Elder Position Descriptions 2020 Index

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Elder Position Descriptions 2020

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Index

Department

Title

Page

Administration:

Clerk Elect-elect

2 Personnel Elect-elect

6 Treasurer Chain

9 Generosity

13 Legacy Giving

16 Children’s:

Elementary

19 Preschool

21 Connections:

New Members

23 Equipping:

Adult Studies & Small Groups

26 Outreach:

Local

29 Global

32 Relationships:

Men’s Ministry

35 Worship & Music

37

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Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church

Loving God. Proclaiming Christ. Living Generously. Engaging All.

Elder Position Description

Clerk Chain

Ministry Area: Administration

Works with: Senior Pastor, Executive Pastor & Head of Staff, Personnel Elder, and Treasurers

Time Commitment per month: Average of 15-25 hours

Position Description: MDPC has established a leadership chain to ensure continuity for the positions of Treasurer, Clerk and Personnel Moderator. As the elder advances, committee assignments will vary from year to year in order to establish a working knowledge of MDPC’s ministries by these elders.

The Treasurers, Clerks and senior Personnel Moderator are also elected to serve as MDPC’s Trustees, who are responsible for real estate transactions, accept and execute deeds, and approve capital expenditures under their jurisdiction.

The Clerks work in collaboration with the Executive Staff and other elders on the Advisory Council to provide lay oversight and accountability to the overall ministry of MDPC. As the chief lay administrator of the Session, the clerk ensures that all correspondence is handled in a timely fashion, that minutes of Session meetings are taken and accurately reflect the business conducted, that there is collaboration and coordination of MDPC’s ministries, and serves as a lay advisor to Executive Staff.

The Clerk Chain along with the Advisory Council, will coordinate the biennial revision of the MDPC Policies and Procedures Manual and present the revised manual to Session for Approval.

Responsibilities of all Elders (as stated in the Policies and Operations Manual):

There are two major responsibilities for MDPC’s elders: (1) to represent the larger congregation, and (2) to lead the congregation. More specifically, MDPC’s elders are called by God to lead by example by:

• Attending worship services regularly.

• Participating in some form of Sunday School and/or small group. • Praying regularly for MDPC’s participants, staff and ministries. • Supporting MDPC through faithful and generous stewardship.

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• Working with pastors and staff to discern God’s will for MDPC.

• Serving faithfully in the ministry to which the elder has been elected to serve.

• Preparing for and attending stated and called meetings of Session. Absences must be reported to the Clerk of Session or the Executive Ministries Coordinator.

• Attending the annual Session retreat, usually scheduled for the fourth Friday and Saturday in January.

• If needed, serving as presbytery or synod commissioners during their term on Session. • Serving communion at least three times per year.

• Participating in the examination of the annual Confirmation class. • Providing leadership and vision for MDPC Programs.

• Attending ministry area committee meetings and execute programs working with the staff, elders and laity.

• Monitoring conformance to budget in area of ministry.

• Ensuring that policies and procedures established for the ministry area are followed. Ministry Specific Responsibilities:

As stated above the Clerk position is a three-year progression to encourage continuity and effectiveness in this position. The current designated committee assignments as delineated in the Policy and Operations Manual are as follows:

• The Clerk (third year Elder) serves on the Advisory Council, which meets typically on the Monday prior to each Session Meeting to review current events and issues in the life of MDPC, and to set the docket for the upcoming Session meeting. The Clerk is responsible for sending reminders of this meeting. The Clerk also serves on the Personnel, Finance, and Generosity (Ex-officio) Committees.

• The Clerk will keep an accurate record of the proceedings of all Session meetings and perform other duties outlined in the ECO Polity and Discipline manual.

• The Clerk or his/her appointee is responsible for coordinating with church’s higher councils.

o Presbytery Meetings: Obtains the proper number of Elders to represent MDPC at Presbytery meetings, assisting Elders to prepare for Presbytery meetings, and report to the Session regarding Presbytery proceedings. o Communications: Assures congregational and Session awareness of

significant activities of the Presbytery and Synod of ECO, especially when they directly impact MDPC; encourages participation on Presbytery and Synod committees.

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o Synod Meetings: Facilitates selection of Synod commissioners from MDPC when appropriate. Arranges for an elected commissioner to report on Synod proceedings.

• The Clerk Elect (second year Elder) will assist the Clerk in whatever manner the two, with advice from the Session Moderator, agree is appropriate to best equip the Clerk Elect to succeed the Clerk in the following year. In addition to serving on the Advisory Council, the Clerk Elect will serve as Moderator of the Nominating Committee, which meets weekly in the September/October timeframe, as needed, to establish the slate for the new Elder/Deacon (“Officer”) class. The Clerk Elect is also responsible for organizing and facilitating training for the new Officer Class, which begins after the congregation elects the new officers. The Clerk Elect also serves on the Budget Committee, which typically begins meeting in late September through the passing of the budget in December or January of the following year.

• The Clerk Elect-Elect (first year Elder) will serve on the Advisory Council, the Generosity Committee, the Nominating Committee and the Outreach Committee. The Clerk Elect-Elect will also assist the Clerk Elect in the training of the new Officer class. • The Clerk Elect and the Clerk Elect-Elect will represent MDPC in our Session level

Ministry Affinity Group (MAG), as outlined in ECO Polity and Discipline 1.0104. This involves meeting with leadership of our MAG partners for the purpose of organizing opportunities for the Sessions in our MAG to connect, care for and provide accountability for one another.

• The Past Clerk (fourth year, not an active Elder) serves for one year on the Nominating Committee.

• To insure maximum continuity, the Clerk Elect will succeed the Clerk in his/her respective office. The Clerk Elect-Elect shall succeed in the same manner. In the event any is unable to serve, a replacement will be selected by the Moderator with approval of Session.

• The Clerks (along with the Treasurers and the 3rd_{year Personnel Elder) serve as Trustees} and have the authority to buy, sell, or mortgage property of the church, to accept and execute deeds as such Trustees, to hold and defend titles to the same, and to manage any permanent special funds entrusted to them for the furtherance of the purposes of the church—provided such duties do not infringe upon the powers and duties of the Session.

• The purpose of these committee assignments for Session Officers is to provide training and the broad knowledge essential for effectively carrying out their duties. These training assignments may be altered in specific cases to fit the needs of each officer-elect and officer elect–elect.

Qualifications for all Officers (as stated in the Policies and Operations Manual): • Personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord;

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• Commitment to a lifestyle of Christian holiness which includes fidelity in marriage

between a man and a woman, or chaste if single;

• Personal and spiritual maturity, integrity and character;

• Willingness to receive, adopt and be bound by the Essential Tenets of ECO; • Minimum of one year as an active MDPC member;

• Regular worship service attendance at MDPC;

• Identifiable pattern of financial stewardship to MDPC;

• Willingness to fulfill the duties of the office to which he/she will be elected, which includes Session or Diaconate meeting attendance, serving Communion, and investing in the ministry are to which he/she has been called.

Ministry Specific Qualifications:

•

General management experience

•

Working knowledge of Human Resources practices

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work for this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, and skills required.

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6 Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church

Personnel Elder

Works with: Executive Pastor & Head of Staff Human Resources Director

Personnel Committee, Finance Committee, Advisory Council

Time Commitment per month: Average of 15 to 20 hours

Position Description: The Personnel Elder serves as part of the elder team for the Personnel Committee and works in collaboration with the Executive Pastor & Head of Staff and the HR Director to ensure MDPC is able to hire, retain and reward MDPC employees, set Personnel policies, and assist in any Personnel-related issues as they arise.

MDPC has established a leadership chain to ensure continuity for the positions of Treasurer, Clerk and Personnel Moderator. As the elder advances, committee assignments will vary from year to year in order to establish a working knowledge of MDPC’s ministries by these elders. The Treasurers, Clerks and senior Personnel Moderator are also elected to serve as MDPC’s Trustees, who are responsible for real estate transactions, accept and execute deeds, and approve capital expenditures under their jurisdiction.

• Participating in some form of Sunday School and/or small group. • Praying regularly for MDPC’s participants, staff and ministries. • Supporting MDPC through faithful and generous stewardship. • Working with pastors and staff to discern God’s will for MDPC.

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The designated committees assignments for the Personnel elder are as follows:

• The Personnel elder (3rd_{year) serves as Moderator of the Personnel Committee, which} typically meets monthly. In addition, he/she serves on the Advisory Council, which meets the Monday prior to each Session meeting to review current events in the life of MDPC and to set the docket for the upcoming Session meeting, as well as the Finance Committee, which meets monthly.

• The Personnel elder also provides counsel and encouragement to the Executive Pastor and to the Human Resources Director on the wide variety of matters that relate to all aspects of personnel management, motivation and evaluation.

• The Personnel-Elect elder(2nd_{year) assists the Personnel Moderator. in whatever manner} the two agree is appropriate to best equip the Personnel-elect to become Personnel Moderator in the following year. The Personnel-elect elder serves on the Personnel Committee, the Budget Committee (which typically begins meeting in late September through the passing of the budget in December or January of the following year), and also serves as a member of the Finance committee.

• The Personnel-elect-elect elder serves on the Personnel and Outreach and Budget Committees.

Qualifications for all Officers:

• Personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord;

• Commitment to a lifestyle of Christian holiness which includes fidelity in marriage between a man and a woman, or chaste if single;

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• Upper management experience.

• Knowledge of Human Resources practices.

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9 Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church

Treasurer Chain

Works with: Finance Director Business Administrator

Clerk and Advisory Council Time Commitment per month: Average of 15 to 20 hours

Position Description: The Treasurer(s) work in collaboration with the Executive and Finance staff to provide lay oversight and accountability to the finances of MDPC.

MDPC has established a leadership chain to ensure continuity for the positions of Treasurer, Clerk and Personnel Moderator. As the elder advances, committee assignments will vary from year to year in order to establish a working knowledge of MDPC’s ministries by these elders. The Treasurers, Clerks and senior Personnel Moderator are also elected to serve as MDPC’s Trustees, who are responsible for real estate transactions, accepting and executing deeds, and approving capital expenditures under their jurisdiction.

As integral members of the MDPC financial team, the Treasurer Chain:

• Brings the perspective of fiscal disciplines in balancing expenditures with receipts expected in the current and coming budget years.

• Works in partnership with the Finance Director to ensure adequate financial resources and controls throughout the current budget year.

• Monitors monthly financial performance of MDPC and reports to the Advisory Council and to the Session.

• Recruits volunteers to count and deposit weekly cash contributions.

• Ensures completion of an annual audit by an established independent firm to examine the financial records of MDPC. Approves changes in accounting policies, procedures, and practices if a recommendation made by the auditors is deemed necessary. Should a new audit firm need to be selected, the Finance Committee will oversee the selection. • A member of the Treasurer Chain will serve each year on the Legacy Giving

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The current designated committee assignments as delineated in the Policy and Operations Manual are as follows:

The Treasurer (third year Elder) will:

• Serve as Treasurer and Moderator of the Finance Committee and assist in recruiting other leadership volunteers, encouraging them in their service to MDPC and in their personal spiritual growth. The Finance Committee typically meets monthly throughout the year.

• Work in partnership with the Finance Director in developing and implementing effective financial policies (accounting, capital investment, cash management, etc.), in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards.

• Participate as a member of the Budget Committee, bringing the perspective of fiscal disciplines in setting the annual budget for the coming year (analytical support from the Business Administrator and/or Finance Director).

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• Monitor monthly financial performance of the church to identify significant variances

with budget.

• Report monthly financial performance to the Session.

• Lead the Finance Committee in evaluating and approving measures to meet monthly cash needs of the church.

• Signs all AFE’s approved by the Finance Committee when required to complete a capital or other project. If the treasurer is not available, the Treasurer Elect or Treasurer Elect-elect may sign.

• Selects a member of the Treasurer Chain each year to serve on the Legacy Giving Committee.

• Serve as Moderator of the Investment Committee, which oversees investment of Legacy Giving funds, restricted purpose funds, and surplus operating funds.

• The Treasurer will serve on the Advisory Council, Generosity, and Audit Committees.

The Treasurer Elect (second year Elder) will:

• Assist the Treasurer in the performance of his/her duties in order for the Treasurer Elect to succeed the Treasurer the following year.

• Serve as Moderator of the Budget Committee and selects two at-large members as needed.

• Recruit and schedule volunteers to count and deposit Sunday cash contributions. • Schedule check signers (Clerk elders) to sign checks weekly

• The Treasurer Elect will serve on the Advisory Council, Finance, Generosity, Investment, and Audit Committees.

The Treasurer Elect-elect (first year Elder) will:

• Serve on the Advisory Council, Budget, Finance, Outreach, and Audit Committees. • Share the responsibility with the Treasurer-Elect for recruiting and scheduling

volunteers to count and deposit Sunday cash contributions and scheduling Clerk elders to sign checks weekly.

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• Sense of balance between the spiritual and the fiscal dimensions of the church (role of stewardship in personal spiritual growth and the need for funds to support the church in becoming all God calls MDPC to do and be).

• At least an intermediate knowledge of General Accounting Practices (GAP).

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13 Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church

Generosity Chain

Works with: Senior Pastor

Executive Pastor Finance Director

Financial Services Representative Communications & Media Director Time Commitment per month: Average number of hours (8 to 10 hours)

Position Description: Work in partnership with the Senior Pastor, Executive Pastor, Finance Director, Communications & Media Director, and a representative from the Financial Services office to educate MDPC members in their responsibilities to pledge and to give of their time, talent, and treasure to build God’s kingdom and to encourage each member of the church in making a personal covenant of percentage giving with a goal of tithing. Stimulate year-around service and giving as an essential dimension in the spiritual growth of the congregation and in providing the financial resources needed to support the ministry needs of the church. As a member of the Budget and Finance Committees, provide the stewardship perspective to the annual budget process. Provide the stewardship message as an integral part of a team selected to include the outreach and finance functions of the church in publishing the MDPC Annual Report.

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• Attending the annual Session retreat, usually scheduled for the fourth Friday and

Saturday in January.

• Ensuring that policies and procedures established for the ministry area are followed.

Ministry Specific Responsibilities:

• Serve as Moderator of the Generosity Committee and recruit other leadership volunteers to serve.

• Nurture and encourage other committee members in their ministry assignments and in their personal spiritual growth.

• Participate with the Business Administrator in developing policies and long range plans that guide the ministry in support of the vision for stewardship and for the church. • Participate, or assign another Generosity Elder, as a member of the Budget, Finance and

Legacy Giving Committees, bringing the stewardship perspective of giving potential to setting the coming annual budget and to anticipating current year receipts (analytical support from the Finance Director).

• Coordinate development of the annual Generosity Campaign, including children & youth.

• Coordinate comprehensive program to stimulate giving throughout the year. • Monitor monthly contributions to identify actions that stimulate giving to achieve

budget.

• Manage development and maintenance of the Generosity section of www.mdpc.org and supplement as needed with relevant promotional collateral.

• Participate as an active member of a team (with Outreach & Finance) to develop and publish the MDPC Annual Report.

• Coordinate annual stewardship activities with the planned giving efforts of the Legacy Giving Committee.

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• Commitment to a lifestyle of Christian holiness which includes fidelity in marriage

between a man and a woman, or chaste if single;

• In-depth understanding of Biblical principles for stewardship of time, talent, & treasure and their relationship to personal spiritual growth.

• Understanding of the fiscal dimensions of the church, i.e. the need for funds to support the church in becoming all that God calls MDPC to do and be.

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16 Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church

Legacy Giving

Ministry Area: Finance

Works with: Senior and Executive Pastors, Treasurers, Finance Director Finance Committee

Time Commitment per month: 10 hours

Position Description: The core purpose of the Legacy Giving committee is to develop and deploy an initiative to inspire MDPC members to leave a portion of their estate to MDPC in order to continue and expand MDPC’s ministries. Additionally, MDPC members will be encouraged to contribute funds above and beyond their regular giving to MDPC’s annual budget. The Legacy Giving elder will Moderate the Legacy Giving committee, attend Finance committee meetings, meet with staff and elders as needed, and be involved in all aspects of the Legacy Giving initiatives.

• Attending worship services regularly.

• Participating in some form of Sunday School and/or small group.

• Praying regularly for MDPC’s participants, staff and ministries.

• Supporting MDPC through faithful and generous stewardship.

• Working with pastors and staff to discern God’s will for MDPC.

• Serving faithfully in the ministry to which the elder has been elected to serve.

• Preparing for and attending stated and called meetings of Session. Absences

must be reported to the Clerk of Session or the Executive Ministries Coordinator.

• Attending the annual Session retreat, usually scheduled for the fourth Friday and

Saturday in January.

• If needed, serving as presbytery or synod commissioners during their term on

Session.

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• Participating in the examination of the annual Confirmation class.

• Providing leadership and vision for MDPC Programs.

• Attending ministry area committee meetings and execute programs working

with the staff, elders and laity.

• Monitoring conformance to budget in area of ministry.

• Ensuring that policies and procedures established for the ministry area are

followed.

• Attend and moderate Legacy Giving meetings. • Attend Finance committee meetings.

• Help to develop, refine and deploy all aspects of the Legacy Giving initiatives. • Recruit and train future Legacy Giving committee members.

• Collaborate with the Legacy Giving contact persons on visits and contacts with church members to encourage donations to the Legacy Giving Funds.

• Monitor the Legacy Giving policies and procedures and suggest changes as needed. • Provide a leadership link between the Session and the Legacy Giving committee. Qualifications for all Officers (as stated in the Policies and Operations Manual):

• Personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord;

• Commitment to a lifestyle of Christian holiness which includes fidelity in

marriage between a man and a woman, or chaste if single;

• Personal and spiritual maturity, integrity and character;

• Willingness to receive, adopt and be bound by the Essential Tenets of ECO;

• Minimum of one year as an active MDPC member;

• Regular worship service attendance at MDPC;

• Identifiable pattern of financial stewardship to MDPC;

• Willingness to fulfill the duties of the office to which he/she will be elected,

which includes Session or Diaconate meeting attendance, serving Communion,

and investing in the ministry are to which he/she has been called.

• Fund raising experience (MDPC Generosity Committee or for an outside non-profit entity);

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• Service on the Legacy Giving Committee for a minimum of one year;

• Prior support of the Legacy Giving Program through contacts with potential donors or presentations to MDPC groups and/or legacy gifts;

• Knowledge of the Legacy Policies and Procedures and the Gift Acceptance Policy. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work for this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, and skills required.

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19 Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church

Elementary Elder

Ministry Area: Children’s Ministries

Works with: Children’s Ministries Director Elementary Ministries Director Time Commitment per month: 15-20 hours

Position Description: The elementary elder is responsible for leading, collaborating encouraging and supporting the staff, volunteer leaders, children and families in our elementary area, Children’s Ministry programs and serve as an active member of our Lead team.

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• Supporting the Elementary Sunday school curriculum, actively participating in Sunday morning activities during regular term (August to May).

• Pray for staff, volunteers, children and families in the ministry area.

• Attend Children’s Ministry Lead Team meetings, moderating and coordinating as

needed.

• Participate in programs and events of Children’s Ministry that include festivals, family nights and events, and outreach opportunities.

• Support in the coordination and collaborate with other Children’s Ministry areas. • Report pertinent information to the Session at monthly meetings.

• Take an active role and continually invite members to serve in Children’s Ministries and support ongoing leader training for Children’s Ministries.

• Experience with children elementary age children

• Prior experience in Children’s Ministry at MDPC

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21 Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church

Preschool Elder

Ministry Area: Children’s Ministries

Works with: Children’s Ministries Director Preschool Ministries Director Time Commitment per month: 15-20 hours

Position Description: The preschool elder is responsible for leading, collaborating

encouraging and supporting the staff, volunteer leaders, children and families in our preschool area, Children’s Ministry programs and serve as an active member of our Lead team.

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• Supporting the Preschool Sunday morning curriculum, actively participating in Sunday morning activities during regular term (August to May).

• Pray for staff, volunteers, children and families in the ministry area.

• Attend Children’s Ministry Lead Team meetings, moderating and coordinating as needed.

• Participate in programs and events of Children’s Ministry that include festivals,

family nights and events, and outreach opportunities.

• Support in the coordination and collaborate with other Children’s Ministry areas.

• Report pertinent information to the Session at monthly meetings.

• Take an active role and continually invite members to serve in Children’s Ministries

and support ongoing leader training for Children’s Ministries.

• Experience with children of preschool age

• Prior experience in Children’s Ministry at MDPC

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23 Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church

See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God (Hebrews 12:15)

Connections Ministry Elder—New Members

Ministry Area: Evangelism Ministry

Works with: Pastor of Evangelism, Director of Outreach, and Connections Ministry Committee

Time Commitment per month: 18-20

Position Description: This elder works closely with the Pastor of Evangelism in the area of New Members. This elder will have primary responsibility for the New Member process: inviting visitors to the New Member class, Discover MDPC, the New Member class, the service project, the session approval, and reception in the worship services. This elder will also be involved in the follow up for each class, helping the new members get involved in the life of the church. This elder will work closely with the Pastor of Evangelism, the Director for Outreach and the Connections Ministry Committee.

• Attending worship services regularly.

• Participating in some form of Sunday School and/or small group.

• Praying regularly

for MDPC’s participants, staff and ministries.

• Supporting MDPC through faithful and generous stewardship.

• Working with pastors and staff to discern God’s will for MDPC.

• Serving faithfully in the ministry to which the elder has been elected to serve.

• Preparing for and attending stated and called meetings of Session. Absences

must be reported to the Clerk of Session or the Executive Ministries Coordinator.

• Attending the annual Session retreat, usually scheduled for the fourth Friday and

Saturday in January.

• If needed, serving as presbytery or synod commissioners during their term on

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• Serving communion at least three times per year.

• Participating in the examination of the annual Confirmation class.

• Providing leadership and vision for MDPC Programs.

• Attending ministry area committee meetings and execute programs working

with the staff, elders and laity.

• Monitoring conformance to budget in area of ministry.

• Ensuring that policies and procedures established for the ministry area are

followed.

• Meet regularly with Pastor of Evangelism to help coordinate new member classes and program.

• Works with the Pastor of Evangelism to envision membership ministry for the next season of MDPC in an increasingly post-Christian city.

• Help to contact all visitors that have expressed an interest in joining MDPC. • Help plan and attend Discover MDPC, welcoming potential new members. • Secure facilitators for each New Member class

• Welcome the New Members at the beginning of each class and introduce the pastor/staff teaching.

• Help organize and attend service day.

• Help with organization of New Members for reception in the worship services. • Responsible for introduction of the New Members at the Session meeting. • Six-week email follow-up with each New Member

• Work with the entire Connections Ministry team to envision and plan for the whole process of a person’s journey from the first moment they drive into the parking lot until they are connected to the church and to ministry in a growing vital way

Qualifications for all Officers (as stated in the Policies and Operations Manual):

• Personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord;

• Commitment to a lifestyle of Christian holiness which includes fidelity in

marriage between a man and a woman, or chaste if single;

• Personal and spiritual maturity, integrity and character;

• Willingness to receive, adopt and be bound by the Essential Tenets of ECO;

• Minimum of one year as an active MDPC member;

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• Identifiable pattern of financial stewardship to MDPC;

• Willingness to fulfill the duties of the office to which he/she will be elected,

which includes Session or Diaconate meeting attendance, serving Communion,

and investing in the ministry are to which he/she has been called.

• A heart for membership ministry as it seeks to lead people to their next step of faith as they say, “yes,” to the MDPC family and our mission.

• A passion for walking with people who merely attend to becoming fully engaged

members of MDPC and God’s Kingdom work

• Commitment to helping people get connected

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26 Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church

Equipping Adult Studies and Small Groups Elder

Ministry Area: Equipping Ministries

Works with: Staff and Elders of Equipping Ministries (and as needed with Staff and Elders from Relationship Ministries and Young Adult Ministries)

Time Commitment per month: 8-20 hours

Position Description:

This elder’s main function is to serve as a liaison between visitors/church members and Equipping Ministries by being knowledgeable of Sunday School classes, Bible studies, small groups, and other opportunities for study and growth at MDPC and helping people connect appropriately. As such, this elder will be responsible for learning about and staying informed of all classes/studies/etc. being offered at MDPC or in the homes of MDPC members and staff. This will likely mean attending various classes or groups to familiarize him/herself with the tone and scope of what we offer.

S/he will commit to being available at the Connections center on Sunday mornings from 9:25-9:45 a.m., 10:40-11:15 a.m., and 12:15-12:35 p.m., or delegating that responsibility out to other informed/trained lay people, to help guide visitors and members in their search for classes or desire to be connected.

Because this is a community-building role, this elder will strive to authentically engage with people in such a way as to best connect them where they’ll feel most spiritually fed, blessed and encouraged, and feel a real sense of belonging.

Additionally, this role would provide insight into areas of weakness or blind spots in certain programs, classes, groups, and this elder would be encouraged to help Equipping Ministries improve its efforts in this area as we strive to offer excellence in all areas.

• Attending worship services regularly.

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• Praying regularly for MDPC’s participants, staff and ministries.

• Supporting MDPC through faithful and generous stewardship.

• Working with pastors and staff to discern God’s will for MDPC.

• Serving faithfully in the ministry to which the elder has been elected to serve.

• Preparing for and attending stated and called meetings of Session. Absences

must be reported to the Clerk of Session or the Executive Ministries Coordinator.

• Attending the annual Session retreat, usually scheduled for the fourth Friday and

Saturday in January.

• If needed, serving as presbytery or synod commissioners during their term on

Session.

• Serving communion at least three times per year.

• Participating in the examination of the annual Confirmation class.

• Providing leadership and vision for MDPC Programs.

• Attending ministry area committee meetings and execute programs working

with the staff, elders and laity.

• Monitoring conformance to budget in area of ministry.

• Ensuring that policies and procedures established for the ministry area are

followed.

Ministry Specific Responsibilities:

• Learning/familiarizing yourself with all the classes/groups MDPC offers (including visiting various groups/classes as needed).

• Serving as liaison between Equipping Ministries, visitors/MDPC congregation, and classes/groups/etc.

• Maintaining a consistent presence at the Connections Center on Sunday mornings between services from 9:25-9:45 a.m., 10:40-11:15 a.m., and 12:15-12:35 p.m.

• As is appropriate, this elder encourages the entire church, Session and staff to participate in Sunday morning classes, Bible studies, small groups, and other study opportunities.

• Personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord;

• Commitment to a lifestyle of Christian holiness which includes fidelity in

marriage between a man and a woman, or chaste if single;

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• Willingness to receive, adopt and be bound by the Essential Tenets of ECO;

• Minimum of one year as an active MDPC member;

• Regular worship service attendance at MDPC;

• Identifiable pattern of financial stewardship to MDPC;

• Willingness to fulfill the duties of the office to which he/she will be elected,

which includes Session or Diaconate meeting attendance, serving Communion,

and investing in the ministry are to which he/she has been called.

Ministry Specific Qualifications: • People/Communication skills

• Interested in studying the Bible, and promoting fellowship • Ability to interact winsomely

• Computer and email capabilities • Prayerful and encouraging

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29 Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church

Loving God, Proclaiming Christ. Living Generously. Engaging All.

Elder for Local Outreach

Ministry Area: Outreach

Works with: Outreach Director, Local Outreach Director, Outreach Ministry Committee, Appropriate Subcommittee Time Commitment per month: 20 hours

Position Description:

Serves as leader of one of four local committees within the Outreach Committee. Provides leadership to the 15-member (approx..) committee that is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with ministry partners outside MDPC that serve the needs of people locally. This position leads their committee’s work in evaluating partnerships and requests for financial gifts, prayer, maintaining relationships with the ministry partners, and determining how MDPC members can interact and volunteer with the partners. Reports to Outreach committee on recommendations from the assigned Sub-Committee. As member of Outreach, advises, deliberates, and votes on all matters before the Outreach Committee and Session.

Responsibilities of all Elders (as stated in the Policies and Operations Manual): There are two major responsibilities for MDPC’s elders: (1) to represent the larger

congregation, and (2) to lead the congregation. More specifically, MDPC’s elders are called by God to lead by example by:

• Participating in some form of Sunday School and/or small group.

• Praying regularly for MDPC’s participants, staff and ministries.

• Supporting MDPC through faithful and generous stewardship.

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• If needed, serving as presbytery or synod commissioners during their term on

Session.

• Serving communion at least three times per year.

• Participating in the examination of the annual Confirmation class.

• Providing leadership and vision for MDPC Programs.

• Developing and maintaining partnerships with the ministries and agencies in the assigned area.

• Leading the assigned subcommittee, including scheduled meetings, in

planning/assigning the necessary partner site visits and evaluating requests for financial gifts.

• Attend monthly Outreach Committee meeting with other Outreach Elders and staff to represent subcommittee funding proposals and other activities.

• Writing and distributing committee recommendations to the Outreach Ministry Committee.

• Work with committee and church to develop deeper connections with the ministry partners.

• Willingness to receive, adopt and be bound by the Essential Tenets of ECO;

• Minimum of one year as an active MDPC member;

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• REQUIRED to have served on a Local Outreach Committee for a minimum of one year immediately prior to being elected elder.

• Working knowledge of the process for funding

• Facility with computer, internet, etc.

• A commitment to reaching out to the world in Jesus’ name.

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Global Outreach Elder

Ministry Area: Outreach Ministry

Works with: Outreach Director, Global Outreach Director, Global Outreach Committee, and Outreach Ministry Committee Time Commitment per month: 10-15

Position Description: Global Outreach elders serve MDPC by being advocates for our global outreach partners, working with the global committee with a vision to equip

congregants for global ministry, educating the congregation on missions and ways we can join God in His work of lifting up the name of Jesus around the world. Global Outreach elders work together with the Global Committee to evaluate partnerships and funding requests from international faith-based partners. They also work with mission trip leaders to plan and coordinate trips, interview participants, and provide vision for connecting our ministry partners with individuals and groups within MDPC. Together with the committee they plan partner visits, vision trips, prayer meetings for partners, and act as spiritual leaders for the committee and voices for global ministry to the congregation. The Global elders are engaged in global ministries and educational events that take place locally (refugees, interfaith dialogues and relationship building, slavery and trafficking, etc.). Reports to Outreach committee on recommendations from the assigned Sub-Committee. As member of Outreach, advises, deliberates, and votes on all matters before the Outreach Committee and Session.

Responsibilities of all Elders (as stated in the Policies and Operations Manual): There are two major responsibilities for MDPC’s elders: (1) to represent the larger

congregation, and (2) to lead the congregation. More specifically, MDPC’s elders are called by God to lead by example by:

• Participating in some form of Sunday School and/or small group.

• Praying regularly for MDPC’s participants, staff and ministries.

• Supporting MDPC through faithful and generous stewardship.

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• Preparing for and attending stated and called meetings of Session. Absences must be

reported to the Clerk of Session or the Executive Ministries Coordinator.

• If needed, serving as presbytery or synod commissioners during their term on Session.

• Serving communion at least three times per year.

• Participating in the examination of the annual Confirmation class.

• Providing leadership and vision for MDPC Programs.

• Serve on Global Outreach Committee

• Advocate for MDPC’s global partners

• Educate the congregation about Global Outreach and how to engage while in Houston

• Evaluate funding requests for partners

• Participate in monthly Global Outreach, Outreach Ministries, and Session meetings.

• Willingness to receive, adopt and be bound by the Essential Tenets of ECO;

• Minimum of one year as an active MDPC member;

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• Willingness to fulfill the duties of the office to which he/she will be elected, which

includes Session or Diaconate meeting attendance, serving Communion, and investing in the ministry are to which he/she has been called.

• Prior service on an Outreach Committee, preferably the Global Committee.

• Commitment to God’s ministry across the world, listening to Holy Spirit for

guidance within ministry

• Interest in developing global partners through prayer, education, funding, visits, correspondence, local events, partner visits to MDPC, and building advocacy within congregation

• Willingness to break down cultural barriers in order to communicate the Gospel of Jesus

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Men’s Ministry Elder

Ministry Area: Relationships

Works with: Relationships Pastor, Men’s Leadership Team Time Commitment per month: 5-15 hours on average

Position Description: The Men’s Ministry elder purpose is to work with MDPC staff and lay leaders to equip men to follow Jesus through evangelization, discipleship and outreach.

• Attending worship services regularly.

• Participating in some form of Sunday School and/or small group.

• Praying regularly for MDPC’s participants, staff and ministries.

• Supporting MDPC through faithful and generous stewardship.

• Working with pastors and staff to discern God’s will for MDPC.

• Serving faithfully in the ministry to which the elder has been elected to serve.

• Preparing for and attending stated and called meetings of Session. Absences

must be reported to the Clerk of Session or the Executive Ministries Coordinator.

• Attending the annual Session retreat, usually scheduled for the fourth Friday and

Saturday in January.

• If needed, serving as presbytery or synod commissioners during their term on

Session.

• Serving communion at least three times per year.

• Participating in the examination of the annual Confirmation class.

• Providing leadership and vision for MDPC Programs.

• Attending ministry area committee meetings and execute programs working

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• Monitoring conformance to budget in area of ministry.

• Meet with Relationships Pastor and men’s leadership on a monthly or as needed basis • Cultivate relationships and develop leadership among the men inside and outside of

MDPC’s culture

• Personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord;

• Commitment to a lifestyle of Christian holiness which includes fidelity in

marriage between a man and a woman, or chaste if single;

• Personal and spiritual maturity, integrity and character;

• Willingness to receive, adopt and be bound by the Essential Tenets of ECO;

• Minimum of one year as an active MDPC member;

• Regular worship service attendance at MDPC;

• Identifiable pattern of financial stewardship to MDPC;

• Willingness to fulfill the duties of the office to which he/she will be elected,

which includes Session or Diaconate meeting attendance, serving Communion,

and investing in the ministry are to which he/she has been called.

• Desire to encourage other men in their lives and cultivation of faith

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work for this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, and skills required.

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Worship & Music Elder

Ministry Area: Worship and Music

Works with: Pastor &/or other ministry leaders Time Commitment per month: 10-15 hours

Position Description: The Worship and Music Elders partner with the Pastors, Worship and Music staff, other MDPC staff members, and volunteers to provide for the Worship life of MDPC and to support the mission and vision of the church. First-year elder duties include participating in worship committee meetings and planning sessions, assisting with communion preparations, and organizing the sacrament of baptism. Generally, at least one Worship and Music Elder should attend one of the worship services each Sunday, attend special worship services to monitor the order of worship, provide leadership during the sacraments, and either count or arrange for the counting of the number of worshipers at the all worship services. Candidates must be regular worshipers, have musical interests, and have volunteer experience at MDPC.