Session Decides On New Staffing Model for Mount Olympus

At the February Session meeting, the elders unanimously adopted a proposal from Pastor Philip to fill the need for leadership from within our own congregation using unpaid staff people, instead of searching for an ordained Associate Pastor.

Unpaid staff positions will be filled by people who have the gifts, passion, and time to serve in a very specific area of ministry at MOPC. They will work from a defined job description, serving approximately 3-10 hours a week, depending on the nature of the ministry at any given time. These people will be considered and identified as part of the staff of MOPC. They will ultimately be accountable to the Head of Staff, Pastor Philip. They will need to show solid commitment to their area of ministry, and serve for the joy and gratification of doing significant ministry, and having an impact for the kingdom of God.

An example of this would be an Assistant for Pastoral Care, who assists Pastor Philip with home and hospital calls. Another example would be Director of Fellowship, who would oversee and nurture Care Groups, and be responsible for assimilating new people into MOPC by meeting with them to discover their gifts and helping them find a place in this church family.

Instead of one ordained person doing many things, we will have many gifted lay people doing many things.
The Session and Staff believe this is the right time for this for the following reasons:

· It affirms the “priesthood of all believers” (I Peter 2:5,9) and the giftedness of all believers through the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 12, Romans 12:4-8; Ephesians 4:7-13)
· We are at a unique time in our church when we can discover and affirm what resources the Lord has already blessed us with in our own congregation.
· We have a very gifted and biblically educated staff at present. Three people have seminary degrees, and one is preparing for ordination.
· We must grow and mature by taking responsibility for our church.
· We utilize people who already know MOPC, have a vested interested in it, and are available and eager to serve in significant ways for the kingdom of God.
· In the long run, we may be able to provide more and extensive leadership than we could through one person.
· It would build the health of this body of Christ.

If, down the road, we find there has been significant growth in our church, or there are other reasons warranting the search for an Associate Pastor, we have the freedom to do that.
Two people have already agreed to specific positions, and a third has come forward expressing a deep interest in a third position. Others are prayerfully considering accepting positions. We hope to introduce those people to the congregation soon after this model has been organized and put into place.

Are you interested in applying for one of the following staff positions? If so, call the office or Pastor Philip to talk about this and set up an interview. Do you want to write your own “Dream Job” at MOPC. We are open to that.

Here are just some of the positions for which we are seeking gifted, enthusiastic, and faithful people: (see www.mtopres.org and click on for the list. Or call the office to have one sent to you.)

Director of Communications: Design posters, fliers, brochures; gifts in graphic arts and writing; assist with newsletter; keep web site updated

Director of Technology: maintain computers; ability to learn and use Media Shout, Power Point, and like programs to enhance worship and events in the sanctuary

Director of Missions: Work with Local and Global Missions Team to organize missionary opportunities within MOPC; be in contact with ministries within Salt Lake City, and throughout the world.

Director of Fellowship: Oversee and nurture Care Groups; assimilate new people into MOPC by meeting with them and finding what are their passion and gifts.

Director of The Mount: Oversee organizational aspect; Find people to greet, staff coffee cart, work with children; Organize small groups or fellowship experiences, contact guests, provide promotion.

Director of Hospitality: Assist with planning of church receptions, funerals, weddings; enhance décor and signage of church to provide a welcoming environment; work with coordination of Greeters; make sure appropriate information is available in Gathering Area for visitors.

Director of ?????: What is your passion? Where are your gifts? If you could do anything within MOPC, what would it be?