Council

Our elected leadership team is empowered to make decisions that advance our stated mission and guide us toward our vision.

Council Members

Our Process of Decision Making

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourself. Let each of you look not only to your own interest, but to the interests of others.– Philippians 2:3-4

Every member of Trinity Lutheran Church has a role to play in the life of the church and in the decision making process. It is expected that the staff, the elected leaders and the members of Trinity will work in harmony to create a loving atmosphere and shape a positive vision for our future. We can best do this with conviction and broad support when we share a common understanding and a mutually supported set of values.

Expectation Of Council

Our constitution outlines specific duties and gives broad authority to our elected congregation council to carry on the oversight of the ministry of our congregation within the parameters of the budget. Together with the professional staff, the council focuses a vision, sets goals, offers programs, handles all day to day operations within the budget, provides for worship, sees that the needs of the members are addressed and hires staff as needed.

When we elect a congregation council at our annual meeting we empower them to act and we trust them to make all necessary decisions in accordance with the Word of God and the constitution of our congregation. Our leaders are expected to make well informed, thoughtful and Christ centered decisions. We expect our elected leaders to be grounded in prayer and love. They are expected to listen, to inform and to faithfully lead our church.

Our constitution ensures that, through specified terms of office, we will have ongoing change in our leadership positions.

Expectations of Members

It is the duty and delight of our members to pray for, support and trust our elected leadership team. This too is part of the decision making process in a Christian church.

It is also the responsibility of each member to get informed on issues and opportunities that need to be decided by the assembled congregation and to cast thoughtful and prayerful votes at congregational meetings. We all have certain desires and perspectives. As such, we may not all agree on every matter before us. However, if a congregational vote establishes a decision or direction it is expected that all members will accept the decision with hope and good cheer.

It is expected that every person will find constructive, positive and supportive ways to move forward from any congregational decision.

Congregational Meetings

Our most important decision making body is the assembled membership at congregational meetings. The assembled congregation has final authority in all matters.

At least once each year the congregation meets to conduct business, elect new council members (the pastor is automatically and permanently a member of the council) and establish a budget for the council to use as they endeavor to guide and prosper the work of our church.

Periodically the congregation meets to decide other vital matters such as calling a new pastor, selling property, buying property, borrowing money or making other major decisions.