Our Church Governance
The picture of our new church governance shows the way we organize ourselves to achieve the work of God in the congregation, the community, and in the world. The most important part of the church organization is you! Come share your time, talents, passions, and gifts with others for the Glory of God!
Seventh Sunday 4/8
Picture our new church organization as a tree. With a solid trunk of support services and organizational partners that are comprised of dedicated staff and volunteers, our tree has a strong foundation to support the growth of its branches.
The branches of the tree represent the Faith Ministries of Elam United Methodist Church. These ministries are where we gather to achieve the work of God in our congregation, our community, and in our world. Like the branches of a tree, the Faith Ministry Teams are flexible to accommodate the changing needs of our church and community. We will be exploring each of these Faith Ministries in more detail at services the weekend of April 21st and 22nd. Come learn how you can share your time, talents, passions, and gifts with others.
Sixth Sunday 3/25
When birds nest in a tree, a partnership is formed. The birds protect and strengthen the tree by eating insects that may threaten the tree’s health while the tree provides a home and protection to the birds from the elements. They work together and strengthen each other.
Partnering Organizations are critical components of our church. Unlike other committees and teams, they have special structures and processes as specified by The United Methodist Discipline and/or by The Leadership Council of Elam. Our church currently has two partnering organizations, the United Methodist Women and the Early Childhood Development Ministries, that fall into this category. They work interdependently with our new organization structure to achieve their specific missions and goals while still helping Elam achieve its mission and goals.
Fifth Sunday 3/18
Specific resources, such as fertile soil, water, and sunlight, are required to grow a strong healthy tree. At Elam United Methodist Church, we are blessed to have many resources including a congregation full of skilled and talented individuals. The participation of congregation members in the support functions of our church is essential to strong growth.
Our church is currently supported by six Resource Committees: Finance; Staff Pastor Parish Relations/Nominations; Board of Trustees/Property ; Strategic Planning; FUNdraising; and the yet to be formed Communications Committee. These committees, in each of their respective ways, provide specialized support to the congregation, staff, and ministries of Elam.
Although many dedicated individuals currently serve on these committees, we also need to bring new faces and ideas to these committees on a regular basis. All are encouraged to learn more about the committees and volunteer their time and talents where their passions and interests lie.
Fourth Sunday 3/11
For a tree to grow to its fullest potential, it needs to be nurtured and given care. The same holds true for our church congregation.
Elam United Methodist Church is fortunate to have devoted and caring clergy and staff. Our appointed clergy includes our Senior Pastor and at present, our paid staff consists of the Pastor of Visitation, Saturday Evening Worship Pastor, Jubilate Choir Director, Church Organist, the Office Administration staff, the Lay Minister of Spirituality and Nurture, the Director of Early Childhood Development Ministries and staff, and the Coordinators of Youth and Family, Wellness, and Congregational Ministries, Sexton, and Custodians.
All are committed to helping Elam be the Heart and Hands of Jesus in our community and beyond.
Third Sunday 3/4
The trunk of our tree must grow straight and tall to support numerous branches and new growth. Our church organization needs a dedicated set of leaders to provide direction and guide growth.
The Leadership Council (TLC) is the principal decision-making body of Elam when the Charge Conference is not in session. The Leadership Council has the responsibility to manage and conduct the affairs of Elam. It does so in accordance with The United Methodist Book of Discipline and Elam's Charter. TLC membership is comprised of leaders representing all areas of Elam’s organization and ministries. This insures coordination and communication of all efforts and ministries so we can more effectively use our time, talent, and financial resources.
Typically, The Leadership Council meets monthly to communicate the important issues, plan upcoming initiatives and make decisions affecting the church. All members of the church are welcome to attend TLC meetings and review minutes to learn more about the activities of the church.
Second Sunday 2/25
A tree cannot grow to its full potential without strong roots and a solid trunk. Our church organization needs a loyal, committed base of members to help it grow strong and reach its potential.
The Charge Conference, also known as the Conference of the Church, is the principal decision-making body of Elam. It is at the base of our tree because it is the strong foundation on which our church organization stands. Every member of Elam United Methodist Church is a member of our Charge Conference. A charge conference is held annually to review the status of the church, the goals for the new year, and to make major decisions regarding the future of Elam and its ministries. The United Methodist Church holds Annual and General Conferences to gather lay and clergy from many congregations to discuss the direction of The UMC locally and worldwide. All are invited to participate in the planning and activities that allow Elam to be God’s Heart and Hands in the community.
A special Conference of the Church will be held in June to formally approve and celebrate our new governance system. We hope you all participate as we build up our church together, with God’s help.
First Sunday 2/18
One of our major goals at Elam is to develop and implement an effective governance system. In 2006, The Leadership Council identified that, while we as a church have many strengths, several critical areas, including communication, coordination, accountability and decision-making require improvement.
This year we are establishing a new structure and processes that will improve our ability to do the work of the church more effectively and better reach our brothers and sisters in the faith community.
This tree represents Elam United Methodist Church ... A church blessed with a congregation full of talented, caring individuals ... A church growing stronger under the warm rays of God’s loving spirit.
During the coming months this tree will be used to illus trate how we as a church will be structured to build on our strengths, make improvements, and create a focus on the work that God is calling us to do in our congregation, our community and in the world.
We invite you to learn and grow with Elam. Bring your talents and your passions to help nurture our tree so that it bears more of God’s fruit.