Ministries
WORD
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV)
Mission
The Board of Christian Education of the West Durham Baptist Church will endeavor to minister to the educational needs of its congregation from its youngest to its oldest member. It will have the responsibility of organizing, administering and supervising the entire Christian educational program of the Church so that there is consistency and uniformity in the curriculum for all age groups. The educational program of the church will include the Children’s Church, Sunday School, Noon-Day Bible Study, Evening Bible Study for Adults and Youth, Summer Enrichment, New Members Orientation, Vacation Bible School, Youth Ministry, Music Ministry and all ministries involved in the Christian Education of members of the West Durham Baptist Church.
Responsibilities
- To supervise and administer the entire educational program of the church.
- To coordinate the education work of the church.
- To discover, enlist, train, and recommend for appointment all church education workers.
- To support and assist the Sunday School and Vacation Bible School Directors in studying and recommending courses, techniques, and educational materials for congregation.
- To work as a team with the Pastor/ Associate Pastor doing what is necessary to provide Christian Education opportunities for the congregation at West Durham Baptist Church.
- To assist and support youth group leaders with youth related educational materials.
- To seek curricular and instructional materials to meet the needs of the children in the church with respect to social and educational levels.
WORSHIP
Let them praise His name with the dance;
Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp. Psalm 149:3
Mission
- To glorify God, Our Creator, with dances and movements that edify, exhort, comfort, inspire and usher people into God’s presence.
Responsibilities: - To be used as vessels by God to bring forth dances and movements that minister to the congregation during Sunday morning worship services.
- To serve as a spiritual accompaniment to special music programs, events, and drama presentations that further promote the Kingdom of God and the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
- To participate in outreach opportunities that will allow the dance ministry to evangelize God’s messages of love, peace, faith and hope to the community.
- To equip ourselves by studying the Word of God as it applies to dance and other biblical forms of worship, as well as how to become better fruit-bearing disciples for Jesus. This will promote spiritual growth in our ministry of dance as well as in our personal lives, which will, in turn, increase the spiritual effectiveness of ministering the message of God to others through dance.
- To administer teachings to the congregation that will promote a spiritual understanding of the important role dance and movement plays in worship.
“I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.” Psalm 104:33
Mission
To magnify God and spread the good news through music and song; uplifting all to willingly participate in worshiping and praising God.
Responsibilities
- To plan, coordinate and evaluate all aspects of the music of a church. The members of the Music Committee include the Minister of Music, director of each choir, organist, pianist, and the Pastor, serves as ex-officio member.
- To assist leaders in other church program organizations with music as needed
- To participate in an on-going plan of study and skill development.
- To further assist and accompany the pastorate in worship and spiritual growth of our church and community.
WORKS
“One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts”
Psalm 145:4 (NKJV)
Mission
Responsible for planning and coordinating all the elements of the celebration. The Anniversary/Homecoming steering committee should include members who have abilities and interests in worship, writing, publicity, finance, and organization. Homecoming is normally the fourth Sunday in October.
Responsibilities
- To clarify its goals for the celebration.
- To formulate the plans for the event.
- To define and develop the theme along with the Pastor
- To choose which kinds of special activities it might like to plan in connection with the anniversary.
“Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.” Acts 2:2 (NIV)
Mission:
To provide audio, visual, and media technological support that enhances the ability to spread the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ during worship service and other church functions.
Responsibilities
- Provide quality audio and video during the worship experience and other church functions such as weddings, funerals, etc.
- Provide training for individuals on the proper use and care of equipment.
- Reproduce and distribute CDs, DVDs and other media from worship services and special events.
- Provide CDs to minister to the sick and shut-in as well as visiting pulpit speakers.
“Blessed be the LORD God of our Fathers, which hath put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to beautify the house of the Lord WHICH is in Jerusalem.” Ezra 7:27
Mission
To beautify the house of the Lord with décor that will offer Praise and Worship in his house.
Responsibilities
- To recommend color(s), types of furnishings, and symbols of Christianity to the Congregation.
- To implement the collaborative beautification vision for the church.
To implement special projects, seek donation/sponsorships among membership and outside agencies as a means of support for beautifying areas of the church.
- To provide flowers and related decorations to enhance the congregational worship services held in the sanctuary of West Durham Baptist Church.
“Now is it required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” I Corinthians 4:2
Mission
To guide and track the financial expenditures of West Durham Baptist Church.
Responsibilities
- To estimate anticipated income based on previous year’s income, prevailing economic conditions, past year’s giving record of membership and anticipated plans for its growth.
- To request church leaders submit an itemized list of budget needs for the year prior to the first meeting of Budget Ministry.
- To prepare budget for representation to the deacons and Pastor for approval after evaluation and necessary adjustments are made, and then present to the church for approval.
- To work closely with the Finance Ministry.
“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophesy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Revelations 1:3
Mission
To work in concert with the pastor and other church ministries to bring all communications related projects, announcements via print and television advertisements to the attention of the church members and surrounding communities.
Responsibilities
- To prepare all communications to the church membership and to the community.
- To assist the pastor and church ministries in advertising and promoting the church.
- To prepare the church newsletter and review internal communications before release to various media outlets.
- To recruit and welcome interested members to share their creative talents to become part of our ministry.
- To compile and edit history
“I am the resurrection and the Life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. John 11:25-26
Mission
To actively participate in the preparation of home going services for members of the West Durham Baptist Church family by providing Christian Love and Spiritual Support.
Responsibilities
- To support the Pastor or his designee in his absence.
- To visit with bereaved families and provide supportive assistance.
- To provide family with a hard copy of an obituary and assist with development if requested.
- To assist with the order of the service.
- To confirm that a church resolution is prepared for the West Durham Baptist Church deceased member and/or a letter of condolence for the death of an active member’s immediate family member.
- To provide coverage for the reading of the obituary and acknowledgements.
- To serve as a liaison to the Pastor, Deacon Board Chairperson, Church Clerk, Custodian, Hospitality Ministry, Kitchen Ministry, Missionary Department, Minister of Music, Usher Ministry and any other clergy that the family request to be on program.
- To send an email notification of deaths and funeral arrangements to WDBC members who provided email addresses.
“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman needing not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”
II Timothy 2:15
Mission
The deacons are to assist and support the Pastor in advancing the mission and vision of the West Durham Baptist Church.
Responsibilities
- To support the Pastor in implementing his vision and programs.
- To serve the Church and assist the Pastor and staff in the welfare and general oversight of the Church
- To participate in the worship, baptismal and communion services.
- To make visitations to the known sick and shut-in members providing spiritual and physical support.
- To address the needs of those who request spiritual, physical and social help.
- To engage in church activities that promote evangelism and missionary service, promoting the Great Commission.
- To report regularly to the church on the work of the Deacons.
- To provide leadership to the church when it is without a Pastor.
- To be a liaison between members and Pastor.
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4
Mission
To assist the Pastor in developing the spiritual life of our women and girls in our Church and community for the best possible Christian service.
Responsibilities
- To serve and assist the Pastor and Deacons in Baptismal service.
- To prepare and assist the Pastor and Deacons in serving the Holy Communion.
- To serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in visiting the sick and shut-in members, the needy and the distressed.
- To assist in specific tasks requested by the Pastor and Deacons.
“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy path.” Proverbs 3:6
Mission
To identify and award monetary scholarships and recognition for educational achievements made by West Durham Baptist Church scholars.
Responsibilities:
- To encourage, support and facilitate higher achievement in education.
- To motivate and applaud students who have made educational progress.
- Present scholarship awards to West Durham Baptist Church candidates based upon the application guidelines.
- Present awards to students, K-12, who have received outstanding recognition and achievements.
- Recognize students for attendance.
“Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his Lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season.” Luke 12:42
Mission
To manage the tithes, offerings and disbursements of the West Durham Baptist Church.
Responsibilities:
- To distribute offering envelopes as requested.
- To record funds received appropriately.
- To provide monthly financial reports for the pastor, deacons, trustees, budget ministry and congregation.
- To deposit contributions received on Sunday within twenty-four hours of receipt.
- To provide an annual statement of contribution to all members and non-members.
Mission
To support West Durham Baptist Church’s vision to touch the world with the Word of God, motivated by a passion for God and a compassion for people. We strive to meet the nutritional and social needs of our congregation with varied and innovative food service programs.
Responsibilities:
- To glorify God in all we do through food service.
- To establish and fulfil service requirements for all the various ministries of the church.
- To provide food and beverage for all events that take place at church.
- To understand and work within our financial limitations.
“They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity” Acts 2:46.
“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” 3 John 1:2 (NIV)
Mission
Responsible for promoting healthful living through disease prevention, health education and by promoting healthy lifestyles. The Nurses Ministry is a component of the Healthcare Ministry.
Responsibilities
- To educate the members of the congregation regarding health care and how very important this information is and will be in the future.
- To distribute to the congregation specific information regarding the importance of a proper diet and how health is directly related to the food we place in our body.
- To promote Special Health Fairs on diet, eating properly, and understanding your body signals to alert you of a potential illness.
- To conduct a health emphasis week in October of every year to increase the awareness and practice of health principles.
- To conduct routine blood pressure checks, pulse rate checks and heart rate checks. These can be very important elements in a members’ overall health status.
- To attend to any emergencies that are a matter of life and death
Mission
To visually promote and magnify our Christian belief, love and passion for God’s Word (the Bible) through various visual art displays in the church.
Responsibilities
- To visually depict God’s word in bulletin board displays
- To showcase God’s word through the staging of various scenes depicting events from the bible, i.e. traditional Christmas scene,
- To display photographs depicting various ministries uplifting and performing God’s work.
- To teach arts and crafts in Vacation Bible School.
“In the beginning as the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1
“For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers attending continually upon this very thing Render therefore to all their dues; tribute to whom tribute is due.” Romans 13: 6-7
Mission
To provide spiritual, physical, and emotional support for the well-being of the Pastor. The ministry also lifts the pastor up in prayer and lets him know we realize the burden he carries and wants to lighten it as much as possible. The ministry supports the pastor and his acts of care for the membership and how he humbles himself in serving God.
Responsibilities
- To provide necessary support to the pastor and his family within the church with encouraging words, prayers, and other actions of love.
- To host activities for the Pastor and First Lady during special events and occasions.
- To assist the pastor in fulfilling his vision for the church and community.
- To assist the church in preparation of the planning and coordinating all activities associated with the Pastor’s Birthday.
- To edify the shepherd which God has placed over West Durham Baptist Church.
- To work toward a unified entity and harmony with the church body.
“And God has set some in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues” I Corinthians 12:28
Mission
To assist the church in matters related to the recruitment, retention, and compensation for the best available employees and contractors to serve the congregation. The primary purpose of the Personnel Ministry is to serve as a liaison between the congregation and its employees and contractors on issues related to working conditions, personnel policies and performance reviews. The personnel Ministry should be an advocate for the church staff, and other staff to protect the church’s investment of time and money
Responsibilities
- To survey the needs for church staff.
- To prepare and update as necessary position descriptions for all employed personnel.
- To prepare and maintain the development of a church Personnel Manual, Job Descriptions, and an Organizational Chart.
- To work with other ministries to recruit, interview, and recommend prospective employees to the church.
- To develop and recommend salaries and benefits for employed personnel.
The responsibility for the vibrancy and the spiritual fulfillment of the West Durham Baptist Church is jointly shared by each member of the congregation and by the dedication, abilities, outreach, and leadership of the employed personnel and contractors.
“Let all things be done decently and in order.” 1 Corinthians 14:40
Mission
To assemble and document the existing policies of the church in a format that ensures continuity of purpose, and is intended to be reviewed and revised and distributed to members, and ministries in the performance of their responsibilities.
Responsibilities
- To document policies and procedures of West Durham Baptist Church.
- To review existing policies and procedures, and update them to reflect current structure and procedures as they change.
- To review, analyze, and revise policies and procedures to ensure conformity with the changes in the Church Bylaws.
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” Colossians 3:23
Mission
To provide ongoing computer hardware and software support for the West Durham Baptist Church staff and ministries. Members skilled with computer hardware, printers, software, graphic arts support, and trouble-shooting talents are needed. Technical Support Ministry members are assessed on their skills and talents and called upon in accordance with their time schedule
Responsibilities
- To assist church staff with software and hardware troubleshooting and software installations.
- To maintain the church networks and server.
- To provide technical support for all church technology including the Internet, phones, copiers, etc.
- To provide technical support assistance.
- To provide hardware and software upgrades and consultation.
“On the same day two of Jesus’ followers were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem , and they were talking to each other about all the things that had happened .As they talked and discussed, Jesus himself drew near and walked along with them. ” Luke 24:13-15
Mission
To provide transportation for Members and Non-members who would like to attend services at West Durham Baptist Church. This ministry ensures that individuals arrive on time to services and are returned to their point of origin when services conclude. It also serves ministries within the church for off-site trips. The members of this ministry must have a valid driver’s license and go through an orientation to the church vehicle (s) and procedures for fueling and checking the vitals.
Responsibilities
- To transport persons to church between 8:15a.m – 9:30a.m.
- To maintain information of passengers that need weekly transportation
- To enforce agreement that Transportation Ministry be called between 9:00a.m. – 9:00p.m. the Saturday prior to the Worship Service to confirm transportation is needed.
- To have van available for return trips home. The van is boarded at the same location from which passengers were discharged. The departure time shall be no later than 15 minutes after the end of service.
- To refer to Church Van Checkout procedures under Trustees section.
“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Mission
To serve as stewards of the church’s assets and maintenance of God’s house and all church-owned properties.
Responsibilities
- To hold legal title to all church property and act only as directed by the church in business meetings.
- To regularly inspect all parts of church building and properties.
- To work closely with Deacons, Finance, Pastor and Church.
“Finally, brethren, “pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you.” I Thessalonians 3:1
“…It is written, “My house will be called a house of prayer…”” Matthew 21:1
Mission
To pray for God’s blessings to cover every aspect of worship experience each Sunday morning and to help connect people to Christ through prayer. The Zacharias Ministry aims to teach and lead the church in both individual and corporate prayer. We will not seek our own will through our own efforts but we will humbly come before God with a repentant heart seeking His will. We submit to Jesus Christ as the Head of the church and will strive to obey His command that His church should be called a House of Prayer.
Responsibilities
- To petition God on behalf of all prayer requests taken from the Prayer Request Box.
- To inspire the desire and urgency for prayer.
- To provide instruction and example in prayer.
- To provide ongoing prayer opportunities and events.
- To provide prayer support for our mission programs.
WITNESS
“ Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13 NIV
Mission
To welcome and extend courtesies to visitors and members of the church.
Responsibilities:
- To serve as hostesses for the church during worship services, funerals and at special programs, etc., as requested.
- To exemplify the following qualities, cordiality, politeness and tactfulness, while serving as a representative of the church.
- To be available to provide coverage on the designated day(s) as schedule
- To support all of the church’s meetings, gatherings, and special events through the presentation of food.
- To plan, purchase, prepare, and serve meals, as well as implement the set up and break down of area(s) where meals are served. In addition, the members of this ministry often assemble themselves in special attire that is most befitting to the planned occasion.
“The righteous will flourish like palm trees; they will grow like the cedars of Lebanon. They are like trees planted in the house of the Lord that flourish in the Temple of our God, that still bear fruit in old age and are always green and strong.” Psalms 92:14
Mission
To provide an environment that will spiritually enrich and address the concerns of mature adults.
Responsibilities
- To encourage adults in our fellowship who are 55 and over to participate in activities that foster spiritual growth, promote good physical and emotional health, and provide opportunities for wholesome fellowship.
- To encourage, revitalize, and enable mature adults to fulfill God’s purpose for them as mentors and role models in our church and community.
- To provide a variety of activities so mature adults may be involved in areas that stimulate their individual interests.
“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not faint.” Luke 18:1
Mission
To contribute to the development of the devout man, fostering attitudes and actions attributed to responsible Christian men while setting an example in leadership, prayer and service for this church and community.
Responsibilities
- To encourage each and every man in the church and community to become and express through example the true meaning of being a “Christian Man.”
Mission
To promote the spreading of the gospel as well as to teach the focus and purpose of missions, and to carry out missionary efforts in the spirit of God’s love and mercy.
Responsibilities
- To reach inward, nurturing our membership through mission study, education, fellowship
- To reach outward through personal witnessing, evangelizing, helping the needy and less fortunate.
To keep a calendar of all Missionary Projects.
- To prepare a budget for missionary projects to work within the current church budget.
- To publicize missionary projects for church member awareness
“Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you” Matthew 28:19
“To prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the Body of Christ may be built up.” Ephesians 4:12
Mission
To greet and orientate new members in the doctrines of the body of Christ with Christian love, enthusiasm, knowledge and excellence. This ministry shall initiate classes that will help new members make the transition to our church easier, by providing classes on our Church’s History and the Statement of Faith, Biblical Foundations (Discipleship/Stewardship) and Discovering their spiritual gifts,
Responsibilities
- To work with the Pastor and the Church Clerk in keeping a record of new members and assist individuals in finding a meaningful place of service.
- To arrange for classes for new members.
- To communicate with the deaconess regarding dates for candidates’ baptism.
- To teach and instruct a series of foundational classes.
- To act as a resource when a new member has question.
- To pray for the spiritual growth and success of new members.
- To encourage new members to pray and ask God to reveal their spiritual gifts that will help steer them into the ministry or area of service where they will be most productive.
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from.” 1 Corinthians 6:19
Mission
To organize and facilitate recreational activities provided within the church. The Recreation Ministry exists to help every player develop character, sportsmanship and respect for authority; to build confidence and personal value; to teach players the fundamentals of sports and help them have a healthy, fun experience with each sport; and to help every player grow spiritually, physically, mentally and socially.
Responsibilities
- To facilitate church recreational activities throughout the year i.e. bowling tournament, volleyball, softball, golf, horseshoes, basketball and any other recreational procedure that a family can participate in at WDBC. The list of activities are not limited to those mentioned, but would include any and all activities the Recreation Ministry may suggest for church family enjoyment.
- To work with the Youth Ministry in coordinating the Fall Community Festival.
- To work in collaboration with other church ministries in reference to Family enrichment activities.
- To encourage outreach activities throughout the community. (Responsibilities of chairperson)
- To organize and conduct meetings of the recreation team, and present a budget to the Budget Team prior to the beginning of a new church year in accordance with the Budget/Finance Team outline of budget request
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” Romans 8:28
Mission
To provide assistance to the Pastor and the congregation so that the worship service can remain orderly and focused on God.
Responsibilities.
- To create an inviting atmosphere to enhance the worship service.
- To greet and seat worshipers.
- To distribute programs and bulletins.
- To assist with the collection of the congregational offering.
“To be the virtue of wisdom and understanding.” Proverbs 31:26
Mission
To promote the spiritual and personal growth of women by providing resources, programs and support necessary to equip, strengthen and guide women in their faith and Christian walk with God.
Responsibilities:
- To implement:
- Women’s Bible study
- Prayer breakfast
- Quarterly seminars
- Women’s Conferences
- Women’s Day celebration
- Community and church service projects
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2
Mission
To encourage youth to build a personal relationship with God, promote their spiritual growth, and equip them to become active members of the congregation and effective members of society. To fulfill this goal, the Youth Ministry strives to focus our energy on sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, celebrating his presence, and honoring Him with our lifestyle.
This ministry is for all youth of the church grades Pre- Kindergarten through twelfth grade. The Ministry seeks to help youth apply the word of God to their lives and to build confidence. Youth Sunday provides an opportunity for youth to participate in leading worship service on the 3rd Sunday of each month.
Responsibilities
- To coordinate and plan activities for the youth of the church by promoting fun, fellowship, spiritual development and ministry involvement.
- To assist the Youth Minister in planning all educational, discipleship and social experiences of youth according to the goals and objectives of the church.
- To collaborate with the Youth Minister with curriculum planning to be used for the spiritual growth of the youth.
- To work with the Youth Minister in planning opportunities for the youth of our church to actively participate in roles that foster Christian Leadership Skills.
* Represents the Work of the Church (Biblical Mandate)
**Represents Church Work (WDBC Specific)