Structure of the Hub
Our Hub consists of the Pastor, Congregation President, leaders of our six Core Ministries and leaders of three Support Ministries.
Pastor
The pastor serves primarily as a spiritual guide, offering scriptural and theological insights to lead us to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. She leads the Hub in an on-going process of discovering God’s mission for Messiah and taking action to live out that mission.
In addition, she equips and encourages ministry leaders and serves as a resource to them.
Congregation President
The President presides at Congregational and Hub meetings and is responsible for proper conduct of the business of the church. While all Hub members have responsibility to see that the Hub fulfills its overall responsibilities, if special issues arise, the president is the primary person responsible for resolution.
The President also is chair of the Mutual Ministry Team. The overall purpose of the committee is to support the ordained and lay staff and establish an environment that will that will encourage them to optimize their teamwork and service to the congregation and to each other.
Although the pastors have primary responsibility for managing the lay staff, the president shares that responsibility to allow the pastors to maximize their time on spiritual matters.
Core Ministry Team Responsibilities
Faith Formation
The role of Faith Formation Team is to provide opportunities for Faith growth for people of all ages. It includes Adult Christian Education, Confirmation and our Spirit Builders children’s program. It is also provides support and coordination of VBS, MAD Camp (Music, Art, and Drama), and various Small Groups. Some examples of Small Groups are Congregational Retreat, Prayer cells and Bible studies.
This ministry handles the requests, questions and support necessary for all of the Faith Formation ministries. We support the current programs and encourage new ministries that may be proposed. In effect, the team works to provide the best Christian Education programs that we are able.
The Faith Formation Team also provides contact with the other Hub Ministries and their teams when those involved in Faith Formation programs need assistance or have a question or concern related to our other Hub Ministries.
Reach Out
Reach Out starts with Hospitality, genuine care for individuals, and the willingness to share God working in your life. The Reach Out Team, also known as Evangelism encourages, supports, and empowers the following existing Ministry Coordinators: Cookie Ministry, Hospitality Center, New Member Church Friend, and Nursery Care at special services.
The team also assures that our Summer Sampler Christian music event and picnic is organized.
Additionally we take advantage of all opportunities to reach out to the unchurched and under-churched, cooperating with other ministries such as Angel Tree, Merry Messiah Members, Woods and Water, VBS (Vacation Bible School), MAD Camp (Music, Art and Drama) as well as outside groups who use our building facilities such as Boy Scouts. These efforts to reach out allow us to share the good news with interested individuals seeking a relationship with Jesus Christ.
The team also works with communications to get the word out to the community about special events at the church.
Service
The Service Team organizes and leads mission of service to congregation and Rochester area. It identifies needs and issues for the congregation to be involved in, and to coordinate congregational response to these needs.
The team leader serves as the point of contact on the hub for and facilitates, encourage and empower the following ministries: Angel Ministry, Crop Walk, Day of Summer Camp, Elderly Christian Home Outreach, Habitat for Humanity, RAIHN, Shepherd Ministry, Survivors of Loved Ones, Stephan Ministry, Visitation Ministry and such other service ministries the people of Messiah may propose.
The team also assures that our summer Heath Fair is organized.
In addition, the team leader is responsible for administering Benevolences.
Stewardship
Stewardship education is the ongoing year-round ministry that focuses on stewardship as a mark of discipleship. The Stewardship team organizes, and lead programs that ensure the “best use” of the time, talent and treasures entrusted to Messiah’s missions.
In addition to leading the annual stewardship campaigns for these gifts, the team partners with the other ministry teams in furthering Stewardship education.
Worship
The main function of the Worship Team is to oversee worship life at Messiah Lutheran Church. Worship services are planned in accordance with liturgy for the various seasons of the church year. By working with leaders of worship groups, such as choirs and Altar Guild, services should run smoothly and in good order.
The Worship Team, along with the pastors and Director of Music Ministry, coordinates details of all worship opportunities, including special services (such as Christmas Eve, Lenten mid-weeks, and Holy Week). The Worship Team and church staff are committed to being open to new ideas and suggestions from parishioners, assuring them that they have a voice in Messiah’s worship life and they will be heard.
Youth & Family
The Youth and Family Team plans and provides formal and informal opportunities for fellowship, service and faith formation for youth and families of all ages and sizes. It is a voice of advocacy addressing the needs and concerns of youth and families in the congregation and community.
In addition, it, encourage youth and families to be active participants in congregational life and at
conference and synodical levels.
Support Ministry Team Responsibilities
Communications
The key responsibility of the Communications Team is to improve quality, frequency, content and format of verbal and written communications to the congregation and the larger community. Key parts of this communication are the Herald, Website, and Good Stuff group activities. The Communication Team will monitor internal communication channels (such as the Herald and the website) to be sure that all Messiah disciples feel that their concerns and their contributions are heard and valued. Communications will maintain accessible and up-to-date records of the missions and contact information about Messiah ministries and groups to help disciples find places to exercise their gifts, and to aid them in creating new ministries and groups as they are led by the Spirit.
In addition, this team is responsible for the use of multiple means [written, verbal, multi-media] of sharing with the congregation and the larger community how God is at work through Messiah’s various ministries.
Finance Team
The Finance Team sets policy and direction for financial well-being of Messiah Lutheran Church. This includes both the income and expenses of the church. Responsibilities include: counting the offering each week, paying of the expenses of the church, financial reporting, auditing, endowment fund, and coordinating the annual budgeting process.
The Finance Team includes the Finance Director, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, and other members as appropriate. The Finance Director is the leader of the Finance Team and the primary contact/leader for financial questions. The Financial Secretary is responsible for receiving all funds paid to the church. The treasurer is responsible for payment of expenses.
Property
The key role of the property team and its chairperson is to monitor and implement the proper
maintenance and protection of the grounds and structures located at Messiah Lutheran church and to insure that the same is kept in good repair.
In addition, the team utilizes and coordinates congregational members through the use of time and talent list. When necessary professional help is engaged to insure that maintenance and improvements are completed in a timely manner.