Operations Track
Not all individuals who are called to be in ministry are called to be pastors, worship leaders, work with the youth or be in the “front of the house.” Many of us are called to use our gifts and talents to provide support or minister from “behind the scenes.” In this track, we will learn about the many unseen but critical roles involved in supporting the ministry and growth of the local church, as well as advancing the mission of the ministry. We will train students on the mindset and heart necessary to thrive in a ministry support position and equip them with resources and techniques that can be applied to a future role. We will provide them with an overview and general foundation of the behind-the-scenes departments, including Database Management & Ministry Support Software, Administrative Assisting, Facilities & Maintenance, Café, Events & Conference Teams, Assimilation, Reception, Business Office, Project Management, and much more. This will be accomplished through a combination of hands-on training, teaching and discussions, guest speakers, shadowing relevant staff, and reading assignments.
Operations Track Objectives
Upon completion of this first-year track, students should be able to:
- Learn about the mindset and heart necessary to be successful in a behind-the-scenes ministry role
- Learn why database management and data collection is critical
- Learn the importance of tracking an individual or household’s story and how that is used to better minister to them
- Learn about the types of software programs the church uses to support the ministry departments and the “why” behind them
- Gain a general understanding about each behind-the-scenes departments/roles and learn about their daily operations:
- Facilities & Maintenance
- Café
- Administrative/Executive/Pastoral AssistingBusiness Office/HR
- Reception
- Database & Ministry Support
- Project Management
- Assimilation
- Learn and experience what goes into planning and carrying out a ministry conference or event
- Learn effective tools for successful communication within a team or between individuals
- Become proficient in Excel and other relevant software programs
Operations Track Requirements
Prerequisites:
Basic biblical principles, i.e. foundation in God’s Word, prayer, and communication
Proficient in computer basics, Google Docs, and Microsoft Word
Ability to submit to authority and be a servant
Pass a background check
Complete a non-disclosure form
Needed Equipment:
Laptop or tablet with internet capabilities
Required Texts or Materials:
In Search of Timothy by Tony Cooke
The Search For Significance by Robert McGee
Under Cover by John Bevere
Operations Track Weekly Schedule (14 hrs + homework):
Days / Times
Wednesdays 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Wednesdays 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Saturdays 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Saturdays 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.*
Sundays 8:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.*
*(Weekend hours include shadowing, serving on a Dream Team, and attending one service in person.)
The Operations Track includes church events and holiday assignments (i.e. church activities, conferences, Thanksgiving, Christmas) and may require extra hours during those times.