St. Paul Lutheran Church is a diversified body of people united by faith in Jesus Christ. The Church Council of St. Paul Lutheran Church consists of the congregational President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and members of the seven boards: Elders, Christian Education, Evangelism and Assimilation, Missions and Stewardship, Trustees, Human Care, and Youth and Family Life.   These Boards are entrusted with the general and spiritual welfare of the congregation as we work together for the good of God’s Kingdom. The Church Council is elected from and by the voting membership of the congregation.

 

 The President presides at all called and special meetings of the Voters Assembly and Church Council. He assures that all elected and appointed officers, boards and committees carry out their responsibilities and meets with the Pastor to analyze past and future programs. The President also appoints an auditing committee annually. The Vice-President assumes the duties of President in his absence and serves as Chairman of the Nominating Committee. He also performs other duties delegated to him by the President or assigned to him by the Voters Assembly.

 

The Secretary records and is responsible for the safe keeping of all minutes of the Voters Assembly and Church Council meetings. An attendance record is kept for Voters Assembly and Council meetings. Copies of the minutes, other recorded information and any official correspondence is provided and prepared for the Voters Assembly and Council as requested.

 

The Treasurer maintains a record of receipts and disbursements of the congregation and is subject to an annual audit. Financial reports are provided at Voters Assembly and Council meetings. The Treasurer is responsible for paying salaries, authorized bills and remitting monthly mission payments.

 

The Elders work closely with the Pastor to assure that the Gospel of Salvation is taught in all truth and purity. The spiritual welfare of the members of the congregation is a main concern. Church discipline and total congregational life will be maintained and assured according to Scripture, Lutheran Confession and the Articles of the Constitution. They assure that the sanctuary is used only in accordance with the teaching of the Scriptures and policies of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The Elders administer membership transfers and determine eligibility of individuals applying for membership in this congregation according to the Articles and By-Laws. They assist the Pastor(s) in developing, initiating and maintaining quality worship services and provide for physical, emotional and spiritual welfare of the Pastor(s) and professional church workers. The church and communion attendance is reviewed and delinquent calls made along with seeing that children in the congregation are baptized. The Elders are responsible for requesting and presenting a call list to the Voters Assembly when calling a Pastor or Professional Church Worker.

 

The objectives of this Board are to plan and administer an educational program and determine its policies. The Board recruits teachers and superintendents for Sunday School and Mid-Week School. They promote group Bible study for all ages and encourage individuals to read and study the Bible. The Board provides material and equipment for educational programs along with classes for the mentally and physically challenged. Christian Education also monitors the church library and evaluates new and innovative ways to meet educational needs. This Board works with the Board of Youth and Family Life and in cooperation with the Pastor(s) to fulfill our God given responsibility to teach and nurture our congregation and community.

 

The objectives of this Board are to share the Gospel of Salvation with the unchurched, equip all of God’s people for their personal witness of the Savior, assimilate new members into the congregation and help members of St. Paul grown in their desire and zeal to reach out with the Gospel. The Board maintains a prospect file and invites members and prospective members to attend Adult Information Class. People moving into the community will be contacted and members moving from our community will be referred to a congregation of our Synod. A spirit of friendliness in the congregation toward members and visitors shall be promoted. The Board will use the evangelism potential of other Synodical resources and enlist a committee to assist in evangelism calls.

 

This Board promotes Biblical Stewardship in the congregation by developing proper use of time, talents and treasures; and a “Mission Spirit” with the primary purpose to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all the world. The Board emphasizes the Great Commission, “Go and make disciples of all nations” thru development of a personalized mission program. Programs that discover and enlist the talents of our members for work in the Kingdom are maintained along with programs that educate and encourage Biblical stewardship of finances. The Board oversees the distribution of offering envelopes and financial statements and monitors an Endowment Program. Support for Missions and charities will be fostered through informational presentations, festivals, tracts, films, displays, etc.

 

This Board sees to the proper maintenance, repair and protection of all church property and represents the congregation in all legal matters. The members of the Board act as corporate officers. They hire and train custodial staff and enlist work crews for special projects. The Board maintains proper insurance coverage and establishes use and rental policies for all church property. Proper care and maintenance of the church buildings and grounds reflect the concern we have for our church’s mission. We want our facilities to reflect the glory of God, the One for whom they were built.

 

 

This Board develops programs that reach out in Christian love to support those with special needs. Human Care makes a system of transportation to church activities available to those needing this service. Volunteers will be recruited to call on the shut-in, sick and grieving members and others with special needs. The Board publicizes congregational activities and promotes and supports the social agencies of our Synod and community. The Board of Human Care also has as its purpose to educate the congregation in “life” issues and to encourage members to help others by sharing Christ’s love in word and deed.

 

The objectives of this Board are to involve the junior high and high school youth in spiritual growth; and to provide opportunities of spiritual growth for families. The Board will recruit youth counselors and will work with the youth counselors to develop programs and activities for the youth, including Bible study, recreation, fellowship and Christian service. Specialized programs that address Christian family issues and challenges and also involvement in singles ministry are encouraged. The Board will work in cooperation with the Board of Education to promote programs that are solid in the study of God’s Word and also promote home Bible Study and daily devotions in each of our homes.