Archives for May 2014

Contemporary pastors are expected to have:

• The entrepreneurial skills of Mark Zuckerberg
• The counseling skills of Dr. Phil
• The organizational abilities of Stephen Covey
• The authenticity of Oprah
• The compassion of Mother Teresa
• The courage of William Wallace
• The humor of Jon Stewart

No pastor will meet all the characteristics that people want in a pastor.  However, the clearer the thinking about what is needed and wanted will greatly help in the selection process.  Based on the most recent online Sunridge survey here is a list of what survey respondents said they desire in the permanent lead pastor:

1. Sunridge wants a Bible preacher who approaches teaching Scripture systematically.  You also want that preaching to be practical, focusing on what people need to grow in their Christian faith.
2. Clearly, a pastor who is a people-person is desired.  At every option, survey respondents made this clear.  Sunridgers want a pastor who is good with people and, more than anything else, interested in helping people.
3. Sunridge desires a lead pastor who will truly lead the congregation, but who is a team player.  Sunridge has a well-developed Elder Team who want and need to be part of this leadership team.
4. Sunridge desires a lead pastor who is practical in his orientation.  People want him to understand both how and why things work the way they do.  “Pie-in-sky” is not the desired style.
5. Sunridge desires a pastor who genuinely enjoys being with people and is enthusiastic, but not manipulative.
6. While people at Sunridge appreciate a high pace, you want a pastor who still has time to listen when appropriate.
7. The church would like a pastor who is a careful planner and who is careful with details—the gift of Administration.  If he happens to be good at financial planning, that would be a bonus.

No pastor will be able to do all these things well.  However, it is invaluable to have considered in advance what is really important to the Sunridge church family.

As we move deeper into the search process Sunridge is poised for a new season of ministry effectiveness.  Much has been accomplished and we are ready to move forward.

LEAD PASTOR SEARCH — To date we have received twenty packets from applicant pastors.  We will begin Phase 1 (online) interviews next week.

STAFF

We have a dedicated, motivated, and high achieving staff!  All staff role descriptions have been updated to include yearly ministry objectives (MO’s) as well as personal development objectives (PO’s).  Our first round of developmental reviews is almost complete.  The performance of our staff is primarily evaluated on their ability to build and multiply teams that lead to effective ministry opportunities for Sunridge attenders to serve Sunridge, the Temecula Valley, and beyond.

• As the school year comes to a close we are also preparing to move Tara Thomas out of her Interim Children’s Director role and into a permanent role.
• Ken Munsey has also been added to our pastoral staff as a Connection Pastor to build teams that help guests and newcomers connect and grow at Sunridge.

POLICY GOVERNANCE

Sunridge is in the process of  implementing a Policy Governance (PG) model to more effectively serve the needs of the church as well as to provide more time for the elders (which includes the Lead Pastor) to be involved in active ministry in addition to monthly board meetings.  PG is an integrated set of concepts and principles that specifically describe the role of the governing board, outlining the manner in which the board can be successful in their servant-leadership role, as well as in their all-important relationship with staff.  There are four fundamental principles of PG, rooted in biblical principles:

1. Servant Leadership – PG provides for and recognizes the Elder Board’s servant leadership role as that of servanthood in a stewardship role.  The Elder Board is tasked with seeking and serving God on behalf of the Sunridge congregation.
2. Accountability – PG provides for clarity and assurance of accountability that is also congruent with authority.
3. Empowerment with constraint – PG consciously enables the difficult balance between empowerment of the Lead Pastor (the freedom and authority to act) with appropriate board restraint so that responsible stewardship is provided without oppressive control.
4. Clarity of Values – The Elder Board is compelled to express its values in a clear and succinct manner sufficient for godly care, discipleship, and mission.

NEW OR RELAUNCHED MINISTRIES

• 1824 MINISTRY –Our 1824 Ministry is specifically for people between the ages of 18 to 24. You can join our growing group of about 20 young adults at 7pm on Sunday nights, meeting at Dave and Heidi Fatter’s home, 26307 Palm Tree Lane, Murrieta, CA 92563.
• BRIDGE BUILDERS – A ministry to families with special needs.  They are a team of volunteers who build a bridge between the church and families with special needs to keep loved ones safe, build friendships with them, and share God’s truth with them at their level.  Accommodations range from specialized environments to full inclusion.  Visual Pagers are located on either side of the stage in the worship center if needed.
• CHILDREN’S CHOIR — The kids choir is back!  Kindergarteners through 8th graders will sing patriotic songs in church for Independence Day on Sunday, July 6th. Practices will be held Monday nights from 6:30-7:30pm starting May 12th in room 103.
• MEN’S “ROAD TO RECOVERY” STEP STUDY GROUP –The purpose of this group is to create a safe and confidential environment for men to work through life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups (such as anger, pornography, addiction, etc.) By applying the biblical principles of conviction, surrender, confession, prayer, and helping one another, we will restore and develop stronger relationships with others and with God!  Sign-up online.
• MISSIONS BOARD — A Missions Board is being (re) assembled.  The goals include caring for our missionary families (along with their mission boards) and determining a process for evaluating and calculating funding for them.  If you have an interest in participating contact Lisa Stewart.  You can also check out our missionary page at: sunridgechurch.org/supported-missionaries
• VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (VBS) — June 22-27th (Sunday-Friday) 6:30-8:45pm.  To discover Jesus, decide if He is true, and be able to defend this truth!
• FINANCIAL ADVISORY TEAM — This team will work with the Lead Pastor and Bob Santy (Pastor of Business and Finance) to advise on all financial matters including ongoing policies and procedures, stewardship development, staff salary reviews, budgeting, and debt retirement.