Pastor’s Pen: [ May 15 ] HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE RECOGNITION 10:45am Sanctuary
[ May 21 ] TOM NELSON MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT 7:30am Railwood Golf Club
[ May 25-31 ] PERSONAL ENRICHMENT WEEK No evening activities
@fbcjc @fbcjcmo FBCJC FBCJC
This spring marks 25 years that Rod Maples and I have worked together. We have been planning and leading worship together since 1991, first at FBC Sedalia, then here (there was a brief six‐month interlude before he moved here from Sedalia to rejoin me). This anniversary year started me thinking about our amazing leadership team‐‐Rod, Melissa, Jim, Hannah (due to space limitations, I'll save my bragging on support staff for another time). Perhaps you don't realize it, but not all churches are blessed with a staff that "clicks." I am so grateful that we not only work well together and get along. We actually like each other and have fun together! When someone asks me the secret of our effective staff team, I tell them that we have no inflated egos and I never hear one of our pastors say, "Only my area of ministry counts." Hannah is not a "children's director;" she is a pastor who happens to focus on children and families. Melissa is not a "youth director;" she is a pastor who disciples students. The same with Rod regarding worship and Jim when it comes to administration. Each sees her/his role as reaching people and growing disciples within an area of emphasis, but each of us is a pastor to the entire flock. Our team meets twice a month to pray, plan and review. We meet once a quarter for all‐day or two‐day visioning, planning and worship. And of course, we have many impromptu meetings in between these structured times. As staff leader, I encourage each pastor to continue growing spiritually and professionally. Nothing blesses a congregation like leaders who maintain their passion for the Gospel. Broadly speaking, I see our leadership staff called to accomplish the following: 1. Set the tone and direction of the church. 2. Look into the future and prepare the congregation for it. 3. Provide a theological/biblical framework for the church's mission. 4. Model servant love. 5. Equip believers to join us in planning, caring, serving and witnessing to our faith in Jesus Christ. To you, my staff and congregation, I say thank you for our partnership in Kingdom work. Grace,