Ministries
I Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind – Matthew 22:37
Mission Statement
To develop genuine, loving relationship with God the Father (Matthew 22:37,38) and other men (Matthew 22:39,40), to become and make disciples of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20) and to serve in the home, church and community as the Holy Spirit leads (John 14:16; 16:13-15; Acts 1:8).
Ministries
Paul and Timothy Ministry – Young Men mentoring program for ages 6 – 17
Biblical Foundation
“If you don’t go with us personally, don’t let us move a step from this place. If you don’t go with us, how will anyone ever know that your people and I have found favor with you? How else will they know that we are special and distinct from all other people on the earth?” Exodus 33:15-16
Ministry Purpose
To live as a woman with God’s high calling on her life by allowing our minds, hearts and bodies, to complement our high calling in Christ.
Womens Ministry Events
– Women’s Month Festivities
– Bible Study
– Social Gatherings
– Annual Women’s Retreat
Ministries
Deaconess – A ministry of deacon’s wives, minister’s wives and women appointed by the Bishop to help serve in many areas of our church.
Lady Armor Bearer – Lady armor bearers are called to serve the First Lady and visiting guests, providing for their needs and by offering assistance.
Minister Spouse – Provide support for their spouse, through prayer and encouragement. Praying Grandmothers – They provide guidance, wisdom and prayer.
Naomi and Ruth Ministry – Young Women mentoring program for ages 8 – 18
Class Descriptions
Genesis – Unfold the records of the beginning of God’s covenant and plan of Salvation with the body of Christ.
Exodus – The study of Exodus relates more miracles than any other Old Testament book. Discover God’s presence in your life, home and the body of Christ.
Leviticus – Leviticus is the study of worshipping the Holy God and living a holy life. Holy means separate or devoted. A study of Leviticus will cause one to rededicate oneself to holiness worshipping God.
Welcome
The biblical message is clear; marriage is a gift from God. Marriage has its basis in the very beginning, in God’s creation of male and female. God recognized our loneliness and gave us the relationship between man and woman (Genesis 2:18). Proverbs 18:22 tells us that marriage is “a good thing” looked upon with favor by God. Marriage is to be held in honor (Hebrews 13:4). Yet, for many couples the “goodness” of marriage has become lost in the pressures of day in and day out living.
Ministry Vision
The vision is for couples to serve together in God’s kingdom, standing as strong pillars within the community, while possessing relationships that demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Galatians 5:22)
Ministry Mission
The mission is to educate, equip and encourage married couples to fulfill the joint calling from God to service. From the very beginning, marriage partners have had a purpose, a task, a calling from God. (Genesis 1:26-29) A good marriage involves far more than caring for one another and meeting one another’s needs. Truly enriched marriages bear fruit in the lives of children, family, neighbors, church and community.
Recognized Needs
.The need for positive, biblically based models for marriage.
.The need to recognize the individuality of spouses as well as the unity of the married partners.
.The need to emphasize the calling and responsibility of partners beyond caring for each other’s needs.
.The need to understand biblical principles and acquire relevant skills for managing the marriage relationship.
.The need for a definition of love as steadfast loyalty and committed, loving action, not as an emotion.
.The need for specific goals and direction in marriage
Ministry Methods
.Discipleship Training
.Annual Couples Retreat
.Social Gatherings
.Anniversary Celebrations
Why participate in a couple’s ministry?
There are many reasons why couples may not decide to attend or participate in a couple’s class.
We are going though a rough patch at this time.
When problems arise as they often do, having other strong couples around can help the healing process, as well as provide moral and spiritual support. If there are problems or issues in a marriage, we encourage couples to come and listen. Because some issues are of a sensitive manner, confidentiality is held in the highest regard.
We are fine, and are not having any problems, therefore we do not need any classes.
That is the sentiment of many couples. If you have not had any significant issues or problems, then count your blessings. However, coming to the class can help to enhance your marriage to its fullest potential.
We are dating, or engaged and just wouldn’t fit in.
We encourage couples that are dating or engaged to attend our classes. The class tackles actual issues and events that occur in a marriage. It can help couples that are seriously dating, or contemplating marriage to learn about God, each other, and the institution of marriage. There have been many couples that have attended the couple’s ministry before getting married and it has provided guidance and has been a wonderful counseling session as well. Having the support of other mature couples has been very beneficial as well. The couples in the ministry have been married anywhere from less than 6 months to 40+ years, so there is a wealth of experience and knowledge to draw upon.
I avoid any marriage ministries because the men and women will often gather and talk about what jerks each other are, a few bible verses are read, and this whole experience is passed off as valuable teaching.
Pointing out each other flaws and faults without being constructive can lead a marriage down the road to divorce. One of the main goals of the couple’s class is to help couples grow and learn using the word of God and real life applications. Men and women can be jerks from time to time, but the class helps give insight, instruction, and encouragement on how to love each other in spite of each other faults. To quote Ephesians 4:32(NIV), “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Each of the topics covered use the scriptures as a basis of teaching. The subjects that are covered are very informative and helpful in your daily living. We have had many people comment that the classes have been like counseling sessions, except that they are free.
There are many other reasons why couples may not want to attend a couple’s class. Whatever they may be, we encourage you to put aside any fears and doubts and stop by and give us a try. We have two rules concerning our class. The first is while we encourage active participation, you are not obligated to say anything or participate. If you prefer to sit, listen and observe, you are more than welcome. The final and most important rule is what is said in the class, stays in the class.
Biblical Foundation
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- “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is older, he will not depart from it.” –
Ministry Purpose
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- To empower children, youth, and young adults with biblical principles and character to make today’s children into tomorrow’s leaders.
Ministry Listings
Power Angels Children Ministry – Children newborn to 5th Grade
Anointed Generation Youth Ministry (AGYM) – 6th – 12th Grade
Beyond Young Adult Ministry – Young Adults ages 18 – 30
Paul and Timothy Ministry – Men’s Ministry mentoring program for gentlemen ages 6 – 17
Naomi and Ruth Ministry – Women’s Ministry mentoring program for ladies ages 8 – 18
While it is easy to think of singles as young adults, you’ll find single adults in every age group. This includes the divorced, widow(widower) and those who have never been married. Singles are a group sometimes overlooked by ministries but they still need nurturing, guidance and encouragement. Activities are planned that allow singles to mingle and interact off site from the church yet promote spiritual growth and development.Being a single adult is not a problem to be solved, but rather a unique opportunity to grow in faith and serve freely.
Teaching God’s Word with Excellence and with Power
The ministry of Christian education is one of the most important ministries in the body of Christ. The bible gives us the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” As Christian educators, our job is to teach classes, train teachers, and design curriculum. We are also responsible for teaching love, respect, and obedience to God and the principles laid out for us in His word.
Mission Statement
The mission of Christian education is to train and equip members in the knowledge and understanding of God’s word. This is accomplished by:
- Continuing to evaluate, modify, and improve the existing curriculum to better meet the needs of the people
- To have a high degree of excellence in all areas of the teaching and learning experience
- To provide resources for spiritual and intellectual needs
Objective
To meet the educational needs of the congregation by providing a balanced curriculum that is bible based, and that allows each member to grow toward Christian knowledge and understanding. We also strive to ignite a burning desire for God’s word in the hearts and minds of believers. Our goals are to:
- Ensure that everyone has knowledge, and knows how to experience the forgiving and saving grace of God
- Motivate each Christian to become an intelligent, active and devoted part of the body of Christ
- Nurturing and developing the skills needed to fully understand, appreciate and participate in the worship experience
- Help believers develop a Christ like attitude in their everyday lives and experiences
- Promote Christian growth and development, and to encourage believers to invest their time, talent, and skills for the kingdom of God.
Ministries under Christian Education
Bible Talk (Bible study)
Discipleship Training (Sunday School)
Vacation Bible School
Club Can Do (Youth summer program)
Men’s Ministry
Women’s Ministry
Couples Ministry
Singles Ministry
Beyond Ministry (Young Adult (18-30) Ministry)
Youth and Children Ministries
HELP (After school tutoring)
The Welcome ministry is comprised of several ministries that deal with the interaction of members and visitors. The purpose of this ministry is to contribute to the spiritual experience of the believer through Christian personalities, disposition and courteous manners.
Greeters – Focus on the needs of visitors and members from the time they enter the parking lot. This is the first interaction that a visitor has and the first impression is very often a lasting one. Greeters have the gift and grace to express social warmth and kindness, and are willing to commit their time and energy.
Ushers – These men, women, and children take great pride in providing personal comfort and care to all.
Culinary – These individuals share a passion for food, cooking and serving others.
Altar – Provides for the care and beautification of the altar
Hospitality
New member activities
Often times whenever a person joins a church, they are often lost in the shuffle and sadly forgotten about. At First Saint John activities are planned so that new members feel welcomed and at home at church. In a fun filled setting, whether bowling, or some other fun activity, new members are exposed to the different ministries and programs that First Saint John has to offer, and it is also a time of fellowship in which everyone can get acquainted and feel welcomed.
Scriptural Foundation
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
Areas of the Evangelism Ministry
Ministry of Consolation (MOC) – The Ministry of Consolation is where members assist Bishop Spears during the invitational period during church service. They also assist in extending the invitation to those that do not know Christ as their Lord and personal Savior.
Friends helping Friends – A support group based on biblical teaching to help members and families cope and understand stressful issues with day to day situations.
Newsletter – A regularly distributed periodical that provides members, family and friends with information that is important and of interest to the church and community.
Seniors on the Move – A ministry designed to help senior adults build a brighter future for themselves and their community by enabling them to live independently.
Prison Ministry – A ministry with a mission to encourage equip and lead men and women who are incarcerated to give their hearts and lives to Jesus Christ.
Community Relations – A ministry that communicates to the community and informs the church of internal and external events in the community.
Care Cell Ministry – A ministry that demonstrates love and care to our members, just as God does to all mankind.
Grief Ministry – A ministry that provides spiritual and spiritual support to members, family and friends who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
Nursing Home Ministry – A ministry designed to reach out and provide spiritual and other support to seniors and others in nursing homes.
Evangelism Teams
Soul Winners Action Team (SWAT) – A team of members who have the heart to win others to Christ through biblical scripture, personal testimony and prayer. The team meets once a month on a Saturday.
Prayer Team – Provide prayer for members on the evangelism team to keep them safe and encouraged while they are ministering to others.
Visitation Team – Visiting those who are in the hospital or at home.
Telephone Team – Calling FSJ members
Biblical Foundation
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom teaching and admonishing in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto the Lord.” Colossians 3:16
Ministry Purpose
To give praise and adoration to God through word and song. The ministry is to aid in preparing the hearts and minds of his people to receive the word of God and to create an atmosphere where God and the Holy Spirit are welcome.
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Ministry Listings
Gate Lifters/Praise Team – An anointed team of worshippers charged to lead the membership into the presence of God at every service.
The Voices of Saint John/Choir – The voices minister traditional gospel music with the power of seasoned saints.
Young Adult Choir – Covers a diverse repertoire of selections from anthems to contemporary gospel music. Ages 18 – 35.
Anointed Generation Youth Choir – Ages 12 – 18.
Power Angels/Childrens Choir – ages 3 – 11.
Oratory Ministry – Develops, enhance and sharpen public speaking skills.
KARAR Dance Ministry – Enhances the worship experience thru the expression of dance.
Mime Team – They bring a powerful expression of silent worship through dance and interpretation.
Drill Team
The Media Ministry is a team based ministry whose purpose is to ensure that the word of God is heard and to enrich your faith and advance Christian discipleship through the use of technology.
Scripture Basis
How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. – Romans 10:14, 17
Ministry Listings
Audio Visual – A team of volunteers who are responsible for recording all services and events requested. They provide cd’s or dvd’s of all recorded events.
Live Streaming – Provides streaming services so anyone can view and participate in worship when they cannot make it to the church.
Technical Support – The hands on people that operate and maintain the equipment. They consist of sound technicians, camera operators, producer/webcaster, projection screen operator and cd/dvd duplication workers.
Information Technology (IT) Support -Involves the development, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair use of computer systems, software, and networks.
Web Site/Social Media – Provides information about our church. They allow us to become accessible, virtually from anywhere in the world. They keep us updated on all events and activities happening at FSJ past, present and future. (website, online newsletter, facebook, twitter)