Ol Bc Profile Doc

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Oak Lake Berean Church PROFILE Page 1

Praying, Fellowshipping, Bible Study, Corporate worship, witnessing to the lost, helping the needy these

are all things that churches should be doing.but WHY do we do what we do?

We see the mission statement as a declaration of our core purpose. Mission defines your purposethe

purpose for which you were founded and why you exist.

We believe this statement serves as a guide for day-to-day operations and as the foundation for future

decision-making. This statement dictates the ministry's direction, formulates the ministry's function;

Focuses the ministry's future; provides a guideline for decision making; inspires ministry unity; shapes the

strategy; enhances ministry effectiveness; facilitates evaluation.

A vision statement is a declaration of where we are headed as we seek to fulfill our mission.

We want our vision to coincide with Jesus command. Any vision that does not conform to His vision for

the church is inadequate.


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(BEREAN FELLOWSHIP OF CHURCHES ARTICLES OF FAITH)

Oak Lake Berean Church is part of a Christ-centered, grace-oriented fellowship of churches committed to the

following doctrines:

1. BIBLEWe believe the Bible, consisting of both the Old and New Testament Scriptures in their entirety, is the only

divinely inspired, inerrant, objectively true, and authoritative written Word of God, and the only infallible rule of

faith and practice. The divine inspiration of Scripture extends to each word of the original manuscripts but not

to the various copies or translations of Scripture. The Bible should be interpreted literally, grammatically,

contextually, and historically. Gen. 1-3; Deut. 29:29; John 10:35; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; 2 Pet. 1:21; 1 Cor. 2:13.

2. GODWe believe in only one God, the Creator, who is infinite, personal, eternally existing in three persons, and who is

revealed to us in Scripture as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Gen. 1:1; Deut. 6:4; Isa. 43:10; 44:6; 45:22; Matt.

28:19; John 4:24; 5:26; Col. 1:16-19; 1 Cor. 8:4.

3. JESUS CHRIST

We believe that Jesus Christ is God the son who has neither beginning nor ending. He was conceived in the flesh

by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and is fully God and fully man. Jesus died for our sins, was buried

and arose bodily on the third day. He ascended into heaven and is now seated at the right hand of God the

Father as our only mediator, high priest, and advocate. Matt. 1:23-25; John 1:1; 14:3; Acts 4:12; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4,

20; Phil. 2:5-11; 1 Tim. 2:5-6; Heb. 4:14-16; 1 Pet. 2:22.

4. HOLY SPIRIT

We believe the Holy Spirit is God, the third person of the Trinity. He is a person, not a force. The Holy Spirits

ministries include convicting all people of sin; calling, regenerating, indwelling and baptizing believers into the

Body of Christ; setting them apart to a holy life; and teaching, keeping and empowering them day by day. The

Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts to each believer according to His will. God in His sovereignty still works in

miraculous ways. However, we understand that sign gifts have served their purpose and should not be

expected in the church today. John 3:5-8; Acts 1:8; 5:3-4; 16:7-14; 1 Cor. 2:9-12; 3:16; 12:3-13, 28-31; 13:8-11;

Gal. 5:16-25; Eph. 1:13-14; 5:18; Heb. 2:3-4.

5. HUMAN RACEWe believe that both man and woman were created in the image of God to enjoy a personal relationship with

Him. As a result of deliberate disobedience, they fell from their sinless state and they and all their descendants

became sinners. Consequently, they cannot save themselves and apart from the grace of God in Jesus Christ;

they are condemned to a place of eternal torment. Gen. 1:26-27; 2:7; Matt. 5:20-48; John 3:16-18, 36; Rom. 2:6-

16; 5:12-21; 6:23; 2 Thess. 1:6-9; Rev. 20:13-15.


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6. SALVATION

We believe we are saved solely by the grace of God through faith in Christ alone. This salvation was purchased

by the substitutionary death and shed blood of Jesus Christ for the sins of every person, and is offered to

everyone as a free gift. The person who has trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ, as Savior is eternally secure, and

can enjoy the assurance of salvation. We believe that at death believers enter eternal glory and that

unbelievers enter eternal torment. Acts 16:31; 20:20-21; Rom. 3:28; 10:9; 1 Cor. 15:3-4; John 1:12; 3:16; 10:28;

Eph. 2:8-9; Phil. 1:6.

7. SANCTIFICATION

We believe that every believer has been sanctified, set apart with a perfect standing before God. As believersyield themselves to the Holy Spirit, they will experience spiritual growth in holiness, but they will not experience

perfection in conduct. Future rewards are determined by a believers obedience to the Lord. Heb. 10:10; Phil.

3:12; Rom. 6:13-19; 1 Cor. 3:8.

8. CHURCH

We believe that Christ is the Head of the Church, which is His body. All who have trusted in Him as Savior are

members of this Body. Christians should commit themselves to worship, instruction, fellowship, stewardship,

and service in a local church. The church is responsible to represent Jesus Christ in the world through godly

living and evangelism. All believers are commanded to participate in two church ordinances, believers' baptism

by immersion, and the Lord's Supper. Matt. 26:26-29; 28:18-20; Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 1:22, 23; 2:19-22;

3:6-10; 4:11-13; 5:23-27; 1 Thess. 2:14; Heb. 10:25; 1 Pet. 2:9-10; 1 John 4:17.

9. SATANWe believe that Satan was created an angelic being. He became the author of sin, our adversary, and accuser,

and the great deceiver of the nations. He will finally be overcome by the Lord Jesus Christ and suffer eternal

punishment in the lake of fire. Gen. 3:1; Job 1:6-12; Matt. 4:3-11; John 8:44; 2 Cor. 4:4; 1 John 3:8; 5:19; Rev.

12:9- 10; 20:10.

10. FUTURE EVENTS

We believe, on a day known only by God the Father, Jesus will rapture His church to deliver it from the

judgments that God will pour upon the earth. After this terrible period, the Lord Jesus Christ will return in glory

to establish His Millennial Kingdom on the earth. This will be followed by the final judgment of the wicked in the

lake of fire and eternal bliss for God's children in a new heaven and a new earth. John 14:3; Acts 1:7, 11; Rom.

8:1; 1 Cor. 15:20, 23; 2 Cor. 5:10; Phil. 1:23; 1 Thess. 4:16-17; Rev. 11:15; 19:11-21:5.

The problem most churches face is not that they dont anything;

they do plenty.

The problem is that they often dont do the right things. What ARE

the right things?

We believe that proper church health is possible only when we

conform to Gods idea of what the Church IS and what the Church

Does.


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What the Church IS

What the Church is TO DO

One Purpose: Glorify God !

The great purpose of the church is to be to the praise of Gods glory and grace (Eph. 1:6, 12).

What does it mean for us to glorify God? We cannot add to His glory, for He is already perfectly

and infinitely glorious. Rather, for us to glorify God means for us to ascribe to Him the worthiness

due His name. When we give God glory we essentially are saying: He gets the credit. He is the

only One worthy to receive credit. Everything we do, we do it so He gets the glory.

How does the Church Glorify God ?

God has established certain objectives in order for the church to bring glory to Him.

The Church glorifies God by intensely pursuing His objectives for the church.

But we must know what they are and be committed to carrying them out.

So, what are they? God calls the church to Exalt Him, Edify the Body, and Evangelize the lost. To

fulfill these God-given objectives, the church must follow the mandate of our Lord.

There is ONE MANDATE: Make disciples !

All other commands (go, teach, win the lost, baptize, feed the hungry, etc.) are subordinate to

Jesus main command: Make Disciples ! What kind? His command is expanded in 2 Tim. 2:2,and Eph. 4:11-16.

Discipleship is the process in which a believer in Christ is becoming more like Christ increasing in

the knowledge of Christ and able to minister to others who will be able to do the same thing. The

process of discipleship involves a relationship where a spiritually minded person uses the Word

of God to teach reprove, correct and train a learner in Christ in order that he/she becomes

increasingly more like Christ.

Our churchs Mission and Vision Statements are stated to reflect the 3-fold purpose of the

Church, and the mandate of our Lord.

(How do we intend to carry out our mission?)

Rather than creating a to do list of programs or activities based on popular opinion, we must clearly

understand what Exaltation, Edification, and Evangelism is! (Appendices I, II, III). Based the Biblical

principles outlined in these documents, we have stated our objectives and goals from which we desire all

programs to flow.

While there is no technical definition in the scriptures,

we can come to somewhat of a definition based on

the Biblical word, and the Biblical pictures.

(See Appendix I, pg. 1, 2 for detailed statement)


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Strategic planning involves defining a mission, establishing goals and objectives in support of that mission,

and developing strategies to attain established goals and objectives.

We believe that setting our hearts and minds on God is the beginning of the strategic planning process.Without question, it is God's plan we want, not our own. Proverbs 19:21 says, "Many are the plans in a

man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."

Yet God obviously expects us to plan. He makes it clear that we are not to trust our own plans and

strategies and ignore the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is only after we seek the heart of God and His

direction that we can establish plans that are pleasing to Him and plans that will succeed. But, we can

only understand His heart as we determine to follow the principles in His Word related to His design for

the Church.

One of the questions many churches wrestle with is, Should a church try to plan future direction? James

4:14 says, Yet you do not know what your l ife will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears fora little while and then vanishes away. So why plan? The next verse goes on to say, Instead, you ought to

say, If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that. The real issue is not whether we should plan; it

is whether we will put Gods will first in our planning, always deferring to His wisdom and sovereignty.

We want Gods will above everything else. Were not just asking Him to bless whatever plan we devise

we want His wisdom. We want to move by His direction and in His timing. A good planning process keeps

us humble and constantly returns us to God for His perspective. While planning, we continually ask, Lord,

what is your direction in this area?

Strategic planning involves the following:

Step 1: Our Purpose: Why do we exist?

Step 2: Mission: Where our ministry going. (To exalt Godedify the body evangelize the lost)

Step 3: Values: Our core values that drive our ministrywhy do we do what we do? What is important to us?

Step 4: Vision: Our ministrys future direction. (To make disciplemakers .)

Step 5: Strategy: How we will fulfill our mission and vision

a. Where we are: Ministry Evaluation and Diagnosis

b. Where we want to go: Objectives based on Biblical Principles and Core values

c. How we want to get there: Goals and Implementation

Step 6: Our One Year Goals What now?


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We believe that how we accomplish our purpose is as important as the purpose itself. So, we focus on these core values as

essential to ministry. Core values are standards that greatly influence our attitude and character. They are deeply etched into

our lives. But these core values must be based on Biblical principles, Gods design for a healthy church. At Oak Lake Berean

Church we aspire by Gods grace to accomplish His mission for us, driven by certain treasured values:

The glory of God

Whatever we do and why we do what we do has to do with Gods glory. Its not about us its about bringing great

glory to Him who is worthy of our praise and service.

Clear vision

More than anything else, we want to do what God want us to do. Our agenda and decisions are shaped by seeking

and discovering Gods will collectively, not by convenience, tradition, or personal preference.

Prayer

We value the importance of humble, dependence upon God expressed through prayer. Apart from the power of Jesus

Christ working in and through us we can accomplish nothing of lasting spiritual value that magnifies Gods glorious

grace (John 15:5).

Centrality of the Word of God

We value the truth of God revealed through His written Word. Therefore we will carefully study, boldly proclaim and

patiently teach whatever Gods Word says. God has sovereignly ordained the preaching of His inspired word in the

power of the Holy Spirit as a primary means of grace whereby His church may grow and flourish toward spiritualmaturity. Therefore we will give ourselves humbly to the hearing of the exposition of the whole counsel of God. The

goal of such preaching is to communicate the clear meaning of texts, their harmony with the rest of Scripture, and

their relevant application to every facet of our lives. (II Tim. 3:16-4:4).

God-centered, Celebrative and Relevant Worship

We value God-centered worship, and will joyfully celebrate who God is and what He does through vibrant worship.

We value a worship style that is biblically-based, sensitive to the body, relevant to the people we want to reach and

done to the best of the participants ability. Consequently we strive to exalt Jesus Christ corporately in ways which

engage both the heart and the mind spirit and truth (John 4:24).

Reaching Spiritually Lost people

In the context of pursuing God, our comfort shall be surrendered to the urgent task of seeking the lost and inviting

them to accept salvation in Jesus Christ. We will consider each aspect of our individual and corporate church life with

the unbeliever in mind, and seek to maintain a global vision, reaching the lost both near and in other cultures.

Empowering people as ministers

Every believer is spiritually gifted by Gods Spirit. This means we will recognize gift-based ministry and leadership

styles that facilitate, mentor and equip rather than dictate. Therefore we will purposefully equip all the saints to

exercise their spiritual gift(s) (Ephesians 4:11-16).

Servant-Leaders

We value servant-minded shepherding among the people. For Gods people to thrive, He has prescribed the

shepherding ministry of a plurality of elders, accountable to Christ the Chief Shepherd, who exercise authority for the

building up of His church. We desire to faithfully pray for, train up, and set apart godly men whose maturity, example,

gifts, and calling mark them as Gods appointed servants for the care of His precious sheep. (I Peter 5:1-4; II

Corinthians 10:8)

Multiplication-designed discipleship of the believerGod intends for believers to undergo a life-long process of transformation which aims for being conformed to the

image of Jesus Christ. Part of that process involves investing our lives spiritually in others that they in turn might do

the same and so on and so on. Therefore we will intentionally develop means and methods whereby all who profess

to follow the Lord can progress from spiritual birth to spiritual maturity that reproduces itself in future generations of

believers (Romans 8:29; II Timothy 2:2).

Grace-oriented community throughout the fellowship

Love for one another characterized by biblical peacemaking and merciful burden-bearing uniquely designates a people

as devoted followers of Jesus Christ and keeps them connected to one another for vital ministry.


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In order to live out these core values, we have stated our objectives and goals,

based on Biblical principles outlined in Appendices I, II, and III.

Objectives are Broad statement of intent (what we want to accomplish) based on Biblical principles of Exaltation, Edification, andEvangelism. Goals are narrow statements of intent to carry out Objectives (specific, measurable, attainable, reasonable, and

time-specific). (Note: the goals listed below do NOT have dates at this point)

Biblical Principles Objectives Goals

Biblical Basis for objectives and

goals

Broad statement of intent(what we want to accomplish)

A Narrow statement of intent to

carry out Objectives

Worship is both quiet stillness before

God as well as joyful celebration

focused on the character and works

of God.(spirit and truth -John 4:24)

To facilitate God-centered vibrant worship,

joyfully celebrating and magnifying His character

and works in ways which engage both the heart

and the mind.

#1 Conduct a monthly worshipplanning team meeting at the church at

which time the work is reviewed, ideas

and observations are shared and

accountability is strengthened,

beginning_______

The redemption story is linked to

proper worship, and

only believers can truly worship.

To observe the Lords Supper as a public act of

worship, designed to promote soul-searching,

evaluation, and reflection on the Savior and what

He means to our life.

#2 Worship Planning Team Work inconjunction with the Pastor and church

leaders in planning communion by

evaluating on a monthly basis,

beginning _______

True worship must be linked to the

exposition of Biblical truth.(spirit and

truth -John 4:24)

To carefully study, boldly proclaim and patiently

teach whatever Gods Word says, humbly commit

to the hearing of the exposition of the whole

counsel of God, applying biblical truth to our

lives.

#3 Worship Planning team assist inplanning congregational worship

services in consultation with pastor and

leaders through monthly discussion

and evaluation beginning ______

Although unbelievers cannot trulyworship, they can watch believers

worship. (1 Cor. 14:25).

To strive to be guest-friendly and culturallyrelevant in consideration of those who are not

yet believers in Christ.

#4To explain to non-believers themessage of salvation through

testimonies, the spoken Word

Corporate worship must be orderly

1 Cor. 14:26, 33

To be Christ-honoring in excellence in all we do,

and done to the best of the participants ability.#5 Worship planning team work inconjunction with the leaders to oversee

musical selections, instrumentalists,

sound system, powerpoint, usher

assistance, greeters, offering, and all

areas related to the corporate worship

services.

Singing is to be from the heart,

directed upward to GodEph. 5

To carefully select songs that accurately reflect

and draw from the Word of God.

See # 1 above

1 Cor. 16:1-4- Giving is an act of

worship. (2 Cor. 8:5)Give must be to the Lord through the

local churchNOT to the church for

the Lord.)

To teach and practice the giving of our financial

resources is an act of worship.

See # 1

Apart from the power of Jesus Christ

working in and through us we can

accomplish nothing of lasting

spiritual value that magnifies Gods

glorious grace (John 15:5).

To saturate every dimension of our ministry

with prayer, petition, supplication, and

intercession, along with thanksgiving.

Conduct a quarterly day of prayer

beginning______

Conduct a monthly prayer night____


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Biblical Basis for objectives and goals Broad statement of intent

(what we want to accomplish)

A Narrow statement of intent to carry

out Objectives

While evangelism focuses primarily

on reaching/winning,---edification

focuses on building up believers to

Christ-like maturity (Eph. 4:11-16).

To assimilate new believers into the life of the

local church, by helping them develop

meaningful relationships, experience Christ-like

growth, and become involved in ministry.

# 1Develop a follow-up plan for

connecting with Sunday attenders

#2Conduct a small group study on

disciplemaking (NavPress)

The early church regularly gathered

for corporate worship and

edification, not evangelism.

To gather regularly primarily for worship and

edification#3Establish a corporate worship

planning team to meet monthly to

plan both worship and corporate

edification

The Word of God must be faithfully

taught: inductively, exegetically, and

expositionally.(Ezra 6:14; Neh. 8:8; 2

Tim. 4:1-3) (Ezra 7:10; Acts 20:20;

Col. 1:28).

To carefully study, boldly proclaim and patiently

teach whatever Gods Word says, humbly commit

to the hearing of the exposition of the whole

counsel of God, applying biblical truth to our

lives.

#4Establish a 6 yr. plan to study

the entire Bible as a church

#5Continue mens and womens

bible study

#6Develop ministry to married

couples and familiesAll believers are ministers

(Eph. 4:11-17)

All believers are gifted

(1 Cor. 12)

Every believer a disciplemaker

(2 Tim2:2)

To provide discipleship experiences for believers

to exercise their spiritual gift(s)

To encourage believers to one-on-one

discipleship

# 7Develop a job description for

areas of leadership

#8Begin one on one discipleship

by leaders modeling the process

Biblical Leadership: some leaders

OVERSEE local church ministry (1

Thess. 5:12- ;1 Tim. 5:17, 1 Tim.

3;Titus. 1:9)

To pray for, train, and set apart godly men

whose maturity, example, gifts, and calling mark

them as strong, biblically qualified servant-

leaders.

#9Develop a plan to move fromcurrent leadership structure to

Elder oversight (see Leadership

notes)

Believers must be challenged to

encourage one another in the

practical areas of the Christian life.

(Heb. 10:24-25;

Rom. 15:1-3; 16:2; Titus 2:14; 3:1, 8,

14).

To provide opportunities for believers to share

with, and meet the needs of the ministry of the

church and others through words, deeds, and

gifts of love

#10 Plan opportunities for

interaction in small groups that

offer accountability and mutualcare

#11 Plan a monthly meal following

morning service

#12Develop a plan tocommunicate pressing needs

among people in the body, and

ways of caring for one another

Giving (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2

Cor. 8-9; Gal. 6:7; 1 John 3:16-17).

To practice the principles of grace giving, eternal

priorities, and sacrificially meeting the needs of

the ministry.

#13 Teach believers biblical

principles of stewardship

#14 Communicate financial needs

in a positive manner

Church discipline is vital for thepurity, power, progress of the

church.(Matt. 18:15-20; Gal. 6:1-4).

Follow Biblical principles of discipline andrestoration for those in the body who are walking

contrary to..

#15 Develop a biblically basedprocess for restorative discipline

(see bylaws)

Confession (1 Cor. 11:28)

Adoration (Eph. 3:20).

Intercession and Petition

(Eph. 6:18-ff).

To practice and encourage effectual prayer for

others, for oneself and family, for the nation and

its leaders, and for the ministry.

#16See goal on Evangelism forprayer


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Biblical Basis for objectives and

goals

Broad statement of intent(what we want to accomplish)

A Narrow statement of intent to

carry out Objectives

Our Lords command is to make

disciples, not win converts.

But, before people can be disciples,they must become one.

Develop within the body of Christ awareness

and heart for reaching/winning people to

Christ.

Focus on conversion growth, which is growth by

gaining new believers rather than people who

simply come from another church.

Immediately and consistently nurture those who

accept Christ.

#1 Develop a list of non-Christians topray for (individually, corporately)

#2 Ask individual church members to

share testimonies of their experiencesof sharing the gospel

#3 Encourage building relationshipswith non-believers

#4 Conduct a meeting with Sonlifeleaders to develop clear goals for

Youth ministry

#5 Provide small group study materials

for mentoring for new believers like

Navigators Real Life Discipleship

Training Manual

The early church evangelized

corporately and individually

(Rom. 10:17; Lk. 10:2)

Plan corporate evangelistic events/ activities

designed primarily to present the gospel to

unsaved people.

Train believers how to personally lead people

to Christ (both formal and informal training)

#6 Conduct an evangelistic event every

quarter

#7 Conduct a You Can Tell It!

Evangelism seminar

Series By Evantell

Christians are called to live the Word

before unbelievers. (Titus 3:1, 8, 14;

Matt. 22:39; Luke 10:33; John 4:4f;

Gal. 6:10 )

Create frequent opportunities for people to

invite their unbelieving friends to events that

provide a natural link in the process of

evangelism.

(pre-evangelism)

Encourage and teach believers to build bridges

and develop relationships with the lost.

#8 Plan an event once a quarter

specifically to just build relationships

with non-believers

World Evangelization is Christs

command

Maintain a healthy balance of supporting local,

national, and global evangelismthrough giving,prayer, and participation.

#9 Develop a missions prayer and infosheet insert for bulletin

#10 Include a missions moment

once a month on Sunday morning to

focus on one of the missions

organizations and missionaries we

support


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Oak Lake Berean Church is affiliated with the Berean Fellowship of Churches. The Fellowship is committed

to a vision of Planting Churches, Making Disciples, and Reaching the World. (Link to Berean Fellowship

of Churches here:http://www.bfcnetwork.org/home

Brief History of the Berean Fellowship of Churches

On Sunday, August 21, 1932, thirteen people gathered in a North Platte, Nebraska, home. They came

not to start a movement that would have a worldwide impact but to pray together and hear teaching

from the Bible. God caused the group to grow as many people in the community placed their faith in

Jesus Christ.

Initially known as the Church of the Open Bible, in 1935 the fledgling congregation found a more

fitting name as The Berean Fundamental Church. Though the word fundamental has since lost

favor in our culture, to those founding families it had a wonderfully simple depth of meaning: their

church was based on the fundamentals of the Christian faith.

The name comes from the Bible. In the Acts of the Apostles is the historical account of a group of

people from the ancient Roman city of Berea. According to the Bible, these (Bereans) were more

noble-minded than those of Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining

the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so (Acts 17:11).

From this simple beginning God sparked a movement that, within a few years, would grow from town

to town across Nebraska and into surrounding states. Today, the Berean Fellowship comprises 60

churches in 8 states across the Midwest, Northern California and Southern Oregon, as well as Canada.

The Berean Fellowship was built upon a solid biblical foundation and has always placed special

emphasis on the authority of Scripture, the supremacy of Jesus Christ, and the importance of

advancing the gospel through personal relationships, church planting, and world missions.

Berean churches are organized in Districts. Berean pastors meet regularly as districts for fellowship,

encouragement, and prayer.

History of Oak Lake Berean Church

The Oak Lake Berean Church was begun 25 years ago by a Berean Fellowship pastor, Eugene Enns.

Gifted in evangelism, he and his wife Marsha were used of the Lord to plant and establish the church.

The church grew in number, and several ministries were begun that have impacted the lives of many in

this area. Sonlife Youth Camp and Kids Club ministry.In August of 1999 Eugene Enns left the church to become the director of Grace Mission.

A man who was saved under Pastor Eugenes ministry grew and became one of the church board

members. Eventually he was appointed as pastor, and served until 2010.

Religious background of church members: Baptist, Mennonite, Christian and Missionary Alliance,

Catholic, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, United, non-churched. We are not a blend of all these, but are the

types of religious backgrounds from which our members have come.
http://www.bfcnetwork.org/homehttp://www.bfcnetwork.org/homehttp://www.bfcnetwork.org/homehttp://www.bfcnetwork.org/home


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Occupational composition of church members: agricultural, trucking, healthcare, university, construction,

excavation, retired, sales and services.

Pastors

Eugene and Marsha Enns 1986-1999

Bryce Buckley 1999-2010

Interim: Gordon Simms Aug. 2011 to Jan. 2013

Ages and Gender: Sunday morning attendance is a mix of all ages (except teens)

Finances: No debt with reserve building fund

Facilities:

Sanctuary seats 80

Media: Excellent sound system and video projection

Lobby, Fellowship Hall, kitchen,educational room, office, nursery

Summer Bible Camp Facilities 16 Passenger Van, 66 Passenger bus

Building is a remodeled service station, with several additional facility updates since 1991.

Primary Ministries:

Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM

Kids club- Monday afternoons (school year)-avg. 10 children currently

SonlifeYouth (teen)on Friday nights 10-20 teens

Mens and Womens bible study (8-10 men) 5- 10 women

Summer Youth Bible Camp is an important ministry involving many teens and workers who also

come from Berean churches in the States.

Prayer night once a month

Leaders meet every Sunday (and as necessary) for study, discussion, planning, and prayer.

Format of Morning Worship

People come and fellowship from 10-11 AM

Service from 11 AM- 12:45 PM and fellowship till around till 1:00- 1:30 PM

Includes time for welcoming visitors

Music is country, contemporary worship, and a blend of hymns and praise songs.

Observance of the Lords supper generally on first Sunday of every month

Prayer and sharing time Potluck once a month

MISSIONS support

Grace Mission, New Tribes Mission, AIM, Gospel for Asia, Regina Rescue Mission, Radio Bible Class


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Church crisis and renewal

Over the past 10 years the church became ingrown. Seeds of discord grew over philosophy of ministry. Three

years ago it reached crisis stage. The pastor and several families withdrew from the church. Though they do not

want to be considered a home church, the pastor meets on Sundays in his home with a few families. Following the

split, the Berean leadership sought to bring resolution to the conflict by meeting with the dissenting pastor and

families. Attempts have been made to reconcile by the church leadership and the Berean District leadership with

the dissenting people, but both former pastor and several people have refused. Oak Lake Berean is currently

considered on mission status and thus under the leadership of the Berean Fellowship of Churches. The official

church board was dissolved and the Berean District leadership functions as the Official Board. A group of 4 men in

the church function as a temporary leadership team until an official board is established.

In the year following the split, the church continued to meet, with assistance from Berean leadership. Pulpit

ministry was primarily biblical teaching through DVD sermons from the Lincoln Berean Church.

Transitional Process

In August of 2011, the church called Gordon Simms, an interim pastor who is a member ofInterim Pastor

Ministries. He has led the church through a transitional time of healing, evaluation, refocusing, and planning for

future ministry. (See Appendix IV, Transitional Tasks)

The SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) is a tool to help match internal organizational strengths with

external opportunities to meet the needs of your constituents and community best. Think of the SWOT as a filtering tool to

assess your current strategic position. A good understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, your opportunities, and the

external threats is essential to the assessment.

A committed core of growing biblically qualified leaders

Current leaders want to grow and follow Biblical principles Good givers

Missions support

Camp Ministry

A welcoming and accepting atmosphere

Commitment to reaching youth, children through teens

A growing positive reputation in the community

A positive transitional time, setting the foundation for a healthy growing church

Foundation set for effective growth

Desire to be involved in mens and womens Bible study

involvement of people

small core of leaders overworked

informality vs. formality (structured vs. non-structured) tends toward informal and non-structured

Communication

The limited number of people


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OAK LAKE, Manitoba, Canada

Oak Lake, Manitoba is a town in the south-western region of Manitoba, Canada with a population of 360 people. It

is located 52 km (32 mi) west of Brandon along the Trans-Canada Highway. The town is located within the northern

part of the Rural Municipality of Sifton, while the lake after which it was named is just west of the town.During the late 19th century, the area around Oak Lake was a popular stopping point for fur traders and settlers

due to the large number of big oak trees (revered for their strength) located around the lake that could be used to

repair their wagons.

Demographics

Oak Lake's population is mostly white, with few visible minorities other than a small aboriginal population. The

nearby Sioux Valley Dakota Nation and Canupawakpa Dakota Nation are homes to a large community of First

Nations people.

Economy

The economy of the Oak Lake area is dominated by farming, although nearby Virden has a booming oil economy.The municipality and town share an office and employ a handful of people to manage the running of public

services. Other employers include the town's gas station, Valleyview CO-OP grocery store, Hutton Excavation,

Family Dining restaurant, Lewis Cattle Oilers Ltd., Kreutzer Garage, and several personal businesses. Other locations

for shopping are Virden, 15 minutes away, Brandon, 30 minutes away, and Winnipeg and Minot, ND each 2 hours

away.

Aside from agriculture, another significant economic resource in Oak Lake is tourism and recreation. The lake itself,

located approximately 15km (10 Miles) from town. Fisherman, water skiers, boaters will find a great place to enjoy

their hobbies and interests. In the Early 1800's several trading posts were located in this area. A favorite stopping

place for the freight carts and the settlers was the trading post on the shore of Oak Lake, where Oak Trees were

readily available for repairs to the wagons.

Whereas the doctrinal statement focuses on what we believe, our philosophy of ministry focuses on how

we approach ministry.

(Weve outlined our perspectives on What the Church is and is to do, in Appendices I, II, III )

How does a church structure for effective ministry ?....


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Since Oak Lake is currently considered a Mission Church, thepreliminary official board (POB)of a mission church

will consist of at least three individuals from the membership of the District Council of the Berean Fundamental

Church Council in which it is associated. The POB will provide spiritual leadership and conduct the business affairs

of the church. All other organizations and committees of the church are accountable to this board.A committee consisting of the pastor as chairman and at least two male church members will conduct all routine

business of the local church and be accountable to the preliminary official board.

Three Pastors from the 3 Rivers district are currently in place as the POB. This does not mean they micro-

manage things. They simply need to be notified of business related issues so they can render the needed decisions.

The Oak Lake Official board is not yet established. The new Pastor and will be part of organizing the local board.

(See Appendix V: Bylaws)

GENERAL ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The local church body is composed of one body with many members all of whom are in vital relationship

with Jesus Christ, but the body also has "joints of supply," units of control, and unity, i.e., church leaders (Eph.

4:16). This together suggests body participation under the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ with leadership

direction, submission and an authority in a two-directional manner.

First, the local government is invested in the body of believers who compose the local body under the

headship of Jesus Christ according to the Word of God and the ministry of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 18:20; Eph. 1:22-

23; 4:16; 5:21; Col. 1:18; 2:19).

Second, executive authority or leadership, however, is invested by the congregation, as authorized by

Scripture, in a Board of Elders who lead the church and to whom the congregation is to submit under the headship

of Christ. These men have the authority and responsibility to delegate to individuals, committees or other boards

(as a Board of Deacons) authority and responsibility to carry out the business or ministry of the church in spiritual

and physical (material) matters (Acts 20:28; 15:6; Eph. 4:11-12; Phil. 1:1; 1 Thess. 5:12-13; Heb. 13:7, 17).In using its delegated authority, and in making its decisions, the Board of Elders must seek to be guided by

the Scripture, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and by input from the congregation (Acts 20:32; 6:2-5a; 11:22; 15:22;

2 Cor. 8:19).

Principles of Organization1

1. Organize to Apply New Testament Principles and to Accomplish New Testament Purposes: Organization

must never become an end in itself. We must seek to develop structures for the church which will help us

accomplish New Testament purposes and objectives. When an organizational form ceases or fails to do

that, it needs to be abandoned.

2. Organize to Meet Needs According to Biblical Standards: We must never organize to organize. The New

Testament church organized only when a need arose and only as long as the need existed.

3. Keep Organization Simple: This follows the former. Organization must be functional to accomplish biblical

purposes, goals, etc., and to meet needs. A good test: is the structure serving the goals or has it become an

end in itself? Is it serving or is it being served?

4. Keep Organization Flexible: Biblical leaders were never locked into organizational structures.

1Gene Getz, Sharpening the Focus of the Church, Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois, 1974, p. 155f.


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I. Pastor Position defined:

The primary role of the Pastor of Oak Lake Berean Church shall be to provide, in partnership with the elders of

the Church, pastoral leadership, in order to equip the saints through loving, caring nurture and discipleship,

seeking to bring each believer to maturity in Christ.

2. Requirements:

A. Doctrinal Stability

B. Godly personal character (as specified in 1, 2 Timothy and Titus)

C. Pastors beliefs are consistent with the Constitution and By-Laws of the Church

D. Willing to affirm Berean Church Covenant

E. Philosophy of Ministry compatible with the Churchs Mission, vision, objectives and goals

3. Focus of ministry:

Pastoral leadership to help the church implement the Objectives and Goals of their strategic plan

A. Give pastoral leadership to the church

B. Provide training and guidance to the church leadership

C. Provide general encouragement based on clear biblical teaching

D. Work with the leaders and body to help deal with matters that affect future health and progress

E. Foster healthy interpersonal communication, and help oversee efficient management of the churchs

resources.

F. Facilitate spiritual and numerical growth by encouraging Gods people to love and serve God to His glory

Many churches bring on a pastor to develop a vision (his vision) for the church. While we are open to our new

pastors gifts and vision and input, we are not seeking a pastor who will develop his vision for our church. Ourchurch has a clear mission and vision, and we desire a pastor who will come and lead us in carrying these out.

We are seeking a pastor who will lead us as a team player in carrying out our mission and vision, and

objectives.

4. The job description is based on the following principles:

Our church recognizes that though every member is a minister, God has given to the church those who are

gifted to serve as pastor/teachers whose role is to equip believers for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11-

16). It is thus clear that church leaders are equippers whose agenda (priorities, allotment of time, and

duties) are to be ordered by the Word of God, not by the agenda of people following their cultural

expectations set by the traditions of men. We recognize the importance for the pastor to train the body ofsaints in the basics of the Word and delegate various aspects of ministry to other members of the body

according to their gifts and the Lords leading in each believers life.

The Pastor along with the church leadership team is responsible for the direction, thrust, and ministry of the

total church, including its priorities and spiritual vitality. As a leadership team, they should develop policy and

direction of ministry that is owned by the body of believers. From a biblical standpoint, teamworkmeans

sharing in the biblical responsibilities based on biblical goals, values, priorities, giftedness, training, and Gods

leading. The pastor, as leader among leaders, should build spiritual maturity in the leadership. We intend our

pastor to work through others by delegating both responsibility and authority to serve.


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5. Responsibilities

A. Teaching/Preaching Ministry

The Sr. Pastor at Oak Lake Berean Church is the primary Bible teacher. The Pastor will also be responsible

to work together with the leaders in giving direction to the Churchs other teaching ministries, and give

focus to the teaching efforts. In summary, the pastor shall be responsible to lead by teaching, clarifying,

training, educating, and protecting the fellowship in matters of Biblical teaching and interpretation.

B. The Churchs Meetings

The Pastor shall be responsible for the general oversight and leadership of the worship services, and otherspecial services and events. At his discretion, he may appoint others to oversee any area of Church services.

He shall give direction and guidance to those who may help him in this responsibility. He will foster a

plurality of leadership mentality, and encourage every believer to use their God-given gifts for the profit of

the whole body.

C. Shepherding

The Pastor shall be involved in the shepherding of the Church. His duties shall include the caring for, and

shepherding of, its members. This is not necessarily limited to a visitation ministry, neither does it exclude

it. This is primarily the spiritual care, and spiritual nurturing, that the members of the body need to grow in

their walk with God. Any counseling ministry shall not be to the detriment of the primary responsibility of

the preaching and teaching ministry of the Word. The Pastor must affirm the importance of shepherding

nurture and care spiritually, emotionally, and physically of the members of the assembly and shall helpshoulder that responsibility, and train others to do so.

D. Ministry Leadership and Oversight

The Pastor, as a leader among leaders, shall contribute to carrying out the Churchs Mission and Vision.

In partnership with the leaders the pastor shall look to God for the particulars of how to implement the

direction and goals of the Church.

E. Public Relations

As the Pastoral position is generally considered to be in the forefront and is the most recognizable of all

personnel positions at the Church, he shall be the one who normally interacts with the community at large,

i.e. the official church spokesman.

F. Additional Responsibilities

Shall be determined by the leaders in conjunction with the Pastor.

6. Accountability

The pastor will minister in cooperation with the Church board (elders), and they will be mutually

accountable to one another.

7. Termination (see bylaws)

8. Pastors Covenant

As a pastor of a Berean Fundamental Church, I will strive to exercise the duties of my office in such a way as to have a

clear conscience before God and man. Being in a position of spiritual leadership, I will prayerfully seek to maintain the

qualifications as given in I Timothy 3. I will strive to lead the flock of God in a balanced ministry of shepherding, teaching

and evangelizing. I will maintain a wholesome relationship with the Berean Fellowship of Churches and keep the local

church informed of its activities. Furthermore, I will seek above all things to promote the unity of the Spirit, being ready

always for suggestions when given for the glory of God and the furtherance of His work. I will seek to be sensitive to Gods

leading to know when my present ministry is completed and will graciously resign. If at any time I am unwilling to submit

to the authority of the official board or the Berean Fundamental Church Constitution, I want the official board to call it to

my attention. If I fail to be reconciled, I will resign immediately, and will quickly and quietly leave the field, causing no

trouble which would damage the church.

Documents

Ol Bc Profile Doc