What kind of leadership structure does New Hope have? How are decisions made?
New Hope has several categories of leadership. We have a Pastoral Staff that oversees the regular operation and ministry of the church. We have a Leadership Team (Board of Directors). The Leadership Team handles responsibilities ranging from support to accountability. We also have a Finance Team that serves as an advisory body, reviewing financial reports and processes, keeping an eye on the long-range financial picture, and providing accountability.
Our Small Group leaders provide front-line pastoral care for the people who attend their groups. This is where people build close relationships and our Small Group Leaders' provide guidance, encouragement, and support.
According to Scripture, participation and involvement in a local church is expected of a believer. At New Hope Church, we view our members as partners. Partnership implies participation and involvement. New Hope is not a club, rather we are a family on mission and our partners are an important part of accomplishing our mission.
We also have Ministry Team Leaders who direct our volunteer teams.
We have a partner vote for our Ministry Plan (annual budget). The Leadership Team is approved by the congregation.
What kind of church is New Hope?
You could call us non-denominational because we are self-governed and own our property. Others refer to us as inter-denominational because we have people from many different backgrounds. As you can tell, a single label just doesn’t quite fit!
What most people want to know is that we are a fully independent church! There are no outside authorities or boards that control us as in other denominations.
In order to maximize ministry and to minimize maintenance, New Hope operates with a simple structure. Rather than “voting” on most issues of ministry, we will seek to delegate responsibility to those who are faithful and capable. Voting is reserved for Partners for the following issues:
• Ministry Plan (annual budget)
• Purchase of land or building
• Hiring/firing of the senior pastor
Even though we are an independent congregation, New Hope is purposely affiliated with several organizations that share our mission. We work together with a wide variety of churches, ministries, and organizations that have a similar heart for things that matter to God.
New Hope's Staff members all stand as examples of dedication and personal sacrifice for something they believe in so deeply, but they are only a few people. New Hope would not be here were it not for the members and attendees who give up their weekdays, weeknights, and weekends; who offer their time, their businesses, their talents, their equipment, and who even miss the service to build, repair, sing, perform, set up, take down, watch our children, shop, and transport, just to name a few things.
Oversight
The Leadership Team handles responsibilities ranging from support and accountability of the Senior Pastor, financial review, policy issues that affect the congregation, and other matters that require spiritual maturity and wisdom. We also have a Constitution and By-Laws that guide us and that this Team oversees for us.
The primary responsibility of the Finance Team is to provide oversight of New Hope’s finances. The Finance Team is not involved in day-to-day operations, but rather serves as an advisory body, reviewing financial reports and processes, keeping an eye on the long-range financial picture, and providing accountability. The team meets once per quarter on a weekday evening, and other times as necessary. Members of the team have a good understanding of organizational finances to be able to participate in reviewing financial statements, budgets and other such documents.
Finance Team Responsibilities:
- Ministry Plan (annual budget) review
- Monitor financial performance
- Assess internal controls/safeguards
- Review annual audit or review conducted by outside firm
- Evaluate long-term commitments
- Review investments’ performance
- Long-term financial planning
- Other matters as deemed appropriate by the Leadership Team
Each year, a Ministry Plan (annual budget) is presented to the church body for review, analysis, questions, and approval. The operating budget is fundamental to our accountability, transparency and integrity. An independent certified public accounting firm performs an annual audit of our finances.