Hartsville Presbyterian Church
1) How many VINE groups can I join?
There is no rule for this, but we would like you to concentrate on one group in order to keep the group sizes small. However, if you believe that you could make contributions to more than one group, then you are welcome to do so.
2) What is the ideal size of a VINE group?
The ideal size is 3-4 participants so that it is convenient to meet and to allow for more active participation by each member.
3) Do you need web design or computer skills to be a member of the Promotions and Outreach group?
No, we can hire people to do the technical work. However, if we have members within the church who have these skills, we would love for them to get involved. We hope the VINE groups will make the Session aware of unknown talents and skills of members of the congregation.
4) How often will the groups meet?
That depends on the nature and urgency of the group project. The group should probably plan to meet at least once per quarter, but expect to meet more often during a project.
5) Is there a group leader?
We need someone to represent the group before the Session when presenting ideas or project results. One of the goals of the VINE groups is to develop ministry leadership within the congregation.
6) Will we have guidance at our meeting?
Yes, the Session, mercy ministry coordinators or church office will be glad to suggest projects that need thought or action. We have plenty of work that needs to be done. A church leader would be glad to visit a group meeting at any time to help describe needs that need to be met.
7) This sounds like a lot of administrative work, how does it help the mission of the church?
Yes, there is administrative work involved, but we recognize that no one likes administrative work just for the sake of administration. We are using the book The Trellis and the Vine for our model. It is necessary to have adminstrative work, but it is work that develops structure (the trellis) to help the church spread the gospel and to do ministry (the vine).
8) From The Trellis and the Vine, (pg 183),
"If we are encouraging people to start their own ministries, using their gifts and opportunities, won't the whole thing become a bit messy and chaotic?
Yes, And your problem with that is ...?
The fact is that many of us are 'control freaks', and place too much value on having everything neat and tidy and under control. A bit of messiness is inevitable in people ministry.
However, the kind of control that is needed is the control of sound doctrine and godly character. Some administrative or organizational chaos can be managed, but the chaos of sin or false teaching does real damage. This is why it is so important to train people in conviction, character, and competence so that the ministries they are involved in are godly and Bible-based."