MINISTRY MODEL AND STRATEGY PLAN PROPOSAL “A Strong Infrastructure for a Strong Vision”
Isle of Patmos Baptist Church Music and Worship Arts Ministry Model and Strategy Plan Proposal
The Vision and Mission of the Music and Worship Arts Ministry of Isle of Patmos Baptist Church “Inspiring and demonstrating an infectious passion for the presence of God. Worshipping in spirit and truth; creatively expressing our heart to God through music and arts; and by committing to a lifestyle of worship and service to God both inside and outside of Isle of Patmos’s facilities.” We are dedicated to providing culturally relevant, high-quality worship through music and the arts. As we engage expressions of worship, our focal mission is to inspire the entire ministry to lead lifestyles of worship. Education: teaching the elements of Biblical worship, the indigenous planning of worship, and the skills of the craft of worship through the development and presentation of biblically based curriculums. Performance: using excellence in the presentation and worshipful performance of the arts in the venue of the public forum to encourage the believer and to acquaint the unbeliever with the majesty and glory of the God of the universe. Connection: building healthy and lasting relationships within and connecting to partnerships with local community development organizations. As an organization we are committed to: -Being Biblically accountable -Promoting community and unity -Understanding the power to and in growth -Providing ministry gifts the opportunity to develop -Developing potential worship leaders, soloist, choir masters, artists etc. -Building healthy relationship for cooperative internal infrastructure
How does Music and Fine Arts fit into the Life of a church? Sunday services provide an “entrance point” for worshippers. It is the main introduction of a church to the community. Music and Fine Arts obviously play a role in that introduction of a church’s expressive personality to attendees.
Musical and Artistic Genres “If you try to please all of the people some of the time, you’ll end up pleasing no one all of the time.” Having a biblical understanding of our mission in music ministry, it is our priority to be genuine regarding the style of music and arts within the history of this great Church. Yet, while we will intensely polish and honor the traditions and liturgics of the Baptist Church, we also seek to be culturally and spiritually relevant. While it may be our musical and artistic objective to expand our communities appreciation for the arts; UNDOUBTABLY, our central goal is to draw people to Jesus and assist them toward true worship.
The following is a summary of applications used by our Worship Ministry: -Our ministry is celebrative and GOD-centered -Our goal is to touch the heart, and stimulate the mind toward transformation in the presence of GOD. -The choir is contagious. The congregation will never express themselves corporately more than what the choir models for them. -Various Solos and ensembles are often used to add creativity, impact, and greater worship and developmental opportunities. -Each individual in the departments within this ministry takes ownership of this ministry and strive toward 100% commitment. MWAM Events and Services We offer an optional 30-minute group vocal, signing, instrumental and dance Growth Tract; basic or specialized curriculums constructed to develop the technical skills of the participants. We will also host a quarterly Music and Worship Arts workshop which will be mandatory for all departments within this ministry. An annual Music and Worship Arts Conference will be strategically planned for the fall of each year. In accordance with the vision given by Dr. Calvin Matthews and our mission, outreach is a priority. We will host a high school choir competition or musical, choosing at least one high school to sponsor either financially or with some sort of significant gift/contribution.
CHALLENGE TO MINISTRY MEMBERS Lifestyle -living in a manner that agrees with Christ. Psalm 15 Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury (interest) and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken. Commitment -being sacrificially committed to the call of GOD, not the Minister of Music or staff. I Corinthians 15:57-58 (BBE) But praise be to GOD who gives us strength to overcome through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 For this cause, my dear brothers, be strong in purpose and unmoved, ever giving yourselves to the work of the Lord, because you are certain that your work is not without effect in the Lord. Accountability -as unto an army! Can you imagine a commander not knowing the whereabouts of his troops? That’s the same principle applied each Sunday as we gather to lead into the battle. You can be accountable by: Participating and not missing rehearsals or performances unless there is major emergency.
Luke 12:48 From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Communicating any needs and anticipated absences Being on time for rehearsals and warm-ups Being positive in your attitude. This is an encouragement to those around you.
CALLING VS. VOLUNTEER
A volunteer looks upon rehearsal as another commitment he’s been obligated to fulfill, but someone called of God looks upon rehearsal as another opportunity to be used of GOD. A volunteer looks upon any constructive criticism with indignation, but someone called of GOD is grateful for feedback because he wants to be the best he can be. A volunteer puts in minimum effort, but someone called of GOD puts in maximum effort. A volunteer sits back and complains about this and that bothering him, but someone called of GOD leads a personal campaign to improve that which needs improvement. A volunteer feels threatened by the talent of others, but someone called of GOD feels secure in God’s direction for his life. A volunteer does no outside practicing or preparation (after all, he’s just a volunteer) but someone who is called of GOD comes to rehearsals and performances as prepared as possible. A volunteer wants to quit at the first sign of adversity or discouragement, but one called of GOD digs in and perseveres. A volunteer is oblivious to the needs of his ministry, but someone called of GOD prays over the needs of his ministry. A volunteer is more prone to jealousy of others, but one called of GOD praises God for distributing gifts and talents as He chooses. A volunteer shrinks back from resolving relational conflict, but someone called of GOD seeks to resolve all relational conflict to preserve the unity of the team with which he serves. A volunteer’s main source of fulfillment is his talents and abilities, but someone called of GOD knows that being used of GOD is the most fulfilling thing he can do with his life.
A volunteer can’t handle being put into situations where he’s going to be “stretched”, but someone called of GOD responds to GOD’s call with humble dependence on Him.
Isle of Patmos Baptist Church MUSIC AND WORSHIP ARTS ORGANIZATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
SCOPED STRUCTURAL CHART Sign Ministry
Dance Ministry
Presidents/Admin Teams
DR. CALVIN MATTHEWS Chief Liturgical Officer
Lionel Venable Minister of Music Music Committee Band, Orchestra ,MD
________________ Administrator
MFAM Council
J.M. Woody Ensemble
Voices of Victory
Men's Chorus
Male Gospel Quartet
Young Adult and Adult Praise Teams
Audio-Visual Ministry
RICE Youth Choir
Anointed Voices
Drama Ministry
Chambers-Alpha Choir
Mime Ministry
Step Ministry
The Scoped Structural Chart illustrates the ministry of our Pastor, Dr. Calvin Matthews toward the church as the Chief Liturgical Officer (chief minstrel/musician); providing resources, support and materials for those who shape the continuing development in the understanding and practice of the liturgy of the Church. This directly connects us in support of his vision and ministry. The Minister of Music will receive vision dynamics from Dr. Matthews and the Music Committee, to develop, along with the Music and Worship Arts Council an annual calendar. This calendar will require departments to engage in strategic planning to produce their three (four or six) week ministry performance plan. This chart also illustrates the shared leadership of the Minister of Music and Music and Worship Arts Council. There will be a monthly meeting that will manage corporate affairs with regular admin meetings for execution. The ministry operates cooperatively supporting each other with events, challenges and much more.
MUSIC AND WORSHIP ARTS SERVANT-LEADERS POSITION NARRATIVE OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES (For each ministry) President/Director 1. Assumes responsibility for the work of their ministry. 2. Brief consults with the Minister of Music on a monthly basis. 3. Initiates creating new ideas of the ministry. 4. Facilitates monthly meetings with leadership team. 5. Staffs the leadership team with the help of present officers. 6. Appoints all special committees as needed. 7. Serves as ex-officio member of all committees. 8. Strives to promote good fellowship and cooperation among ministry members. 9. Meets and introduces all visitors and new members to the ministry. 11. Visits or phones chronic absentees. 12. Maintains a daily private devotion time. Music and Worship Arts Council – Made up of the administrative head of each department within the MWAM and other qualified and appointed individuals 1. Serves as the primary administrative body of the Music and Worship Arts Ministry. 2. Plans and carries out programs that fulfill the vision of Dr. Calvin Matthews and our mission. 3. Leads the prioritizing and strategic planning process within the Music and Fine Arts Ministry. 4. Arranges and prepares the ministry budget and ensures that the financial needs are met. 5. Coordinates marketing and strategy planning sessions. 6. Makes recommendations for the improvement and efficient operation of each department and the ministry as a whole. Executive Assistant/Administrator 1. Prepare and manage correspondence, reports and documents 2. Organize and coordinate meetings, conferences, travel arrangements 3. Take, type and distribute minutes of meetings 4. Maintain schedules and calendars 5. Arrange and confirm appointments for Minister of Music 6. Assist in organizing internal and external events 7. Handle incoming mail and other material 8. Maintain membership databases 9. Communicate verbally and in writing to answer inquiries and provide information 10. Liaison with internal and external contacts
11. Develop and direct and or collaborate with departmental secretaries 12. Collects attendance sheets from the Care Group Leaders weekly. 13. Maintains formal record of meetings. 14. Attends monthly meetings 15. Manage/Organize Office Space(s) 16. Operate Office equipment 17. Receive and direct visitors and clients 18. Liaise with internal staff at all levels 19. Co-ordinate project-based work Secretary 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
Prepare and manage correspondence, reports and documents Organize and coordinate meetings, conferences, travel arrangements Prepare agendas for meetings Take, type and distribute minutes of meetings Maintain schedules and calendars General clerical duties including photocopying, fax and mailing Assist in organizing internal and external events Handle incoming mail and other material Maintain membership databases Communicate verbally and in writing to answer inquiries and provide information Liaison with internal and external contacts
Treasurer 1. Provides members an opportunity each rehearsal to contribute to the MFAM 3. Manage expenditures for needs of the departments and the entire ministry 4. Strategize streams of capital for growth and expansion 5. Maintains Funds for the above mentioned responsibilities. 6. Attends monthly meetings. New Member Orientation Chairman 1. Enrolls all new members and explains Handbook to them. 2. Introduces each new member to MWA Council. 3. Introduces new members to an assigned care group leader. 4. Notifies Director and President of all new members. 5. Attends monthly meetings. Chaplain/Care Group Leader/ Visitation Chairman 1. Checks weekly attendance records of your assigned group and gives report to Secretary/Administrator. 2. Makes weekly contact by phone, card or visit to absentees in your group (note absentees on Sunday morning, also, for appropriate follow up.) 2. Personally responsible for delivering flowers or an appropriate gift members who are hospitalized
3. Ensures that new members to the group become familiar with the practice packet, rehearsal routine, etc. 4. Inform President of any special needs from group members. 5. Assumes responsibility for the overall prayer ministry of the Music and Fine Arts Ministry. 6. Determine the best way of keeping the members informed and praying for specific needs as they arise. 7. Encourages the Music and Worship Arts Ministry toward healthy fellowship and strong commitment. HISTORIAN 1. Maintains picture and scrapbook of all events during the year. 2. Attends monthly meetings. GREETERS 1. Greets members as they enter the room for practice. 2. Points out materials and assists where needed. SOCIAL CHAIRMAN 1. Coordinates and organizes all social events including scheduling food and/or activities. 2. Enlists the help of other MFAM members as required. 3. Attends monthly meetings
GOD IS NOT LOOKING FOR WORSHIP, HE’S LOOKING FOR WORSHIPERS!
MWAM POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 1. SALVATION As a member of this ministry team, it is essential for spiritual growth and effectiveness that you are a Christian. That is to have a professing belief in GOD our Father and Creator of all things. The Hebrew scriptures prescribe to Jesus Christ and a follower of his teachings as set forth in Romans 3:10, 3:23, 5:12, 6:23, 5:8, and 10:9-13. If you are unclear about this requirement, please contact the Minister of Music. 2. COMMITMENT As a member of this ministry team, you must demonstrate an ability to be committed to GOD, the Church, and the specific ministry you desire to be involved in. The expectations of commitment are defined below: a. To GOD – As indicated in Section 1, you must have a commitment to GOD to be actively involved in a ministry leadership position. b. To the Church – Prior to being involved in a specific ministry, you are expected to demonstrate a commitment to the church for a period of at least 6 months. After which you will be eligible for specific ministry involvement, but are still expected to demonstrate a commitment to the church. Exceptions for 6 months attendance are on an individual basis, but should be uncommon. c. Specific Ministry – Your commitment time period is for a minimum of 6 months. After which you may decide to continue to be involved in the desired area or step down. After this period your membership is renewed automatically, until you notify us of any changes. 3. TEAMWORK As a member of this ministry team, you must exhibit an ability to work with other members of your team as well as submit to the authority of the ministry leader. It is important that all members of the team have an open and teachable attitude. Developing teamwork in ministry is essential for growth and effectiveness 4. CHARACTER Our personal lives affects our public ministry. Godly character is necessary to be involved in the leadership ministries of the Isle of Patmos Baptist Church. 5. SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION Understanding the policies and expectations of this ministry is vital to be part of the MFAM. The purpose of this ministry is to utilize our gifts and abilities for ministry to the Isle of Patmos Baptist Church and our community. If any of the areas above are not observed, a conversation of your calling and purpose will be initiated and a warning given. After which, if action of misconduct continues, suspension or termination will follow. Please Note that there are certain offenses to which we hold a “NO TOLERATION” policy (i.e. sexual harassment, violence in any form, vulgar altercation in church etc.). If enacted, immediate termination will follow!
6. EXPECTATIONS Each member must be prompt and ready to minister for each service. Criteria are as follows: a. Rehearsals – Each ministry has its particular day(s) and location for practice/rehearsals. Please contact your ministry’s secretary to be fully informed on any questions and conferred the ministry performance plan. It will assist you in terms of scheduling and ensuring that you are always informed on your weekly requirements for ministry. If for some reason you cannot make it to any ministry performance and or practice/rehearsal, please call your President and or ministry secretary beforehand so that they can make the appropriate arrangements. b. Servanthood – At the Isle of Patmos Baptist Church, we don’t look upon being a servant to The Most High as light endeavor. Being involved in ministry continually teaches us why it is such a privilege and honor to be used by God. Being a servant (in every sense of the word) means that we take care of GOD’s house and GOD’s people God’s way and not our own. At times, it can be a struggle to be a “real servant” and put away our flesh. Yet we understand that GOD honors our commitment to servanthood. In our efforts to become true servants, we realize that what we do is not about us, but winning souls to the Kingdom. Once realized, being a servant becomes a high calling! • Being a servant means: being on time and holding to the commitment you gave initially. • Being a servant means: Focusing on the task at hand and doing your absolute best, at all times, to complete it. • Being a servant means that we don’t handle our issues or problems in the conventional way the world does. Please know that our leadership team will handle them in a Godly fashion as they arise. But it’s your job to make sure that when problems do occur, and you decide to make them known; that you are doing so for the benefit of everybody and not because something happened to you and your feelings got hurt. • Being a servant means that we have patience with decisions that are made. Inevitably, situations like this may come along at some point and there may be disagreements among members of the team. If this happens, deny your flesh and make sure you do not have an argumentative Spirit. This way we can resolve the issue swiftly and continue focusing on the mission of the team. 7. INTERVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS Individuals can be members, in good standing, of the Isle of Patmos Baptist Church or community supporters. Those who are a part of this ministry must faithfully attend rehearsals, at least one midweek fellowship opportunity, and most Sunday morning services, and be diligent to the cause of the MWAM. If you are joining the MWAM on any level you will need to schedule an interview time during the week Tuesday through Friday with our Minister of Music, Lionel Venable. The process of joining is three fold: • Interview and Skill Assessments This is a necessary step in evaluating your anointing in this area in order for us to be exacting with placement. We all have different anointing and gifting. Just because a person can sing does not mean that GOD has anointed that person for worship ministry. There are many gifts that GOD can give a person that can be used and are essential to the ministries of the Isle of Patmos
Baptist Church. Such as, gifts in administration and organization, sound reinforcement, communication, etc. Fortunately musicianship, arts, sign, dance and vocalization are gifts that can grow and be taught. This is why there will always be a place for even the novice as well as the advanced musician somewhere in the MWAM. However, Godly anointing cannot be taught. It is a gift that solely comes from the Father and is sovereign in nature. This assessment will help determine your “Ministry nitch”. • Respective Communication The Ministry President/Director will contact you as soon as possible, after consulting the leadership team and praying about the selection process, to inform you of placement or other assessments and resolutions. • Interim Time with the Ministry (Usually 3-4 Weeks) This is also a necessary step in order to see how you function in our group settings. How well you take and receive instruction is vital to fulfilling our team’s goals and to reach and save the lost. 8. SPIRITUAL MATURITY In our congregation, we have people from all walks of life, worshiping together. This allows for differing views on the Holy Spirit and His work in the corporate setting of the church. High importance is placed upon the spiritual maturity of each individual. There must be a freedom in your worship style. You must be unhindered in praising the LORD by the raising of hands and having the ability to praise the LORD without the thought of "somebody is watching me." You should have a consistent prayer-life, as well as personal devotional time in the Word. 9. FAITHFULNESS This is a leadership position that calls for the highest commitment. People not only look to our MWAM for leadership liturgically, but they also look to you, as an individual as well. Sometimes, you may not feel like worshiping the LORD for whatever reason. Maybe you’re too tired to come to practice, or you’ve had a long work week and come Sunday you just want to be lazy and skip it.... Please note that feelings are not to be lived by nor should they prevent us from worshiping the LORD. However, in the instance of sickness, please call your ministry’s care group leader and or the secretary as far ahead of time as possible. 10. PREPAREDNESS It cannot be stressed how crucially important it is to worship GOD all week long. Please be aware that you are coming into a powerful time of praise when we worship the LORD together! There’s no bigger distraction than one of the team members bringing his or her “baggage” into that environment. If, for some reason you are going through a tough time in your life and feel like you are unable to worship GOD in an honest way, then please don’t. Feel free to “sit this one out”. If you are comfortable, please tell someone on the team if you need prayer or assistance. We aren’t only here to praise and bring worship to GOD, but we are a team and a family that needs to be there for one another.
PRACTICAL PRIORITIES Isle of Patmos Baptist Church believes that music and worship arts are of the main keys to the preparation of the heart for the Word of GOD. It is our utmost purpose and desire that all musical presentations: vocalist, instrumentalist, dancers, signer’s etc. represent the GOD, and are seeking to please the LORD first, and thereby, move the heart of His people. If you fail to meet your sound check time, be aware that levels of music and "EQ’s" will not be at their best. Remember, plan to be early. This will help with any unforeseen interruptions. Please try to memorize your music. You can minister more effectively with your eyes and voice rather than your voice alone. Please note: Tapes or CD’s are to be given to the sound tech before your sound check. Please limit your ministry to the song/ministry performance. Testimonies are great however your song/ministry selection is coupled with the Spirit of GOD to penetrate and minister. If you would like to make an exception, please notify Lionel Venable well before the service so we can get the necessary approval and or make the appropriate service arrangements. Please maintain a ready position. Be aware that as the Holy Spirit moves our services may take different directions and a restructuring of the service takes place that may move your song selection to a different position in the service. Please have your accompanist ready as well (if applicable). This will ensure proper balances, etc. for the service. DRESS CODE GUIDELINE Although we strive to make a comfortable atmosphere, there are some standards that we’d like to adhere to together as a team. The main idea is to minimize the distractions that break people away from worshiping. Believe it or not, if the team onstage does not look somewhat uniform, people might take notice; if only in their subconscious. If this happens, even for an instant, we take control away from what the Holy Spirit is working on at that particular moment. It is our desire to do what we can to minimize this from happening. GOD is in the details, and He will bless us for wisdom and prudence. Also, no ministry is more important than any other ministry in GOD’s eyes, servants in the Worship Ministry tend to be scrutinized longer and harder by the public because they are so visible. In other words, you’re ON STAGE! Consequently, you need to set a higher standard, especially in one specific area of human expression: how we dress. The key words regarding this issue are sensitivity and modesty (I Timothy 2:9-10). Here is an important reminder: Clothes that may be conservative in the world’s eyes might still not be modest enough for the pulpit. To help you cultivate self-awareness in this sometimesconfusing arena of Christian freedom (dress/style), we have provided the following guidelines that Worship Ministry team leaders will do our best to make sure are being followed. These guidelines apply to all music ministers (vocal and instrumental) and are VERY IMPORTANT!