Rooted in Real Relationships With Christ & With Each Other
Ministry Plan 2024-2026
Mission Statement
Faith Lutheran exists to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
Areas of Ministry
Ministry at Faith Lutheran encompasses three different categories: GATHER – GROW - GLORIFY
Gather: The members of Faith Lutheran GATHER to build relationships, new and old.
Let the assembled peoples gather around you, while you sit enthroned over them on high.~ Psalm 7:7
Grow: The members of Faith Lutheran desire to GROW together in our knowledge and faith in Jesus Christ.
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. ~ 2 Peter 3:18
Glorify: The members of Faith Lutheran are committed to GLORIFYing God with Everyone! Every Day! Everywhere!
Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. ~ Psalm 34:3
Our Vision and Goals
By deepening our connection with Jesus through Scripture and Sacraments, Faith Lutheran intends to be a church that glorifies God by:
Nurturing a culture of genuine relationships where reconciliation occurs through the application
and embrace of both law and gospel.
Offering exceptional Biblical study that is accessible to individuals of all ages and varying levels of
spiritual development.
Maintaining that the Gospel of Jesus holds central prominence in our worship services.
Ministry Plan: GATHER
GATHER Philosophy: At Faith Lutheran, our aim is to create opportunities to GATHER with others in ways that provide respite from the pressures of daily life, whether at home or at work. We seek to foster a sense of belonging through engagement in large and small group social activities, free from the constraints of strict policies or the exclusivity often associated with clubs or organizations. We aim to create a casual atmosphere where individuals can find refuge and solace in real relationships, free from the facade we typically adopt in public.
Current GATHER Ministries: Faith Lutheran deliberately GATHERs with friends and makes new acquaintances at popular social venues. Our gathering spots have ranged from bowling alleys and coffee shops to restaurants, microbreweries, movie theaters, and even members' back porches. The setting is secondary to the relationship we share with Jesus and with each other.
Future GATHER Ministry Plans: In Texas, where outdoor dining and breweries are enjoyed by many, utilizing an outdoor patio is an excellent means to GATHER with friends, old and new. Not only does it present an inviting appearance to guests and visitors, but it also serves as a wonderful venue for members to engage in fellowship before and after worship services, as well as during other events. Proposed concepts for this space include:
A indoor/outdoor kitchen
Backyard landscaping
Fire pits with outdoor seating
Walking paths
Pickleball courts
Ample outdoor green space for children of all ages to play or enjoy quite space in the outdoors.
Ministry Plan: GROW
GROW Philosophy: We hold firm to the belief that the most authentic way to collectively deepen and GROW our understanding and faith in Jesus Christ is by immersing ourselves in God's Word individually, interpersonally, and as a congregation.
Current GROW Ministry: Rooting Real Relationships in Christ
Faith in Focus classes serve as our introductory Bible lessons for all wanting to become members of Faith Lutheran. These classes cover the essential teachings such as Sin, Grace, Faith, Work, Scripture, Our Triune God, Baptism, the Lord's Supper, and the End Times.
Catechism Class is designed for 7th and 8th-grade students. Throughout a two-year period, students engage in studying both Bible History and completing a Catechism Workbook. Confirmation takes place during Reformation weekend to give students the opportunity to confess the faith of the church.
Strong Roots serves as our individual Bible study initiative. Annually, members of Faith Lutheran receive a booklet dedicated to a specific book of the Bible. Each week, participants delve into a chapter or section of the chosen book, spanning the months of September throughOctober.
Growth Groups function as our small-group Bible studies, occurring three times annually in the Fall, Winter, and Spring. Aligned with the book of the Bible covered in Strong Roots, these groups are facilitated by both pastors and lay leaders, and they convene either remotely via Zoom or in the homes of members.
Kids of Faith (Tender Shoots) is our Sunday school program for children, held at 9:00 am during the Faith family hour on Sundays. Each week, children engage in a chronological study of the Bible, progressing from Genesis to Revelation, with a focus on understanding how every narrative in the Bible ultimately leads back to Jesus.
Growing Together is our Sunday morning Bible study aimed at enriching our comprehension and implementation of God's Word.Through deliberate dialogue and contemplation of Scripture, the Holy Spirit fosters a deeper understanding of the marvelous truths of God's grace for us in Christ.
Ongoing Growth Goals
Choose a Kids of Faith Lutheran curriculum that emphasizes the story of Christ’s redemption in every story of the Bible (Summer 2024).
Continue to recruit, train, and background check staff for Kids of Faith.
Continue to recruit, train, and empower facilitators for Growth Groups
Ministry Plan: GLORIFY
GLORIFY Philosophy: At Faith Lutheran, we hold the conviction that worship is the primary means through which God is GLORIFIED. For our worship to truly GLORIFY God, it must align with His intentions, as Christians respond to His grace with confession, prayer, praise, and thanksgiving. While worship stands as the primary means of GLORIFYING God, it is not the exclusive pathway. God also receives glory through acts of service carried out in love and through the faithful administration of our church.
Worship that GLORIFIES God:
Is centered on the Gospel in Word and Sacraments
Uses resources from WELS Christian Worship hymnal along with other resources that reflect the truths of God’s Word.
Involves active participation from worshipers of all ages
Is designed with unchurched and de-churched visitors in mind.
Is led by a worship team whose primary goal will be to lead participation, not give a performance.
Gives glory to God by using our group’s unique talents to the best of their ability.
Service that GLORIFIES God:
- Faith Lutheran’s Council functions as its administrative core. Its positions comprise President, Treasurer, Secretary, Elder, and Property & Grounds Chairman. Their roles and responsibilities are defined in our Constitution and Bylaws.
- The Land Acquisition and Church Building Committee is tasked with the responsibility of acquiring suitable land and overseeing the construction of our church building. This dedicated team carefully selects and evaluates potential properties, considering factors such as location, accessibility, and suitability for our congregation's needs. Additionally, they work closely with architects, contractors, Pastor, and council to ensure that the design and construction of our church align with our vision and values.
- The Blessings Committee manages and oversees Sunday morning activities, encompassing roles such as greeter, worship setup and takedown, as well as audiovisual setup and takedown.
- The Gather Committee organizes, advertises, and extends invitations for our Gather events, encompassing both social outings and community service projects.
- The Financial Committee plays a crucial role in ensuring the financial integrity of our church. After each service, this dedicated group counts and records all monetary offerings received. They sustain accuracy in tallying funds, maintain confidentiality, and follow established protocols for handling and depositing donations. Their commitment to stewardship and accountability helps sustain the ministry and mission of Faith Lutheran. This committee includes the Treasurer, bookkeeper, offering collectors, and individuals responsible for financial management.
- The Worship Service Committee understands worship as a formative habit that facilitates an encounter with God through the Word and Sacrament; serves as avenue for expressing gratitude and praise to God, fostering encouragement among fellow members in the faith we profess; and evangelizing unbelievers through the proclamation of the Word. The Committee is comprised of the Worship Art Director, musicians, singers, Audio/Visual team, Communion set-up team, and offering collectors.
- The Communications Committee is responsible for generating and organizing content for various communication platforms, including newsletters, bulletins, website content, social media posts, ensuring consistent messaging and correct teaching.
Summary
At the heart of Faith Lutheran's mission lies a desire for real relationships with Christ and one another. To nurture and deepen these bonds within our congregation, we prioritize three pillars: GATHERing to cultivate relationships, both familiar and new; GROWing together in our understanding and devotion to Jesus Christ; and GLORIFYing God collectively, embracing this mission every day, everywhere, and with everyone we meet.
