Hillendale Baptist Church uses
the deacon family ministry plan. Simply put, each family in our church is assigned
to a specific deacon responsible to minister to that family. Your deacon will
call you from time to time. These calls will often be for a specific need for
which someone in our church has requested us to pray. That is called the
"prayer chain." Other calls will be to "chat" with you.
Deacons will visit and encourage the deacon family to have social events. If
you have a prayer request, a spiritual need, a question, sickness, or other
need, call your deacon.
Each church has a philosophy
of ministry. Ours is not unique, but the philosophy reflects our priorities and
manner. We know that we cannot do everything well. Hillendale cannot compete
with a multi-thousand-member church. Therefore, our ministries are basic and in
keeping with the scriptures.
We believe that believers are in the world, not of the world. Therefore, our
ministries do not provide an alternative to all secular events. We must be the
light of the world wherever we go. We cannot do that if everything we do is in
the confines of the church.
Our church provides Bible study on Sunday mornings, Wednesday evenings and in
small groups. We worship once a week on Sunday mornings. This ministry is for
all ages. Children are special. Each Sunday we have a special time for children
during the sermon time when they are provided a "Children's Church"
for those in the third grade and under. We encourage members to develop
friendships and to engage in social activities apart from the church. Regular
church wide social events are conducted.
We believe in missions are in action. We give to missions through: the Southern
Baptist Cooperative Program; Baptist General Association of Virginia; (The NorthStar Network); special offerings such as the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering
and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering; involvement in prison ministries;
assisting with Homeless Prevention Centers; helping local activities such as
ACTS, Birthright, Council of Cooperative Ministries; giving to World Hunger
yearly; providing benevolence to needy families through ACTS; and many other
things.
Our church believes that worship is primary. We try to make our worship
scriptural by making it a gift unto God, not entertainment for us. We hope our
worship is exciting and helpful. We only receive as we give of ourselves. Our
Choir meets regular and provides inspirational music each Sunday. Special music is provided each
Sunday as a personal testimony and praise to God. We use a wide range of
musical styles, from Bach to rock.
We believe in the centrality of the Word of God. Our sermons are Biblically
based. Some are topical, others expository. We believe God provides people to
carry out the ministries He wants in a particular church. Sometimes people do
not respond to His leadership.
We believe problems are best solved by bringing them to the attention of those
who can do something about it. Matthew 18 is our guide. Talking about problems
that are not in your area of control without taking them to the person
responsible is not in accordance with the word of God.
Accounting Methods
Our
church uses generally accepted ledger bookkeeping. We budget once a year. The
budget year is January 1 through December 31. Once the budget is approved, the
person responsible for that portion of the budget can expend funds as required
and as available. The treasurer monitors cash flow. The Chairperson of the
Administrative Committee makes the decision on competing demands for money when
cash flow is low. Statements are provided to the church quarterly during
business meetings. Money is expended through a voucher system. The person
committing or spending the money completes a voucher that is signed by the
person expending the funds as well as the person responsible for the line item
in the budget. Church approval is necessary to expend funds that are not
budgeted. Designated offerings are added to the account designated. Audits are
conducted upon change of treasurer and at least every two years thereafter.
The Fellowship Committee is responsible for
church-wide social functions. Usually, we have a summer picnic the first Sunday
afternoon in June; an anniversary dinner during the first week of October; ice
cream in the summer; and others as planned. Sunday School classes and small
groups are encouraged to have their own socials. Deacon family groups are
encouraged to conduct social activities. Individual families are encouraged to become
friends and have social times: together.
Organization
The
church has a Church Council that consists of the Chairs of each committee;
program officers such as music and Sunday School; Deacon Chair; and staff. The
pastor chairs the council. The council makes decisions for the church on minor
issues needing resolution between business meetings. The council approves the
calendar of the church. The council coordinates the work and ministries of the
church.
The Deacons are the ministry arms of the church. They are a body, not a board.
They serve, not run the church.
The Sunday Bible Study Groups provide systematic Bible study for the church and is the
major evangelism arm of the church.
The Library provides audio/visual equipment, books, videos, and tapes for use
by the membership.
The Minister of Music leads the Music Ministry. We have praise music led by a
small praise band. We use live instruments whenever possible including strings
and brass.
The Administrative Committee takes care of personnel, finances, and general
administration of the church. The treasurer and Financial Secretary serve under
the direction of this committee.
The Property Committee is responsible for the care and upkeep of the church.
The Media Committee is responsible for Church Directories, advertising, and
other similar things.
The Teller Committee takes care of the counting and deposit of tithes and
offerings.
The Trustees are the legal representatives of the church. They must sign all
legal documents.
The Worship Committee is responsible for the decorations in the church, Lord's
Supper, Baptism, dedications, and assisting in any area of worship ministry.
The Missions Coordinator coordinates special mission activities.
VBS Director: Directs the annual summer Vacation Bible School.
Nursery: Provides the leadership to care for the children during services.
Children’s Church: Conducts a special service for those third grade and under
each Sunday during the time of the sermon in worship service.
Fellowship: Responsible for church wide functions, kitchen, and expendable
supplies.
Visitation: Follow through on visitors to our church.
Ministry
Assistant: Provides support through member care, visitor follow up, providing opportunities
for service and much more.
Church Secretary: Provides support through the ministry of publications and
record.
Use of Building
The building is generally not
available for rent. Outside groups are allowed use on a selected basis after
approval by the church council and the church (if long term).
Weddings are usually only held for those who are members or family of members,
known personally by members, or as a special ministry if pastor feels so led.
All organizations are required to schedule events in advance by completing a
form available in the office. When approved, the event will be placed on the
schedule and heat or air conditioning turned on as appropriate. The Property
Committee provides keys to those responsible for organizations. Keys can be
made available on a short term.
Each group is responsible for cleaning after they use the facilities.
