We envision the utilization of the newly formed Shepherding Groups to be involved in the following areas: visitor follow-up, new member mentoring, member contact and crisis support. The Shepherding Groups will complement the already existing member care groups and committees (Ministry Teams) such as Membership, Fellowship, Stephen Ministry, Christ Care and the Care Center. The pastors will coordinate these teams.
We envision the formation of an Advisory Team to the Session providing a church-wide perspective on vision implementation and conducting long-term planning. To ensure on-going implementation of our vision, session team leadership should be structured to ensure continuity in leadership.
We must aggressively learn about creative worship, teaching, and organizational structure innovations used successfully elsewhere, and use these innovations as appropriate. Our programs and practices should be scrutinized on a regular basis to assure relevance to our rapidly changing culture while supporting our commitment to nurturing disciples.
The church, as the body of Christ, consists not of buildings and structures, but of people. The apostle Paul describes the church in the analogy of a body, each part's contribution to the ministry of the church being important. Proverbs 29:18 states, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." The church, made up of people with diverse gifts, is instructed to continually examine itself to see that it is faithfully fulfilling the work to which God has called it. This vision statement is intended to serve as an initial guide for the immediate and future ministry and mission of Shepherd of the Hills. It, like the programs of the church, must be continually evaluated and updated to ensure the church is fulfilling its function of loving the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength, loving our neighbors as ourselves, and making disciples of all people in our community and throughout the world.
Respectfully submitted,
Mark Baxley
Rodger Evans
Bill Fleming
Jane Hays
Bill Nelson
Jeanne Portmann
Jo Ann Zimmerman
Ron Holmes
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