Introduction
Our policy manual is a living document. On the one hand, it is timeless. Our foundational commitments are rooted in Jesus Christ who is the same yesterday, today and forever. On the other hand, it is already out of date. We are constantly updating the way we conduct our ministry and mission. We have roots in the unchanging ground of God, but ever growing branches and leaves reaching out to the world.
Policy and procedures exist to serve mission and ministry. Ministry and mission do not exist to serve policy and procedures!
Policies can help guide ministry, streamlining decisions and defining our mission field. They give members and staff security and consistency. But the way God leads us to enact ministry is constantly changing in order to meet the changing context of the world around us. Whenever policies and procedures inhibit enacting the mission of the church it is they, not mission, which must be changed. So even as you read this latest edition, already I’m sure there are places that need to be updated.
This living document is meant to be a tool for your leadership of the ministry and mission of the church. The policy manual is a servant of the shepherds of the church. In that sense, it is a shepherd’s staff. As such it is useful, but only if the shepherd knows how to wield it well for the benefit of the flock.
Fare forward, elders in Christ. Tend the flock entrusted to you with wisdom, grace, discipline and love.