Last Updated 8/18/2024

Selection Process

(For purpose, qualifications, and responsibilities, see the Ministry Leader Job Description.)

1. Each August, Shepherds will meet to determine current congregational needs and if more Ministry Leaders are needed to serve the Church. If there is a need for more Ministry Leaders, the Shepherds will make the church aware of the needs and ask for Ministry Leader nominations to fill those specific needs.
2. The church will nominate new Ministry Leaders each year in September. Those willing to serve in the needed areas may nominate themselves for a specific ministry. 
3. There will be one month to nominate new (or returning) Ministry Leaders.
4. In October, current Shepherds will meet with new candidates to explain the responsibilities of the job and determine if they are willing to serve. Shepherds are also responsible for vetting the candidates within the congregation and the community, in accordance with 1 Tim. 3.  Any nominee who is willing to serve should be aware that part of the vetting process will include a background check.  Once these steps are complete the names to be considered will be provided to the congregation and a period of two weeks will be provided to allow any member of the congregation who has concerns or objections to share those with the shepherds.  
5. In early November, all Ministry Leaders who have been nominated, have consented to serve, and have passed the vetting of the Shepherds will be publicly affirmed. All who are approved will appear before the church.  The shepherds will lay hands on them, pray for them and they will begin serving in the role.  

Term Requirements

While serving the church in this crucial way is meant to be a joy, it also takes a toll on an individual and a couple. The Bible teaches us the necessity of Sabbath and Jubilee, and everyone needs a time for rest and rejuvenation - even Ministry Leaders. For these reasons, we have put the following term requirements in place.

1. When a Ministry Leader is selected, he or she agrees to serve for 3 years, or until that specific role is no longer needed, whichever comes first. (assuming health allows, they remain faithful in their Christian walk, and continue to meet the qualifications required.)
2. After 3 years of service, each Ministry Leader must be reaffirmed by the congregation. Should they wish to take a break from being a Ministry Leader, this also is an opportunity to step away gracefully.  If they decide to step down or to change their area of service, they are requested to train an appointed replacement before stepping completely out of the role.  A transition period of 3 to 6 months is suggested.
3. If they so desire, a former Ministry Leader may be considered for the role again in the same or a different ministry area. They would need to go through the selection and affirmation process to return as a Ministry Leader.  Once affirmed, the 3 year affirmation cycle then starts again.
4. A Ministry Leader may be considered for the role of Shepherd at any time. Becoming a Shepherd will require them to vacate the role of Ministry Leader, though they are welcome to serve in their former ministry.
5. (Current Ministry Leaders Only) - When this policy is put into effect, current Ministry Leaders should begin to put themselves on this rotation, staggering over the following 3 years so there is continuity in servant leadership.

Questions of Marriage, Membership, and Parenting

Some reasonable questions exist as to whether a Ministry Leader must be married and must have children. 1 Timothy 3 refers to Ministry Leaders as people who are both. However, there are reasons to believe that Phoebe, a female Ministry Leader, was neither. It is also wise to consider how long a person has been a believer and a member at Adams before recommending them to others as wise counselors or servants in whom the congregation has placed its trust and staked its reputation. At Adams, we desire to be true to the example of Scripture and wise in our application of its principles. Therefore, the following requirements will be placed on those wishing to serve in the role of Ministry Leader at Adams.

1. Ministry Leaders must have been Jesus followers for at least 2 years.
2. Ministry Leaders must have been members at Adams for at least 1 year prior to being considered for this role.
3. Ministry Leaders must either be married or have been married.
1. In either case, sexual fidelity is a requirement
2. If a person was married but no longer is, either due to the death of a spouse or a divorce, it will be up to the Shepherds to vet the person and determine whether it is wise for this person to be a Ministry Leader, using the character qualities found in Acts 6 and 1 Timothy 3 as guideposts.
3. Single people who are Ministry Leaders will not be put in positions of service primarily to members of the opposite sex where close relationships might tempt one or both believers to sin. For instance, a widower should not oversee the women’s ministry, nor should a divorced woman oversee a singles ministry.
4. In a church our size, being a parent is not a requirement for becoming a Ministry Leader.
1. Non-parent Ministry Leaders will not be given oversight of ministries involving kids (cradle through high school).
2. Non-parent Ministry Leaders will not be given oversight of parenting ministries.

Team Leader (added 8/18/2024)

The shepherds may appoint Team Leaders to lead projects, fill support roles, or lead ministries as the need arises. Team Leaders should be members that are following the way of Jesus. Team Leaders should exhibit and possess the talent, organization skills and servant attitude that is needed to oversee the job they are appointed to. Team Leaders can attend Ministry Leader meetings since these involve coordination of all ministries and teams in the church. Per the shepherds discretion, Team Leaders could fill certain support roles previously led by Ministry Leaders. Team Leaders are not required to be confirmed by the congregation.