Salem's Five Year Ministry Plan

Adopted 1-30-11

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” - Ephesians 3:20

The challenges are many but God’s power at work in us is boundless. This encouraging truth propels us forward as we plan for the next steps in Salem’s ministry.

The purpose of the Ministry Plan is to communicate the major undertakings that we plan to accomplish in the next 5 years. It is a plan. There is no guarantee that this plan will occur exactly as it is laid out, nor is there any assurance that the Lord will give us the resources to carry out the plan. However, it is a means of communicating to the congregation what we want to do. We then ask the Lord to bless the plans and to provide the resources of time, treasure, and talent to carry it out. This 5 year plan does not spell out all the details. It outlines intended progress and serves to guide the leaders of the congregation towards making detailed plans of action and prioritizing the next steps.

We will always be guided by God’s eternal truths and, as he provides, we pursue His glory in our mission at Salem in undertaking the following:

1. Reaching More Souls

   Christ’s Great Commission compels us to share the good news of salvation. To reach more people with the Gospel, all members will actively and faithfully use the unique gifts that God has given to them to reach more souls. New members will be equipped to become active in the church and in the spreading of the Gospel. Salem’s current membership stands at 878. We will expand our evangelism efforts and with God’s blessings we pray our congregation will grow.

   “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” - 1 Corinthians 12:27

2. Pastoral Ministry & Worship Services

   We recognize that the Holy Spirit gives overseers to shepherd his flock of believers. We also recognize that our pastors share the Word of God in its truth and purity. No later than 2016 Salem will have at least three (3) full-time pastors. Each pastor will have a specific area of ministerial focus based upon the gifts God has given him. These areas of focus will complement and enhance each other for the nourishment of Salem’s entire family of believers and for the spreading of the Gospel. Focusing on the Means of Grace we will provide the best in worship to promote the Gospel message.

   “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” - Luke 12:48

3. Manning Avenue Property

   We believe that the Means of Grace—the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Word and Sacrament—creates and strengthens faith.  Every one of our ministries flow from the Spirit’s work through these Means. Our sanctuary has always been the place where we celebrate this special gift from God. By 2016 we will break ground on a new sanctuary and early childhood education center on the Manning Avenue property. The sanctuary will be highly visible from Manning Avenue and will feature flexible seating for 600 people. The narthex will provide a large gathering space for fellowship and growing together in faith. Accompanying space will include a large flexible area conducive for use for Bible study, Sunday school, meetings, and dining. The space will also include a modern and ample kitchen. All spaces will feature aesthetically pleasing design elements to help focus people’s minds on God and his glory.

   The new early childhood education center will complement the early childhood education center that will still be in existence on our present site (but will have moved into the school building). The new early childhood education center will allow us to better serve those living in the residential developments to the west of Stillwater.

   Finally, the property will allow us to reserve future space for an expanded school, athletic fields, Pioneer areas, for a senior housing development, community center and other options not yet imagined.

   “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house.” - 1 Peter 2:5

4. Salem’s Locations

   Salem’s existing location will be busy with the school and early childhood education center. Salem school will reach enough students to have two full classrooms per grade by 2021. We will have the potential to expand the school in some way on one property or the other.

   Teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” - Matthew 28:19

5. Salem is committed to Christian Education and Spiritual Growth. We view helping our people grow in faith from the cradle to the grave as a responsibility and privilege that God has given to us. One night each week a special school/family/educational night will take place. Events will be designed to reach all members of Salem’s family of believers (at both the current site and on the Manning Avenue property).

 “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” - Proverbs 16:3

Accomplishing all of this will require much prayer, time, and financial and personal sacrifice. We can’t forget that God has already graciously provided us with everything we need to do what he wants us to do. Nothing is impossible for him! God has graciously allowed us the privilege to march forward, as a family of believers, focused and driven to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength." - Philippians 4:13