AUXILIARIES
Church auxiliaries are created for the purpose of helping the Pastor reach every member of the congregation. Every member of the Church should belong to an auxiliary as this is how we serve the body.
Sunday School
Sunday School is an institution within the Rivers Ministry focused on instruction in doctrine, and moral living specifically designed for all ages within the membership. Each lesson is founded on biblical truths that are maintained within the Apostle's Doctrine. Sunday School is the vehicle used to introduce the principles of godliness as well as reinforce the doctrinal teachings of the ministry.
Board of elders
The Board of Elders is to assist the Pastor in every way possible. The Elders are to be an extension of the Pastor. Their duties include but are not limited to: visiting the sick, serving communion to the shut-in, and preaching and teaching in the Pastor's absence. An Elder should never work against his Pastor, but with his Pastor in caring for the church and its members. Elders are necessary for counsel to the Pastor, but should not make decisions for or without him. (Prov 11:14)
BOARD OF DEACONS
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Deacons are officers of the Church who are ordained by God to assist the Pastor, and must also be able to maintain, and upkeep the appearance of the Church. A Deacon must be full of the Holy Ghost, a man of wisdom, integrity and faithfulness he must also have the ability to be a good teacher. Like the Elder, he is an extension of the Pastor and when necessary must visit the sick or administer the Holy Sacrament.
The Board of Trustees is made up of men and women who possess and operate with skill in the area of business. It is their obligation to review and sign all notes, mortgages, contracts and agreements pertaining to the affairs of the Church.
PASTOR'S CABINET
The Pastor's Cabinet is responsible for preparing departmental guidelines, laws, and policies & procedures.
These suggestions will be submitted for review by the Board of
Elders and Deacons before being presented for the final approval by the Pastor. Members of the Cabinet include:
Finance Chairperson
Admin Chairperson
Senior Elder
Youth Minister
Minister of Music
Men's Ministry President
Women's Council President
Usher President
Hospitality Committee
Senior Deacon
Education-Sunday School Superintendent
Golden Ministry
These suggestions will be submitted for review by the Board of
Elders and Deacons before being presented for the final approval by the Pastor. Members of the Cabinet include:
Finance Chairperson
Admin Chairperson
Senior Elder
Youth Minister
Minister of Music
Men's Ministry President
Women's Council President
Usher President
Hospitality Committee
Senior Deacon
Education-Sunday School Superintendent
Golden Ministry
Neither of the entities aforementioned have the right to control the Pastor's vision or decisions, nor have the ability to vote to determine the final outcome of matters presented to the Pastor. The Boards and Cabinet will advise the Pastor based on the Word of God, and the Church Constitution and Bylaws to help carryout the vision. The procedures for all major decisions relating to the ministry will be conducted as follows:
- All matters will be presented to the Pastor's Cabinet to be discussed.
- They will then be passed on to the Boards for review, and then submitted to the Pastor for the final decision.
MEMBERS
Each member is a valuable entity of the Rivers Ministry. All play a vital role in this Ministry to help bring the vision into fruition. The Rivers holds each member to the highest regard, and opens full access to all the rights and privileges of the Church to each and every member.
Every member of the Rivers Church should desire the highest standard of holiness. Any member who drinks; smokes; commits adultery or fornication; steals; lies; gossips about another person (because of hearsay); is a busybody (in peddling slander and evil talk); is a backslider; or has an unclean mind should go back to the altar to be refilled with the Holy Ghost.
Division destroys a Church. It is caused by a carnal mind (I Cor 3:3 & Romans 16:17).
Therefore, we expect every member of the Rivers to walk worthy of their calling, to esteem the word of God highly in their lives, and edify the body of Christ in everything that they do.
Every member of the Rivers Church should desire the highest standard of holiness. Any member who drinks; smokes; commits adultery or fornication; steals; lies; gossips about another person (because of hearsay); is a busybody (in peddling slander and evil talk); is a backslider; or has an unclean mind should go back to the altar to be refilled with the Holy Ghost.
Division destroys a Church. It is caused by a carnal mind (I Cor 3:3 & Romans 16:17).
Therefore, we expect every member of the Rivers to walk worthy of their calling, to esteem the word of God highly in their lives, and edify the body of Christ in everything that they do.
MEN'S MINISTRY
THE KEEPERS OF THE FLAME
The Men's Ministry of the Rivers is dedicated to teaching practical concepts, spiritual principles, and biblical doctrine that will result in Christian manhood. The objective of this ministry, is to challenge spiritual living through examples of integrity, compassion and love. We believe that as we accomplish this goal we will inspire men to lead their families, this congregation and their communities into godliness.
WOMEN'S COUNCIL
The Women's Council is established to lift up Jesus Christ by empowering women to discover, and realize their leadership and ministry potential within the Church, home and communities. The mission of the Women's Council is to produce women of virtue through love and leadership, in teaching them to know Jesus passionately. Their objective is to serve and disciple women.
EXCELLENCE MINISTRY
Those who are called to Minister in any area of Ministry that directly affects the Rivers Membership, or its visitors fall under the Ministry of Excellence. As the face of the Ministry, it is this department's goal to create a positive interaction between God and His people. By portraying excellence in all that is said or done through its auxiliaries the "Excellence Ministry" purposes to be the tool that God uses to grant a "Life Changing Experience".
The Keepers of the Flame are a group of men within the Men's Ministry, who through fellowship seek to edify the brotherhood in the body of Christ. The focus of this group is to be a source of support and camaraderie for men as they fight the good fight of faith.
women's ministry
Women of Inspiration (WOI) is an inspiring group who ministers to the needs of women between the ages of 19-35. Their objective is to reach out to women who are hurting, hungry and have a desire to live holy. It is the desire of WOl to make whole the total woman through the means of fellowship
PERFECTING MINISTRY
Made up of the teaching elements of the Rivers Ministry, the Perfecting Ministry is dedicated to the edification and maturing of the body in all things godly. Using the Apostle's Doctrine and teaching of biblical principles, its motivation is to release wisdom, knowledge and understanding, causing our membership to become effective Sons of God.
YOUTH DEPARTMENT
The Youth Department is the platform used by the Rivers Ministry to bring our youth to a working awareness of God. Teaching the principles of ministry, through exposure to innovative methods of worship, we are influencing a generation to become excited about Jesus Christ.
Restoring Membership
If a person leaves the ministry or chooses to terminate their membership there will be a 6-12 month reintegration period into the Ministry.
ADMINISTRATION
All correspondence and all publications will go through the Church secretary for review and changes, then submitted to Bishop for final approval.
Absolutely no correspondence or publications will leave this ministry without being reviewed by the Church Secretary and the Bishop (no exceptions). All correspondence will be mailed out by the Church Secretary.
Duties of Auxiliary Secretaries:
Draft correspondence, and submit to Church Secretary for review. Final review will be done by the Bishop.
All flyers and any other publications will go through Church Secretary for review and changes, and then submitted to Bishop for final approval.
Absolutely no correspondence or publications will leave this ministry without being reviewed by the Church Secretary and the Bishop (no exceptions). All correspondence will be mailed out by the Church Secretary.
Duties of Auxiliary Secretaries:
Draft correspondence, and submit to Church Secretary for review. Final review will be done by the Bishop.
All flyers and any other publications will go through Church Secretary for review and changes, and then submitted to Bishop for final approval.
Cell Group
Cell groups are designed to help care for the "Rivers of Living Waters Family", to fulfill the scriptural mandate of exhortation, enlightenment, encouragement and evangelism in a small group setting. Their purpose is to fulfill the vision assignment under the direction of the Church while staying under authority, and being accountable to each other, and for each other until every member is committed to the faith, and lives with excellence. Cell Group Leaders serve as a helper to the Pastor to keep in contact with, and encourage the members. If there are challenges or problem situations facing the member, the Cell Leader is the first level of help. If further assistance is needed the Cell Leader will help that member get the proper source of help. The Cell Leader encourages their group during their meetings on their monthly goals, which is to bring one family into the local church, as well as pray for the salvation of the lost. Finally, the Cell Leader's job is to mentor, and train every member in the group to become a disciple. Each new member of the Church is to be assigned to a Cell Group upon joining the Ministry.
At that time the Cell Leader will:
At that time the Cell Leader will:
- Have member complete a data form.
- Have member enroll in Newcomers class.
- Introduce member to Women's Council, Men's Ministry or Youth Leaders (whichever applies).
- Have member meet with the Secretary to arrange a one on one meeting with the Bishop.
- Ensure member becomes active in a Cell Group.
Cell Group Structure
CELL GROUP LEADER
MENTOR
The persons appointed by the Pastor as the first line of communication between the membership and himself. These individuals are responsible for the accountability of those within their groups. Leaders of each cell are expected to effectively use officers of their group to meet the needs of members, and disseminate necessary information.
EVENT COORDINATOR
Person assigned by the Cell Leader from within the group to coordinate meetings and activities. This person's duties include proper preparation of meeting materials when necessary, determining adequate meeting places, and notifying the members of all events. The Coordinator will record and report the activities and effectiveness of each meeting.
YOUTH TRANSITION
Selected leadership that is assigned to assist the Cell Leaders in performing their general duties. The tasks of prayer and counseling are their primary focus. Along with the Cell Leaders, mentors are to encourage their members as examples of godliness.
MEMBER'S CARE
Members of the Cell Group that will work in the "Love Alive Group" to make sure that the needs of their group and the Ministry as a whole are met. Their duties include periodic contact with members, notification to the proper auxiliary of special needs. They will also assist Cell Leaders with disseminating information within the group at the Church.
The parent(s) is/are responsible to notify the Administrative department once a child turns the age of 18 years old. At which time the Administrative Department will assign the youth to a Cell Group. The Cell Group Leader will then be responsible to ensure that the youth attends New Comers Class.
Realistic Church Manners
- Always try to be on time for Church service. Please turn cellular phones off or put in the vibrate mode while in worship service.
- One should enter the sanctuary and pray - not talk. In the event that you do talk, please talk softly or whisper in church (even if service has not yet begun).
- When the piano or organ begins playing, please turn your focus to the experience.
- One should NEVER eat in the sanctuary, with the exception of bottle-fed babies. Smaller children should be taken outside for snacks.
- One should NEVER chew gum in the sanctuary.
- One should NEVER walk during prayer, scripture reading, during the sermon, when one is testifying, or during the altar call unless there is an extreme emergency. Use the outer aisles as much as possible when entering and exiting the Sanctuary. Avoid using the center isle as often as possible.
- Avoid walking across the altar when service is in session (only if directed).
- Children should be taught to respect the sanctuary. They should be taught by word and deed. They should be taught to walk and not run; whisper when they talk and only when absolutely necessary.
- Small children should be trained to go to the restroom immediately before church and during offering only. It is not an emergency for children to get water during service. Small children should sit with their parents.
- Avoid getting angry or showing ill feelings in the service.
- Please DO NOT leave bulletins, programs, or other literature in the seat. Take them with you.