Ministry Tree

The Ministry "Tree"
A ministry model based on John 15

The Taproot: Jesus Christ
In a tree, the taproot is the main root of a plant, having a single, dominant axis that functions as structural support and food storage.

The Roots: Administration and Support teams
In a tree, the roots and "root nodes" are parts of the plant, normally underground, that absorbs nutrients, supplies nourishment and anchors the plant into the ground. Our roots and root-nodes are our Administrative units where the resources and support for the upper branches come from as well as help to protect and feed the vision and mission of the church. Click here to see which teams comprise the tree's roots.

The Trunk/Bark/Branches: Staff/Facilitators/ Coordinators
The trunk and bark provide support and protection as well as house the "nutrient flow" to and from the roots and leaves. The trunk is the staff who train, support, communicate and protect the ministries and mission of the church and provides a way for the "sap" to flow. Click here to see which teams comprise the tree's branches.

The Sap: Communication, Resources, Permission
The sap flows two ways, up and down the tree and provides a way for life-giving exchange of resources and nutrients.

The DNA: Our Mission, Vision, Strategies, Core Values and Vital Signs of Discipleship.
The DNA is what makes us uniquely who we are as a Body of Christ. It is what we champion and believe God has called us to be and do in His name to His glory so as to advance His Kingdom this side of heaven.

The Leaves and Stems: Leaders and Coaches
The leaves grow along the sides of the branches, are green and contain chlorophyll. They vary in shape and size. They normally perform photosynthesis ( the process that converts sunlight and carbon dioxide into energy). They commonly grow, fall off and are then replaced. The leaves in our tree are our group/class leaders. The stems and branches are the coaches and coordinators who help support and encourage the leaders so they can do ministry and connect the leaves and blossoms to the tree and allow for exchange of "nutrients" (resources) and "energy" (communication, encouragement).

The Blossoms/Fruit: Individual Members of Groups/Classes
The blossoms are where the seeds and/or fruit develop. In our "tree" the blossoms are where life-transformation takes place …where ministry occurs...and where fruit ( Christ-like character) grows.

When the environment is healthy and the environmental factors (core biblical principles for growth/renewal) are in place, the "tree" has its best chance to not just survive but to grow and multiply itself. This requires each part of the "tree" to do what it has been called and created to do- with each working in concert with the other. Only then will God be glorified and the "tree" reach its fullest potential.

Service - includes all ministries of the church whose primary purpose is missions (i.e. missions: internal, local, national and international)

Evangelism - includes all ministries of the church whose primary purpose is outreach to draw people into relationship with Jesus Christ and to our church (i.e. advertising, service projects like car washes in the community, special events/services)

Fellowship - includes all ministries of the church whose primary purpose is to help people get connected to our church (hospitality ministry, visitors' follow up team, small group ministry - includes Fourth Day groups, accountability groups; Meal ministry, sports ministries)

Worship - includes all ministries of the church whose primary purpose is to lead people in worship (i.e. Praise team, choirs, dance team, drama team)

Discipleship - includes all ministries of the church whose primary purpose is to help deepen and grow the spiritual life of Christ-followers in our church ( i.e. Sunday school, Disciple Bible, WOW, Youth ministry, Children's ministry)

Administrative Board - team which guards the mission and vision of the church, approves general policies, approves budget and priorities for the church

Leadership Team - team which sets the general direction of the church and manages the general work of the church, recommends to the AD Board the priorities of the church

Staff-Parish Relations - team which acts as the Human Resource department of the church

Finance - team which oversees the general finances of the church, recommends financial policies and procedures to the AD Board to help the church to be fiscally responsible

Tech-media - team which is responsible for the technological and media needs of our church

Congregational Care - team which is responsible for the care of the congregation (i.e. visitation teams to shut-ins, nursing home, shepherding of those in need, elderly, "lost members", prayer ministry team)

Trustees - team responsible for the care of our properties (i.e. parsonage, youth pastor's home, van, church, etc.) and legal responsibilities

Stewardship - team which intentionally keeps before the church biblical holistic stewardship (time, talent and tithe) as well as develops and runs the annual finance campaign and the intentional development of servants within the church