Introduction
The Ministerial Vocation Committee and the Office of the Stated Clerk of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church are responsible for denominational vocational services. As part of the process of “matching” ministers and congregations, the Office of the Stated Clerk provides resources and advice to both pastors and congregational search committees. To that end, we ask congregations and ministers to complete information forms as an introduction to each other, and a first step in the process of calling a minister for a congregation. For both the individual pastor and the congregation, this is an opportunity for self-study and for evaluation of current ministry and goals. This calls for honesty, effort, and commitment to open communication.
The Church Information Form presents the local congregation’s history, challenges, and goals. It is our hope that this will be of help in facilitating the search process, assisting the church in focusing on future directions and pastors in gaining some sense of the nature and uniqueness of this congregation.
Contents
Part 1 / Church Information / Part 4 / Leadership ExpectationsPart 2 / Building/Financial Information / Part 5 / Church History
Part 3 / Church Characteristics / Part 6 / Other Information
Please return the completed document to:
Office of the Stated Clerk
Evangelical Presbyterian Church
17197 N. Laurel Park Drive, Suite 567
Livonia, MI 48152-7912
Phone: (734) 742-2020 Fax: (734) 742-2033
E-mail:
Part 1: Church Information
1.Name:Myrtle Grove Evangelical Presbyterian Church
Address: 800 Piner Road, Wilmington, North Carolina 28409
Telephone:(910)791-6179Fax:( )
E-mail:ebsite: myrtlegrove.org
2.Presbytery:Mid Atlantic Presbytery
Presbytery Ministerial CommitteeLiaison:Phil Stump
3.SearchCommittee Chairman:Ron Roughton
Address: c/o 800 Piner Road, Wilmington, North Carolina 28409
Telephone: (910)859-3468E-mail:
4.List all paid staffpositions
Steven Mattis / Senior Pastor / Full timeJim Glasgow / Associate Pastor / Part time
Michael Mattis / Next Gen Director / Full time
Naomi Tepper / Education & Missions Director / Full time
Matt George / Youth Director / Full time
Kathy Walden / Financial Administrator / Full time
Dean Hewett / Worship Director / Part time
Vicki McMahon / Administrative Assistant / Part time
Nathan Worrell / Facilities Manager / Part time
PositionAvailable: Senior Pastor
DateofVacancy:Senior Pastor to retire on or before January 2018
5.Membership (please state approximate numbers and percentages)
Fiveyears agoCurrently
A.Number of churchmembers~500~400
B.Number of familyunits
C.Worshipattendance~475~275
D.Profile of churchmembers
(1)Age:
9% 0-11 7% 12-18 7% 19-24 7% 25-34 9% 35-49
26% 50-64 35% 65+
(2)Occupation:
10% Business 30% Professional 10% Trades 5% Stay-at-home parent
% Agriculture 40%Retired 5%Other(Specify:unknown)
(3)Educational level ofadults:
10% Some high school 50% High school 30% College 10% Graduate school
(4)Percentage of members belonging to the congregation:
Less than oneyear 5%
5 years or less 20%
6-10years 20%
10 years or more 55%
(5)Racial/Ethnic composition ofcongregation:
% Asian 1% Hispanic 2% African American 97% Caucasian
% Other (Specify: )
6.Worship
A.Time: 10:00 am AverageAttendance: ~275
B.Frequency ofcommunioncelebration:12peryear
C.How are members involved in planning and participation in theliturgy/worship?
Worship team, prayer team, offering team, hospitality team, greeters, ushers, elders and deacons of-the-week, testimonies and missions/ministry promotions
D.Style of liturgy used in your worship (e.g., traditional, contemporary,variety):
Blended style
E.Type of music used in worship (e.g., traditional, contemporary,variety):
Blended style
7.Church/SundaySchool
A.Average attendance in Church School (under 18years):25
B.Average attendance in Adult Discipleship Classes(Sunday):80
8.Wider community setting (check as many asapply):
Location / Function / GrowthRural / Industrial / Growing
Small town / College/University / Static
Metropolitan / Agricultural / Declining
Suburban / Recreational
Inner City / Military
Approximate populationofcommunity200,000
Racial/Ethnic composition ofcommunity:
%Asian10%Hispanic20%AfricanAmerican70%Caucasian
%Other(Specify: )
9.Program Information: List major boards, committees and organizations that are part of your church and frequency of meetings (monthly, weekly,etc.):
Name / Purpose of Group / Number of members / Frequency of meetings / *Leadership roleSession / Governing church & support of pastors / 12 / Monthly / 2
Staff / Program planning & administration / 8 / Weekly / 1
Deaconate / Serving & helps ministry / 10 / Monthly / 3
Education & Discipleship Committee / Education & discipleship planning & oversight / 6 / Monthly / 3
Missions Committee / Missions planning & oversight / 10 / Monthly / 3
Staff Committee / Staffing plan & advice / 12 / Monthly / 3
Buildings, Finance & Property Committee / Finance & maintenance planning & oversight / 8 / As needed / 3
Nominating Committee / Nominating elders & deacons / 12 / Monthly / 3
Celebrate Recovery / Support/recovery ministry / 50 / Weekly / 2
Boy Scouts / Recreation/education / 30 / Weekly / 3
*Indicate leadership role expected by using the number below:
1.Pastor takes primary initiative andresponsibility.
2.Pastor and laity shareresponsibility.
3.Laity takes primary initiative andresponsibility.
Part 2: Building/Financial Information
1.Current annualbudget (2017):$790,000Last year’s annual budget (2016):$980,000
(See Appendix A – MGEPC 2017 Budget)
2.Percentage of income receivedtowardbudget (2016):97.8%
3.Amount contributed in 2016 (last completereportingyear) for:
A.EPC permembercontribution $7,475
B.EPC WorldOutreachMissionaries $9,000
C.EPCBenevolenceAskings $
D.Presbyterygiving $8,125
E.OtherMissions/Missionaries $173,000
4.Property owned bychurch
A.Describe buildings and property (other thanmanse).
All buildings and grounds are completely owned (debt-free), including: the Sanctuary, which seats approximately 475; the Administration Wing, which includes 7 offices, a meeting room and a library; the Education Wing, which includes 17 classrooms;the Family Life Center, which includes a full gym, stage, great room, picnic pavilion and ball fields; the Fellowship Hall, which seats 150, and a recently modernized kitchen. We also own a house for missionaries.
B.Are your buildings adequate for your present program? Yes No If no, pleaseexplain:
C.Is a building programprojected?
Yes No If yes, describe what and when and projectedcost:
D.Does the church own a manse? Yes No
Condition:GoodFairPoorNumberofbedrooms: Office/study: InChurch InManse Notprovided Other:
5.Compensation:
A.The salary range we are prepared tooffer (total compensation package):
Position:Senior Pastor$65,000 – $80,000(depending on experience)
B.The average annual increase over the past three yearsis: None
Position:$or%
C.Housing (included):
Housing allowance
Manse only
Either of the above
D.Benefits andexpenses (included/optional):
12% includedPension (minimum 10% gross effectivesalary)
OptionalMedicalinsurance
IncludedLifeinsurance/LTD
OptionalSocialSecurity
OptionalTravel/mileage
$250 additionalBookallowance
2 weeksStudy leaveallowance
4 weeksAnnualvacation
As neededNumber of worship services (in addition to vacation andstudyleave) for which pastor is provided relief (peryear)
Other(Specify:)
Part 3: Church Characteristics
Circle the number that most closely describes the current congregation characteristics and future goals:
Ourcongregation… Currently / GoalAgreeDisagree / AgreeDisagree
- Supports the pastor.
- Readily shares their gifts with the rest of the congregation.
- Places a high priority on sound biblical preaching.
- Gladly welcomes visitors and new members.
- Is involved in local evangelistic ministries.
- Is often found living their faith in their communities.
- Has a spirit of unity.
- Cares about each other.
- Looks to its Session for leadership.
- Ministers well to members who are hurting.
- Uses members’ gifts in its worship.
12. Contains people willing and able to lead the congregation. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
13. Is capable of change when and where appropriate. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
14. Is spiritually alive. / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4
15.In what ways does your church participate in ecumenicalactivities?
National Day of Prayer, Global Day of Prayer, Lifeline Pregnancy Center, Good Shepherd Home, I See Him Ministries, Thanksgiving Project, IF Women's Ministry, Life Chain, Christian concerts
16.Describe the strengths of yourcongregation:
- Most are committed followers of Christ desiring to grow in their faith.
- Strong value for worship, and being led by the Spirit.
- Strong value for God's Word and discipleship. Many are mature believers who are able to teach/disciple others.
- Strong value for intercessory prayer.
- Strong value for supporting global missions. A number of missionaries have been called and sent from our congregation.
17.List specific problems with which your congregationstruggles:
- We no longer have a common sense of God's calling, vision and purpose for us as a church.
- Many have more of an internal focus, rather than an external, missional focus.
- Many are challenged in growing as a true community across cultural and generational groups.
- A significant portion of our members are at or near retirement age, and are challenged in engaging in ministry and outreach.
- Lack of strong, consistent leadership. Frequent changes of pastors and staff over the years have resulted in a number of members leaving.
18.List major goals that this congregation has set foritself:
- Seek to understand and engage fully in God's renewed calling, vision and purpose for us as a church.
- Grow as a loving, serving, multi-cultural and multi-generational church community.
19.Has there ever been disciplinary action taken against a pastor of yourcongregation?
Yes No
20.Hasthereeverbeenanydisciplinaryactionagainstanelderordeaconofyourcongregation?
Yes No
If you answered “Yes” to either 19 or 20, please explain:Two different cases of elders involved in moral lapse, resulting in disciplinary action by the Session and their respective resignations.
21.Have you completed a mission statement, vision statement and/or a strategic plan for your congregation?
Yes (See Appendix B – MGEPC Vision and Mission Statement, 2014)
Part 4: Leadership Expectations
1.Whatfivekeycharacteristics/gifts/skillsshouldapersonbringtotheposition?
- Fervent in his faith, filled with the Spirit, and seeking to grow.
- Able to preach and teach God's Word, and to make disciples.
- Able to lead the congregation in understanding and engaging in God's renewed calling, vision and purpose for us, including leading by example.
- Able to lead us in growing as a true community across cultural and generational groups.
- Leadership and administrative skills – team-building, effective delegating, strategic planning, training and mentoring, ensuring open communication and encouraging.
Part 5: Church History
- Whatdoyouconsidertobethethreemostimportanteventsinthehistoryofyourchurch?
- Experiencing early growth and multiplication of the church under the leadership of Senior Pastor, Horace Hilton.
- Seeing many of our members raised up to start local ministries, and many called and sent as missionaries to advance God's kingdom around the world.
- Planting two sister churches in the Wilmington area, and helping to start a Christian school and a Christian high school.
- Partnering with the predominantly Muslim Aringa people of Uganda, and with the Logo people of DR Congo, and helping to bring them the New Testament in their own languages.
- Seeing God bless and grow Power Camp, a summer program for youth, through which over two thousand young people have been impacted by the Gospel.
- What do you consider to be the most interesting and challenging event in the life of your church in the last three years?
- The most impactful events included celebrating two New Testament dedications with the Aringa and Logo people, respectively, after decades of sacrifice, prayer and trusting God.
- The most challenging event has been seeking to hear and engage in God's renewed vision and purpose for us, and growing as a true multi-cultural and multi-generational church community.
Part 6: Other Information
1.List the last three persons inthisposition:Position:Senior Pastor
NameDates ofService
Steven MattisApril 2009 to present
Jim Glasgow 2007-2009
Guy Glass2004-2006
2.Other significant factors about our church not covered in previousquestions:
A.The Myrtle Grove leadership (i.e. the Session and Senior Pastor) is exploring the possibility of implementing "Policy Governance" as a tool for leading the Church. Dr. Phil Graybeal has been instructing and advising us in this pursuit. He can be contacted at . His telephone number is (864) 380-5206.
B.As noted in Myrtle Grove's advertisement for the Senior Pastor position, the candidate must be filled with the Spirit, and open to and growing in the gifts of the Spirit operating in his personal life and in the Church. Therefore, the candidate must be knowledgeable of what the Scriptures teach concerning the gifts of the Spirit, and able to lead church services when the gifts of the Spirit are manifested. For more information on Myrtle Grove's interpretation of the Scripture passages in question, the candidate may request the position paper "Spiritual Gifts", approved by the Myrtle Grove Session January 6, 1992.
Bob Glasgow Ron Roughton
Clerk of Session Search Committee Chairperson
Date:Jan 25, 2017 Date: Jan 25, 2017
Appendix A – Myrtle Grove EPC 2017 Budget
Department / Department Description / 2017 Budget5 / Administration / $29,650
10 / Missions and Missionaries / $120,273
20 / Children's Ministry / $9,250
30 / Pastors / $8,900
31 / Pastoral Care/Prayer / $11,175
43 / Personnel / $311,053
45 / Property / $172,564
50 / "Voyage" – High School / $11,800
60 / Finance / $4,000
61 / Music/AV / $36,240
62 / Missions/Evangelism / $1,200
64 / Capital Projects / $11,000
65 / Young Adults / $4,500
67 / "Collide" – Middle School / $10,000
68 / Other Outreach Benevolences / $48,450
Total Budget - 2017 / $790,055
Appendix B – Myrtle Grove EPC Vision and Mission Statement, 2014
We understand that the vision and mission of God center around three timeless biblical truths:
The Great Commandment:Matt. 22:34-40 Jesus said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and the great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
The Great Commission:Matt. 28:18-20 "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you."
OUR VISION (OUR PURPOSE) AT MYRTLE GROVE:
We aspire to be an intergenerational church committed to making fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ:
*LOVING GOD (Interactive Relationship with God)
*LOVING OTHERS (Intimate Connection with Others)
*SERVING THE WORLD (Significant Impact on the World)
OUR MISSION AT MYRTLE GROVE:
We aspire to train and encourage our people to Love God interactively and passionately:
*Attend worship services weeklyto Love Others through intimate connections;
*Participate in a small group or missional community weeklyand to Impact Our World through authentic relationship-building and serving people as Jesus would do if He were here.
*Serve others in and outside of the church weekly
EPC Church Information Form 20151