St James Strategic Plan - May 16, 2001

The Plan

  1. Worship: to provide meaningful church worship for all.
       a. Evaluate the congregation's views on services and be open to changes.
       b. Make services of baptism and new members special.
       c. Increase lay participation in services.
       d. Be more welcoming and inviting to all.
       e. Offer special and seasonal worship services.
       f. Provide training to all who want to participate in worship services,

 2. Children's ministries:
      a. To provide opportunities for children to participate in Worship through singing
            in the children's choir, highlighting different Sunday school classes, giving Bibles
            to third graders, and other opportunities.
      b. To provide Christian education for children through Sunday school, children's
            church, children's time during worship service, vacation Bible school, and other
            opportunities.
      c. And to provide opportunities for the children to create a sense of belonging
            through fellowship activities such as the Easter egg hunt, the Harvest Festival,
            Asbury Hills Christian camp opportunities, and other activities.

 3. Missions:
     a. To educate our congregation about missions and mission apportionments.
     b. To foster participation in mission projects such as Shannon Park ministries,
            feeding persons at the homeless shelter, and other opportunities.
     c. To financially support our church's mission program locally and around the world.

4. Fellowship:
         To create an atmosphere of caring, fellowship, and welcoming new people through
            Sunday school fellowship, Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Thanksgiving dinner
            for the church, an annual ice cream social and talent show, and other opportunities.

5.  Communications:
     a. To  provide visitors and new members with information on our church and all we
            offer.
     b. To  effectively spread information between church staff and the congregation.
     c. And  to  convey our mission and activities to the whole community.

6. Stewardship:
     a. To  increase the number of people who volunteer  their time and talents in the
            church and in our community.
     b. To  promote financial giving consistent with biblical principles.

7. Finance:
     a. To  ensure the finances of the church are in good order through monthly meetings
            to keep current and review our financial status.
     b. To conduct our annual financial campaign.
     c. To educate the congregation and effectively communicate to them the financial
            issues of the church.

 8. Facilities:
      a. To  properly  maintain our facilities through  repairs, renovations and replacements.
      b. To improve the visibility of our church.
      c. To  plan for maximum utilization of our facilities and to improve and expand them.

9.  Evangelism:
         A new strategy is being developed.

10. Christian Education:
         Not yet addressed by a committee but original plan draft is included.

11. Organizational Leadership & Development
         Not yet addressed by a committee but original plan draft is included.