Meridian Adventist Church members in Idaho stepped out in faith this year and broke away from the usual method of nominating church officers.
Instead of fitting members into position slots (position oriented), members let the Holy Spirit lead members to find ministries about which they are passionate (people oriented).
Pastor Tim Gray helped promote the idea, based on his strong belief that the Church must use the talents of every member.
In applying the new approach, members first determine their ministries/passions, write down their visions and goals, and submit the documents to Pastor Gray, who in turn submits them to the Implementation Team.
If approved, the members receive “Leadership in Ministry Licenses,” which permit them to recruit support team members for the ministries they are licensed to lead.
Among those licensed to serve at the Meridian Church, from front left, are Nordene Doherty (Greeting Ministry), Delmarie Null (Music Ministry), Irene Willis (Pastoral Support Ministry), and Pastor Tim Gray. From front right are Sylvia Douglas (Sabbath School Ministry), Chris Schaffer (Community Helping Ministry), Linda Sevison (Communication Ministry), and Les Sevison (Social Ministry). Not shown are licensees Cindy Schultz (Live Nativity) and Ed Schultz (Youth Ministry).
