Ministry Teams

Ministry Team Listing (Updated June 2019)

Officer-Led Ministry

ELDERS
1. Shepherding
2. Discipleship/Education
DEACONS
1. Mercy Ministry (leadership)
2. Finances
3. Physical Maintenance
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT

Items for Ministry Team Leader Meeting - 2/15/2020

Pinwheel discussion - led by CMT? Involvement of OMT?
Budget items for 2020
Use of "Book Table" by Ministry Teams - let us know if you would like us to add Ministry-Team-specific books

Ministry Team Descriptions

Worship Ministry Team (WMT)

DESCRIPTION: This team helps to facilitate all types and aspects of worship at Providence, including Lord's Day worship, informal worship (e.g. P & P), family worship, and gathering for prayer. It is true, vital worship, which should motivate us to action in service (e.g. Isaiah 6:1-8)
CHANGES: Previously, the Worship Team has been especially focused upon the various aspects of music for worship (selection of songs, music practice & playing, etc.). Although this has not been the exclusive focus in the past, the Planning Team recommends a greater focus by the team upon other areas of the worship experience (preparing the people for worship, leading worship, greeting, visitor follow-up, Lord's Supper, etc.).
LEADER: (Currently Wil Meiners - looking to find a non-elder leader....if possible)
MEMBERS:
GUIDELINES / ACTIVITIES:
- Greeting (before worship service): Ensure people coming into the church before the worship service are made to feel welcome, and are provided with any information they might need.
  - Suggest greeters be instructed on the information to tell visitors (e.g. about Sweet Welcome, what is available for their children, etc.)
  - Suggest making up permanent magnetic badges
  - Suggest having "greeting packets" that greeters hand out (see survey Q2)
    - need to define list of items for packets (this should be a "budget item" - perhaps include small devotional, other item of value)
    - need to determine who would maintain them
  - Suggest including an adult (or couple) as part of the greeting team with the youth (could put a number of couples on greeting rotation) (see survey Q2)
  - Discussion:
    - Initial visit: When people first walk in the door during "Sweet Welcome," do they just go in and sit in an empty sanctuary? Is it clear what to do with their kids (note on website)? Can they take coffee into the sanctuary?
    - Brad suggestion: He and Bill S. might make a “box on wheels” that we put outside before the worship service (have Mission Statement there that greeter can point out and say, this is who we are, point out nursery, a greeter stands behind it
- Visitor followup: Ensure that we have a mechanism in place for following up with visitors to Providence, answering any questions they might have, and establishing a relationship where possible.
  - Suggest evaluating our current system for collecting contact information from all visitors who are willing to share it, and make improvements to ensure we are able to followup with as many visitors as possible (Admin Asst. item?)
  - Suggest evaluating our current system for tracking visitors (Confluence page, pastor currently maintains), and look to improve. Suggest assigning someone the task of weekly keeping this up-to-date. (Admin Asst. item?)
  - Suggest having a team (couple?) who make visits to newcomers to welcome them, build relationship (Carol & Jerry expressed desire)
- Special worship events: Ensure (by working with the Session) that any necessary planning is done for special worship events / services (e.g. Christmas day service, Easter morning, other services)
  - Suggest working with the Session to evaluate the possibility of a quarterly Sun. evening communion service designed to get a number of people from the body involved (testimonies, special music, and perhaps a short message/devotional)
  - Suggest a different format worship service, such as Sun. evenings down at the lake (Brad: pontoon boat rental)
- Lord's Supper: Ensure that the elements for the Lord's Supper are prepared in advance, and that things are setup for the Lord's Supper each week
- Lord's Day Worship:
  - Bulletin: Ensure (in coordination with the pastor, and perhaps the admin assistant) that a bulletin / order of worship is provided for each Lord's Day worship service.
    - Suggest having the pastor submit most of the elements for the order of worship by COB Monday prior to the Lord's Day
    - Suggest someone from the worship team determine the music selection / arrangement in the order of worship by COB Wed. prior to the Lord's Day
    - Suggest the admin assistant put together the bulletin (including any announcements or other requests), and have it printed and picked up
  - Music Preparation: Ensure that music for each Lord's Day worship service (and other worship venues, e.g. Praise & Prayer) is planned out, prepared, and practiced as needed.
    - Ensure the song selection is developed in coordination with the preacher's sermon theme.
    - Suggest having someone (e.g. Wil?) lead the music from up front, on all songs
    - Ensure that we are making use of the gifts that God has given to members of the congregation, for their contribution in worshipping the Lord (that includes members who are not an actual part of the WMT)
      - Suggest consideration is given to forming a group of musicians, some who would likely be a part of the WMT and others who are not, to meet and practice for participation in worship services and other gatherings of the body
  - Sanctuary Preparation: Ensure that the sanctuary is prepared for the people to gather together and worship the Lord.
    - Suggest that flowers are prepared and arranged prior to each service (Nancy currently handles this)
  - Service Conduct: Ensure (in coordination with the session) that Lord's Day worship services are conducted in a manner that glorifies God, strengthens the people, and draws us into an increasingly intimate relationship with the Lord.
    - Suggest, through coordination with the Session, involving others in the reading Scripture, or possibly involvement in other elements of worship
    - Suggest scheduling and coordinating, at least once per month, a member from one of the Ministry Teams to provide a "Ministry Minute" (share an update or some encouragement related to ongoing ministry)
  - Service Environment: Ensure we have a worshipful / reverent environment prior to and during our worship services
    - Discussion: When we currently come into the sanctuary for worship, people haven’t moved from a Sweet Welcome mindset, to a preparation for worship mindset. Also, when visitors come in, they often first experience a mostly empty sanctuary, then a large "hubbub" until announcements begin. It would be helpful to have things in place to ensure that people are moving into the sanctuary 10 min. before service begins, and that there is "a worshipful environment" in the sanctuary at least 5 min. before service begins
    - Suggest that we shut down food at 10 til (ring bell). Ensure S.S. finishes on time (10:30)
    - Suggest we change “Sweet Welcome” to very simple, not meal
    - Suggest we put shutters on the food area, so that they can be closed at 10:50, and it's clear everyone should move to sanctuary.
    - Suggest we dim the lights in the sanctuary; have an elder (or someone) stand up and suggest everyone look at reflection
    - Suggest we have an Elder come to the front at 10:55, and request that everyone spend the next few minutes reading the Reflection on front of bulletin, in prayer, etc.
    - Suggest that all music practice prior to S.S. finishes by 9:20, allowing everyone to attend S.S. classes.
    - Suggest we make it a priority to start on time with worship service
    - Suggest elders move their prayer time to 10:45 to help facilitate this.
- Training: Ensure that any training that is needed, either with the intent to instruct on "biblical worship," or in terms of improving the caliber and nature of music with which we worship, is provided to the members of the team, as needed.
  - Suggest providing / seeking out training and instruction for those involved in facilitating worship (e.g. Sing conference, music workshops, reading books together, etc.)
- Safety: Ensure that some form of plan exists and is communicated, to prepare for handling emergencies during services or during Sunday school (e.g. a shooting, an individual medical emergency, etc.) (Note: this entire item should be placed under a "facilities manual" once that is available, rather than under the Worship Team)
  - Suggest having a CED device available nearby, with certain individuals trained to use it
  - Suggest making sure a couple of regular attenders have been trained and certified in CPR
- Sharing with the church: Ensure that the congregation is made aware of any areas that the WMT is working and planning, areas of progress, and any specific prayer requests.
  - Suggest that, perhaps twice a year, the congregation be given a short, verbal update by making use of a "Ministry Minute" during the Worship Service.
  - Suggest that specific efforts, areas that might require volunteers or involvement from members of the congregation, and other initiatives from the WMT of particular interest, be provided to the congregation through the (planned) newsletter. (Admin Asst. item)
- Prayer. Ensure that, following each ministry team meeting, any special prayer needs are provided to the Prayer POC (currently this is the pastor; in the future, this might be a prayer team)
- Budget Requests: Ensure a budget is established annually for the Outreach Ministry, as input to the budget process (Financial Team to provide submission timeframe).
RESOURCES NEEDED:

Conference attendance (e.g. Sing 2019) - for education, encouragement, fostering ideas
Prayer request mailings
Online prayer list

Hospitality Ministry Team (HMT)

DESCRIPTION: This team is made up of people who love to serve the Lord by fixing meals for others. They facilitate fellowship and ministry both within and outside of the body by providing food, meals, and other related support. Hospitality Team members will not be responsible personally for all meals, but they should be especially sensitive and help fill in with bringing meals whenever needs are not being met; team members should also keep their ears open for news of illness or need, and help to make those needs known. ("Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." Colossians 3:23)
CHANGES: In the past, the two functions of "hospitality" and "outreach" have been combined. The recommendation is that these be separated, so that this becomes an independent "Hospitality" team. We have a number of individuals who are particularly gifted in this area, and who are able to make this a true ministry.
LEADER: Mary Yount (with Carol Jenkins serving as a co-leader within some areas)
MEMBERS: TBD
GUIDELINES/ACTIVITIES:
- Food for church events. Ensure that the appropriate food is provided for events that bring the body together in fellowship, and around certain events (e.g. Praise & Prayer, Congregational Meetings, Picnics, etc.)
  - Suggest, for events that occur on a regular schedule (e.g. Praise & Prayer), that the menu is planned 6 or 12 months in advance
  - Suggest, where appropriate, the use of a meal website to simplify meal coordination when a number of people are involved (e.g. takethemameal.com or perfectpotluck.com)
  - Suggest, as part of planning for and scheduling food for an event, that an evaluation be done to determine whether it would be best to have home-cooked food or to have meals catered (budget item)
- Meals for those in need. Ensure that meals are scheduled, made, and delivered for those individuals or families who are sick, or otherwise going through difficult times, both within and outside of the body
  - Suggest developing a standard checklist of all the information that will be needed any time a meal is requested
  - Suggest that those serving in this ministry prepare for contacting individuals or families directly, in order to assess needs, set up a schedule for meal delivery, and to obtain the other needed information
  - Suggest, where appropriate, the use of a meal website to simplify the scheduling and coordination of meals (e.g. takethemameal.com or perfectpotluck.com)
  - Suggest coordinating with the Mercy Ministry team to develop a means by which meals can be requested and scheduled for families and individuals the Mercy Ministry is serving
  - Discussion: We will need to decide who will make the determination that meals be provided for an individual or family. Meal requests will likely come through either the pastor (through prayer requests), the deacons, or the Mercy Ministry team.
- Additional food support. Ensure that support is provided for other events which may periodically occur (e.g. Providence serving as host for one of the quarterly Presbytery meetings)
- Restocking. Ensure the pantry is checked regularly for needs, and that the kitchen is stocked with materials and foods that are needed (budget item)
- Budget Input. Ensure a budget is established annually for the hospitality ministry, as input to the budget process (Financial Team to provide submission timeframe)

Outreach Ministry Team (OMT)

DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this team, simply put, is to find ways of reaching individuals and families from our local community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in such a way that those reached can be brought into the Church as followers of Christ. This involves intentionally developing, planning, and implementing events and activities that are designed to use the gifts of our body for effective outreach. It also involves working with the other ministry teams in their outreach efforts.
CHANGES: In the past, the two functions of "hospitality" and "outreach" have been combined. The recommendation is that these be separated, so that this becomes an independent team, consisting of people with a heart for evangelism and other outreach functions.
LEADER: (Currently Roddy Alt, leading the "Outreach & Hospitality" team - looking to find a non-elder leader....if possible)
MEMBERS:
GUIDELINES / ACTIVITIES:
- Gospel knowledge. Ensure all members of the body are familiar with the content of the gospel message, and are equipped to share it with others.
  1. Suggest coordinating with elders/teachers to develop a series of lessons for teaching across each of the S.S. class levels, with the intent of the class being that everyone comes away able to share the gospel (perhaps each in their own way)
- Getting the unchurched into the Church. Ensure we plan out and schedule activities (at least quarterly?) intentionally designed to get people from the community into the church, who otherwise might not attend
  1. Suggest evaluating the possibility of monthly "family night" movies that could be used for introducing people to the church
  2. Suggest evaluating the possibility of doing one or more cookouts at the church, with invitations being given to families in the "project" area across from McDonalds (budget item)
  3. Suggest evaluating ways to leverage Kid's Night Out to build relationships with families, with the goal of engaging parents in Bible Study, possibly with a parenting focus (see survey Q10: response #3)
  4. Suggest evaluating ways to transport people to the church who desire to attend, but otherwise do not have a means of transportation (see survey Q10: response #11)
  5. Suggest coming up with activities for inviting guests, such as family outdoor activities (hiking, rafting, fishing), church cookouts, Praise & Prayer, Christmas Caroling, movie nights, game nights, etc. (see survey Q10: response #14)
- Going out to reach the community. Ensure that, given the primary needs & characteristics of Cherokee County (C.C.), we intentionally plan out activities designed to use known gifts of the church in reaching individuals within the community with the truths of the gospel
  1. Suggest evaluating the possibility of coming alongside either those currently enrolled at "Renewed Hope" (Drug & Alcohol Rehab) or certain individuals who have already graduated from Renewed Hope, in some way that continues their discipleship process and helps them to continue free from substance abuse (see survey Q8: "abuse of drugs/alcohol"; Q9: "freeing from addiction"; Q12: responses #5, 10)
  2. Suggest evaluating the possibility of becoming involved in serving through the "Pinwheel Tutoring" program (ministry from Red Oak Church), with the intent of teaching and evangelizing low-income children and families of the community (see survey Q3: "Tutoring" & "Mentoring"; Q8: "low-income"; Q9: "parenting education; Q10: responses #6, 16; Q12: response #10)
  3. Suggest evaluating the possibility of starting a form of “discernment ministry,” which would seek to provide solid, biblical Truth to those in C.C. who have been unknowingly exposed to erroneous teaching. This would require determining the primary areas of false teaching which need to be refuted, figuring out how to reach those who are questioning / open to right teaching, and determining the best ways to reach them with Truth (e.g. one-on-one, topical classes, conference with invited speakers, periodic topical "symposiums," etc.).
  4. Suggest leveraging, to a greater extent, our relationship with the "Parenting & Pregnancy Center," to assist with meeting some particular need, which allow us to build relationships and to share the healing message of the Gospel (see survey Q9: "parenting education," "tutoring /childcare," "freeing from addiction," "relationship building")
  5. Suggest evaluating our involvement with the "Friendship House" homeless shelter, and consider how to improve our ability to reach individuals with Gospel truths (see survey Q8: "Homeless"; Q10: responses #5, 9; Q11: "additional comments"; Q12: response #6)
  6. Suggest considering whether or not there is some particular way of coming alongside C.C.'s population from Florida (see survey Q8)
  7. Suggest Christmas signing in front of Walmart, handing out candy and invitation to Easter Sunday service, see if there might be an opportunity for an abbreviated, outdoor VBS at the apartments across from McDonalds (see survey Q10: response #3)
  8. Suggest thinking through ways to use our facility during the week, in order to teach classes (e.g. homeschool?) and minister to children who otherwise do not have the opportunity to be exposed to the gospel (see "Pinwheel Tutoring" item above - could transport the children to our facility) (see survey Q10: responses #6, 13, 16)
  9. Suggest involvement in street evangelism designed to answer people's questions, and to come alongside broken people with the gospel, with follow-up discipleship (see survey Q10: responses #7, 12, 15)
  10. Suggest evaluating the possibility of reaching children through involvement in youth sports (perhaps doing this somehow in connection with "Pinwheel Tutoring"?) (see survey Q10: response #6; Q2: response #2)
  11. Suggest evaluating ways of coming alongside those who are alone in the hospital or nursing home, and providing them with things they may need - especially Bibles, reading materials, Bible study/relationship (see survey Q12: responses #1,2,3,12,14)
  12. Discussion: From survey results, need to take into account the following:
    1. How to reach those who are "nominal" Christians (i.e. who think they are saved, but their lives show no true fruit). See "discernment ministry" above.
    2. How to break through the "education barrier" (recognizing that the problem is not just with those we want to reach, but it also lies with us).
    3. Of the gifts & abilities which members stated they believe they have, "evangelism" scored the lowest.
- Prayer. Ensure that the Outreach Ministry Team is regularly engaged in praying that God would provide us with avenues to reach C.C. (and specific groups within it) with the Truth of the Gospel. This (prayer) is important for all the ministry areas, but is absolutely essential for outreach.
  - Suggest there be an organized way by which the team (either together and/or separately) prays for the outreach efforts of the church, that members would have an ever increasing heart for outreach, and that God would convert specific individuals with whom we are working.
  - Suggest that specific prayer requests be coordinated and communicated with the individual collecting prayer requests for the church (currently the pastor, but it may become an Admin Asst. item).
- Removal of barriers. Ensure that in our outreach efforts, without sacrificing who we are (reformed, evangelical) and the Truth that we stand upon, we do not erect artificial barriers that may stand in the way of our reaching the local community around us
  - Suggest the team spend time grappling with, and praying through, survey Q13 and Q14
  - Suggest the team make recommendations to the Session about ways that we can better reach our community, without sacrificing our doctrinal stance
- Sharing with the church. Ensure that the congregation is made aware of the initiatives that the OMT is working and planning, areas of progress, and any specific prayer requests.
  - Suggest that, perhaps twice a year, the congregation be given a short, verbal update by making use of a "Ministry Minute" during the Worship Service.
  - Suggest that specific efforts, areas that might require volunteers or involvement from members of the congregation, and other initiatives from the OMT of particular interest, be provided to the congregation through the (planned) newsletter. (Admin Asst. item)
- Budget Requests. Ensure a budget is established annually for the Outreach Ministry, as input to the budget process (Financial Team to provide submission timeframe).

Children's Ministry Team (CMT)

DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this ministry to come alongside parents, assisting them in the efforts to shepherd their children, with the goal that our children might learn God's Word, love God's Word, and most importantly, love the God of the Word - all in a nurturing and grace-filled environment. This is in keeping with the following BCO (Book of Church Order) statement: "The spiritual nurture, instruction and training of the children of the Church are committed by God primarily to their parents." (BCO 28-1)
CHANGES: In the past, there has been a single "Education Team." In many cases, it was evident, though, that there were two separate groups that were best suited to plan and manage our education efforts - one for adults, and a separate one for our children. In order make the best possible use of our resources, therefore, we recommend breaking out the adult discipleship, to be managed by the elders (at least until we have sufficient resources to make this a separate ministry team), and making children's ministry a separate team. We have 19 children (ages 1-16), and and we want a team of people who are excited about developing and implementing a vision for nurturing and discipling our children in the Lord.
LEADER: (Currently Terry Frederick - looking to find a non-elder leader....if possible)
MEMBERS:
GUIDELINES / ACTIVITIES:
- Ensure that the leadership of our children's ministry is provided with the needed training and preparation
  - Suggest scheduling at least two or three of our children's leaders for attendance at one of the PCA's Committee on Discipleship Ministries' (CDM) Established Conferences (budget item)
  - Suggest evaluating available resources for growing and strengthening our children's ministry, including "Children’s Ministry 101" from the PCA's CDM (budget item)
  - Suggest evaluating and making use of the "CDM Toolbox" resources aimed at developing and strengthening our children's ministry
- Ensure, given the dangers that exist to children in churches today, that precautions are taken to ensure a safe environment for the children of the church to learn and worship
  - Ensure that a safety plan (even a simple one) is developed, containing procedures that must be followed, and any necessary training that needs to be obtained.
- Ensure that solid, biblical, reformed, age appropriate resources and instruction are provided to parents, in such a way that parents understand how to use them to instruct their children in the faith.
  - Suggest using the pastor, as well as possibly other teachers within the church, to provide children (not limited to those in the church) with specific, targeted classes during the week (e.g. a Church History class), as an additional resource for parents
  - Suggest making available to parents the entire "Bible Doctrine for Children, Teens, and Young Adults" series (James Beeke) through the church library, as well as providing parents with instruction and encouragement in use of the series
  - Suggest the team listen to the families of the church and be sensitive to their needs and desires for disciple-making
  - Suggest working with the pastor, and/or other teachers, to make a class available to parents on "family worship" which would teach its importance, what it looks like, and provide resources
- Ensure that the curriculum used for teaching our children is doctrinally aligned with our church, that it meets the needs of the particular children of the church, and that it is suitable for our purposes
  - Suggest maintaining a set of criteria by which curriculum will be measured.
  - Suggest periodically (every few years?) evaluating the S.S. curriculum that we are using, checking available curriculum, and ensure that a change is not needed.
  - Ensure that curriculum needs are planned out and are provided as input to the budget process (budget item)
  - Suggest evaluating our nursery offerings, and determining the best form of eduction for nursery age (budget item)
- Ensure that the teaching positions (e.g. S.S. teachers) are staffed by adults who exhibit spiritual maturity, the ability to teach, basic doctrinal alignment with the PCA, and who are excited about the ministry vision for our children
  - Suggest maintaining a list of substitute teachers for teaching positions
  - Suggest evaluating and planning out training for teachers (budget item)
  - Suggest using a rotation schedule to provide times of "rest and rejuvenation" for those teachers needing it (perhaps giving "regular" teachers the summer off)
- Ensure we have the best structure for our Sunday School classes, by age group and considering each child of the church, and recommend changes to the Session
- Ensure special programs (e.g. "Summer Sunday School") are planned out and provided as needed, to provide for the discipleship of the children and the care of families. As part of this, consider the possibility of working with the Outreach Team to use these as outreach within our community
  - Suggest continuing to manage and evolve Summer Sunday School
  - Suggest continuing to manage and evolve Kid's Night Out
- Prayer needs. Ensure that, following each ministry team meeting, any special prayer needs are provided to the Prayer POC (currently this is the pastor; in the future, this might be a prayer team)
- Sharing with the church. Ensure that the congregation is made aware of the initiatives that the CMT is working and planning, areas of progress, and any specific prayer requests.
  - Suggest that, perhaps twice a year, the congregation be given a short, verbal update by making use of a "Ministry Minute" during the Worship Service.
  - Suggest that specific efforts, areas that might require volunteers or involvement from members of the congregation, and other initiatives from the CMT of particular interest, be provided to the congregation through the (planned) newsletter. (Admin Asst. item)
- Budget Submissions. Ensure a budget is established annually for children's ministry, as input to the budget process (Financial Team to provide submission timeframe)
RESOURCES NEEDED:

Conference/training attendance (e.g. CDM's Established Conference)

Mercy Ministry Team (MMT)

DESCRIPTION: Care for and walk alongside persons who are going through a time of particular crisis or need, both within our congregation and in our wider community, in such a way that truly helps them to be restored to all that God intends for them as those who bear His image. This requires a team that is willing and eager to serve primarily through building relationships with people who are broken, and in need of transformation (see survey Q8-12). Given the needs that exist within our community, the particular gifting of the members of the body, and the resources that we have available, we see this as a primary outreach avenue for the church.
LEADER: S. Yount / D. Hina (direction / motivation).
MEMBERS: Geoff & Dale Grubb, Keith & Ellie Hendricks, Steve Yount, David Hina.
GUIDELINES / ACTIVITIES:
- Training. Ensure that each member of the team is well equipped for the work they will be doing.
  - Suggest each team member read the book "Helping Without Hurting in Church Benevolence," by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert, which focuses on a process of healing people's true brokenness rather than simply giving handouts (see survey Q10: response #18). Suggest making sure there is an understanding of the core concepts outlined in ch. 1.
  - Suggest each team member receive training in the processes being used by Providence to address mercy needs
  - Suggest that an assessment be made for "special skills" that may be required (e.g. instructing in money management and personal budgeting, leading one-on-one Bible studies, etc.), and that certain members of the team are designated to serve in those ways
- Mercy assistance. Ensure ongoing mercy assistance is provided to those in need, through longer-term relationships, seeking to truly meet both spiritual and material needs
  - Ensure the team evaluates requests, and uses the Mercy Fund to assist church members who need assistance during personal financial crises
  - Ensure that the team constantly has an eye out to discover specific needs that church members might have, with special attention to those members who live alone and who have physical challenges (e.g. help with yard work, with cleaning, with transportation, etc.).
    - Suggest there be a specific process for tracking these needs, once observed and validated, and for finding members of the congregation to assist with taking care of the needs.
  - Ensure the majority of assistance provided to individuals and families consist of that which truly addresses their underlying brokenness, rather than simply providing temporary aid through financial assistance.
  - Ensure, in working with those outside the church receiving mercy assistance, that a top goal is to move them toward membership in either Providence, or another Bible-believing local church, so that the discipleship process can continue.
  - Ensure that, for those outside the church, a plan or process is agreed upon, documented, and consistently used for screening requests for assistance, for determining the type and level of assistance that will be provided, for developing an individualize plan, and for tracking progress against the plan.
    - Suggest the team consider using some variation of the intake and tracking processes outlined in chap. 4 of "Helping Without Hurting in Church Benevolence"
    - Suggest that a key criteria in the decision to continue (or begin) providing mercy assistance to an individual or family, is that they are willing and ready for change in their lives.
    - Suggest that a key criteria in the decision to continue (or begin) providing mercy assistance to an individual or family, is that they are willing and ready to work together with the Mercy Team, and to contribute toward the goals outlined.
    - Suggest, in working with those receiving mercy assistance, that one or more team members meet with them regularly (usually weekly) to establish goals, provide direction (e.g. establish a budget), assess desire for change, lead in a Bible study, etc.
    - Suggest that at monthly meetings, the team review the status of each family or individual receiving assistance, with the goal of moving them closer to wholeness in all areas, with an emphasis in everything on their relationship with Christ.
    - Suggest the Mercy Team work with the Outreach Team to figure out the best way(s) to receive the type of families/individuals who are ready for change in their lives, and therefore who will most benefit from our mercy assistance (e.g. the team could decide that one main pool of candidates will be those who graduate from the "Renewed Hope" recovery program)
    - Suggest the team maintain an up-to-date list of community resources that can be used to help families (e.g. food pantries, counseling resources, etc.)
  - Suggest the team work with the Hospitality Team to request and schedule meals for delivery to families/individuals both inside and outside the church, as the need arises
  - Suggest that the team intentionally seeks out ways to involve the families of the church (especially involving children and youth) in the process of providing mercy assistance
- MNA (Mission to North America) Disaster recovery. Ensure Providence evaluates requests for support of MNA Disaster Response efforts, and leads the church in responding to those requests as deemed appropriate.
  - Suggest the leader of the team signs up for MNA Disaster Response update/request emails, and distributes them to the team.
  - Suggest the team evaluates each disaster response request as they are made by MNA, and decides the level and type of support (e.g. financial provision, direct member involvement on location, etc.), if any
  - Suggest the team takes the lead with involving the people of the church, as needed
- Manage the Deacon's Mercy Fund. Ensure the proper management of financial resources that provide Providence mercy ministry support, to include regular reporting to the congregation on how people are being helped through the Mercy Ministry.
  - Suggest reminding the congregation each month about special "Mercy Giving" occasions (currently scheduled for the first Sunday of each month, although announcements are rarely made today). This could be done using the church email, through announcements before the service, or both.
  - Suggest putting out regular communication (once every two or three months?) listing ways that the Mercy fund is being used (e.g. Helped a couple with getting an apartment), using either the bulletin or the Providence Newsletter (once available)
  - Suggest one of the members of the Mercy Team use a "Ministry Minute" periodically (once every few months?), during the worship service, to provide an update on some aspect of Mercy Ministry
  - Suggest the team designate individuals who will be able to write checks to provide for needs, and who will work with the church treasurer as needed to watch over the status of the mercy fund
- Sharing with the church. Ensure that the congregation is made aware of the initiatives that the MMT is working and planning, areas of progress, and any specific prayer requests.
  - Suggest that, perhaps twice a year, the congregation be given a short, verbal update by making use of a "Ministry Minute" during the Worship Service.
  - Suggest that specific efforts, areas that might require volunteers or involvement from members of the congregation, and other initiatives from the MMT of particular interest, be provided to the congregation through the (planned) newsletter. (Admin Asst. item)
- Budget Requests. Ensure a budget is established annually for Mercy Ministry, as input to the budget process (Financial Team to provide submission timeframe).
  - Discussion: Although the majority of the budget for the Mercy Team will come through a separate mercy offering, there will likely be costs that should be provided through the General Fund, since the Mercy Fund is specifically for providing help to individuals.