to be Taken:
- Work with ministry leaders to better coordinate communication of mission opportunities.
– Enhance communications through the website, Sunday morning announcements, Messenger articles, bulletin boards, etc.
- Study the need for additional local mission opportunities and gauge member willingness to participate.
– Examples: Adopt-a-School, tutoring program, Baptist Men’s group, IHN-like ministries, wood ministry, Habitat for Humanity, Urban Ministries, Durham Youth Home, Prison Ministry, Rescue Mission, etc.
- Explore both one-time projects and ongoing ministries.
- Encourage participation of retirees and senior adults.
Responsible for Actions: Missions Council. Target Date to Begin: January 2009.
Team 24/7 Assessment Summary
Strengths
- High participation across age groups.
- Strong financial support.
- Wide variety of mission opportunities.
Weaknesses
- Missing opportunities for deeper engagement in local missions.
Opportunities
- Improve communication and publicity about mission efforts.
- Identify new local mission partnerships.
Challenges
- Maintaining financial support (Mission Fund not replenished that year).
- Recruiting sufficient volunteers for all opportunities.
- Prioritizing mission involvement strategically.
OUTREACH MINISTRY
Recommendations and Action Plans (Pages 14–15)
Recommendation 1: Increase the congregation’s commitment to and involvement in Outreach.
Action to be Taken: Design and implement a program that challenges members of Yates Baptist Church to be more committed and involved in Outreach. Appoint a coordinator to oversee implementation.
Responsible for Action:
- Staff of Yates Baptist Church
- Director of Outreach
- Assistant Director of Outreach
- Chair of the Deacon Outreach Team
- Members of Yates Baptist Church
Target Date to Begin: March 2009.
Recommendation 2: Grow efforts to reach unchurched people in our community.
Actions to be Taken:
- Implement an outreach emphasis focused on going out into the community to connect with people where they are.
- Publicize and invite the community to church activities (e.g., Fall Festival, book groups, music presentations, Easter Egg Hunt, recreation activities).
Responsible for Action:
- Minister of Adult Discipleship.
- Deacon Outreach Team Chair or representative, coordinating with:
– Church Staff – Director of Outreach – Assistant Director of Outreach – Sunday School Outreach Leaders – Web Team – Related committees (e.g., Children’s Committee for Fall Festival).
Target Date to Begin: January 2009.
Team 24/7 Assessment Summary
Strengths
- Active Deacon Outreach Team and Church Outreach Coordinator (visitor tracking, deacon visits, name tags, etc.).
- Redesigned church website.
- Strong fellowship and friendliness in welcoming visitors.
Weaknesses
- Lack of broad congregational awareness and participation in outreach.
- Limited intentional outreach and evangelism to those outside the church.
- Insufficient ongoing visitor follow-up (especially through Sunday School).
Opportunities
- Rapidly growing RTP area and surrounding communities.
- Predominantly unchurched local population.
Challenges
- Encouraging members to devote time to outreach.
- Inspiring Sunday School classes to prioritize outreach.
- Overcoming complacency and inward focus.
- Reaching those with no prior church connection.
SMALL GROUP MINISTRY
Recommendations and Action Plans (Pages 16–17)
Recommendation: Bring additional focus to the Small Group Ministry with the intent of creating an ongoing culture of ministry through small groups.
Action to be Taken: Establish a Small Group Ministry Council (SGM Council) of up to five members with the Minister of Adult Discipleship as staff liaison. The purpose of the council shall include:
- Develop and maintain an ongoing small group ministry program (e.g., one church-wide small group initiative per year).
- Recruit and train small group leaders/facilitators.
- Explore the need to create support groups (e.g., divorce recovery, AA, grief, etc.).
- Solicit congregational input on small group topics.
- Publicize small groups on the church website.
- Explore how small groups can be used as a tool for outreach.
Membership: Council members should include individuals with basic group leadership experience and at least one member formally trained in small group facilitation.
Responsible for Action: Minister of Adult Discipleship and SGM Council. Target Date to Begin: June 2009, with a projected establishment and church approval of the council by October 2009. The work of the council will be ongoing thereafter.
Team 24/7 Assessment Summary
Strengths
- Builds relationships among participants.
- Provides an effective method of outreach.
- Encourages spiritual accountability within community.
Weaknesses
- Multiple time commitments make participation difficult.
- Lack of ongoing support groups (e.g., recovery ministries).
Opportunities
- High congregational interest in forming additional small groups.
- Opportunity to reach beyond the church through home-based or workplace gatherings.
Challenges
- Need to shift mindset toward flexibility in meeting times and locations.
- Overcoming busyness and scheduling conflicts.
- Providing childcare solutions for participants.
COMMITTEE STRUCTURE
Recommendations and Action Plans (Pages 18–19)
Recommendation: Explore ways to improve the effectiveness of church committees, particularly those that are ministry-focused rather than administrative.
Action to be Taken: Create a Committee Evaluation Team consisting of:
- Two members of the Nominating Committee
- Two members of the Bylaws Committee
- Two Deacon representatives
- Two at-large members
The team shall:
- Clearly define the purpose and proper use of committees, councils, and teams.
- Consider reducing committee sizes where appropriate.
- Introduce flexibility in term lengths, using councils or teams for ministry areas, and opening membership beyond formal nomination when possible.
- Provide opportunities for congregants to identify their spiritual gifts for alignment with ministry service.
- Explore ways to improve meeting efficiency (e.g., reduced meeting frequency, virtual or hybrid participation).
Responsible for Action: Deacon Body (defines and establishes the Committee Evaluation Team). Target Date to Begin: January 2011, with a projected completion date of July 2011 for the evaluation.
Team 24/7 Assessment Summary
Strengths
- Committee service fosters connection and community among members.
- Volunteer nomination process works effectively.
- Membership diversity across committees.
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent naming and structure among groups (committees, councils, teams).
- Excessive committee load may discourage active participation.
- Some key ministries may lack appropriate committee structures or focus.
Opportunities
- Utilize deacon visits to identify member interests in service.
- Leverage the church’s database to track participation and balance commitments.
- Create an online spiritual-gifts assessment to help members identify their callings.
- Gather participation data from committee chairs for better engagement planning.
Challenges
- Scheduling and meeting frequency.
- Distinguishing clearly between committees, councils, and teams.
- Managing differing perspectives on structure and governance.
IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE SUMMARY
(Pages 20–21)
(n; nnn denotes Family Meeting priority and number of votes)
Target Date to Begin: January 2009
- Senior Adult Recommendation 1: Create more intergenerational fellowship and interaction opportunities (1; 163)
Responsible: Ministers of Adult Discipleship, Children, Youth & Recreation; Director of CDC.
Target Date to Begin: January 2009 | Projected Completion: July 2009
- Worship Recommendation 2: Conduct a professional assessment of the sanctuary audio-visual and sound systems (3; 115)
Responsible: House and Grounds Committee.
Target Date to Begin: January 2009
- Outreach Recommendation 2: Grow efforts to reach un-churched people in the community (4; 107)
Responsible: Minister of Adult Discipleship; Deacon Outreach Team Leader.
Target Date to Begin: January 2009
- Missions Recommendation 2: Create an environment that nurtures active missional involvement (6; 97)
Responsible: Missions Council.
Target Date to Begin: January 2009 | Projected April 2009 Council Formation
- Singles Ministry Recommendation: Establish a Singles Ministry Council (9; 81)
Responsible: Minister of Adult Discipleship and Singles Ministry Council.
Target Date to Begin: January 2009
- Senior Adult Recommendation 2: Create more opportunities for seniors to participate in ministry activities (14; 35)
Responsible: Various ministry coordinators and leaders.
Target Date to Begin: March 2009
- Outreach Recommendation 1: Increase congregational commitment and involvement in Outreach (7; 88)
Responsible: Outreach Coordinator (to be identified).
Target Date to Begin: April 2009
- Senior Adult Recommendation 4: Organize off-site communion services for those unable to attend corporate worship (15; 4)
Responsible: Deacon Care Team Leader.
Target Date to Begin: June 2009
- Adult Sunday School Recommendation 1: Provide ongoing teacher support and training (12; 53)
Responsible: Minister of Adult Discipleship.
Target Date to Begin: June 2009 | Projected October 2009 Council Formation
- Small Group Recommendation: Establish a Small Group Ministry Council (8; 84)
Responsible: Minister of Adult Discipleship and SGM Council.
Target Date to Begin: September 2009
- Missions Recommendation 1: Continue Mission Fund support in the annual budget (11; 73)
Responsible: Missions Council and Finance Committee.
Target Date to Begin: January 2010
- Senior Adult Recommendation 3: Explore opportunities to minister to seniors based on immediate needs (13; 51)
Responsible: Volunteer Coordinator (to be identified).
Target Date to Begin: January 2010 | Projected Completion: July 2010
- Worship Recommendation 1: Explore alternative numbers and schedules of worship services (2; 116)
Responsible: Deacon Body.
Target Date to Begin: January 2010 | Projected Completion: July 2010
- Adult Sunday School Recommendation 2: Explore alternative curriculums, schedules, and formats (5; 98)
Responsible: Minister of Adult Discipleship.
Target Date to Begin: January 2011 | Projected Completion: July 2011
- Committee Structure Recommendation: Explore ways to improve committee effectiveness (10; 74)
Responsible: Deacon Body.
TEAM 24/7 AND DEACON BODY MEMBERS
(Page 22)
Team 24/7
Melissa Bearden — Secretary Winslow Carter Lee Cothran Don Gordon John Frederick Eric Glenn Ted Reed Bill Reedy — Spokesperson Kevin Shinn Judy Smith — Facilitator Kathy Stickley Jewel Tharrington
Deacon Body
Alice Bates Ken Bott Benjamin Burgin Winslow Carter Biju Chacko Australia Clay Felicia Cothran Rachael Cruickshank Wayne Daniel Frank Gibson Debbie Griffin Barbara Guthrie Suzanne Littleton Russ Medlin Linda Mercer — Chair Robbi Muckenfuss Paul Rigsbee Kim Shaw Cathy Shepherd Brian Smith Kathy Stickley Larry Strawbridge Sherry Turner Ernie Watson Dustin Williams