Coming into a new place can be confusing, exciting, or downright scary. At times, it may feel like you are walking through a maze; you just aren’t sure where to turn.

I hope this information will help you find your way into one of the many fulfilling programs we offer here at OUMC.

Your involvement beyond the Sunday morning worship experiences will, in large part, determine your level of satisfaction with the church. It is through your involvement in a program or ministry that you can form deep friendships, use your unique gifts and talents in service to others, and partner with God himself to make a difference!

Come with me as we explore the many ways you can become involved in the life of the church...

How Do I Get Involved?

The Program Ministry Teams at OUMC are built around our belief that as a church we have five primary purposes. Our purpose statement defines these five as bringing people to Jesus, developing them to Christ-like maturity, equipping them for their ministry in the church and their life mission in the world, in order to magnify God. To accomplish these purposes we work through five program ministry teams. Each team’s ministry is described below as well as ways you can get involved in one of their ministries.

Evangelism Team

The Evangelism Team seeks to fulfill the first of the five main purposes of the church…to bring people to Christ. Our ministry is to promote the programs of the church to the community and to equip our members to share their faith in everyday life. The passion of the team is to bring people to a place where they can hear God’s message and experience the love of Jesus.

Evangelism ministries include:

Community outreach
Servant evangelism
Concerts
Sporting events
Marketing; brochures, internet
Graphic design

Education Team

The Education Team seeks to fulfill the second of the five main purposes of the church…to develop people to Christ-like maturity. Our ministry is to help persons to grow in their faith and in their knowledge of the Bible. In addition we encourage members to discover their spiritual gifts and utilize them in a meaningful ministry to others. The education team also designs children’s programs which nurture spiritual growth at age appropriate levels. See Children’s Ministries for a complete list of children’s programming.

Education ministries include:

Sunday School classes
Promiseland Children’s Ministry
Nursery and Preschool Ministries
Vacation Bible School
Life Development Classes

Congregational Care Team

The Congregational Care Team seeks to fulfill in part the third of the five main purposes of the church. The church seeks to provide caring, nurturing ministries to meet the needs of our growing congregation. Our Congregational Care Team has organized a network of caring persons who are ready to help families in a time of need. In addition, the team creates fellowship opportunities where relationships can grow. The team does this through the following ministries:

Bereavement ministry
Parish Nursing Team
Emergency Response Team
Small group care leaders
Hospitality team
Sing for Joy nursing home outreach
Office volunteer staff
Congregational fellowship events
Church community softball league

Missions Team

The Mission Team seeks to fulfill the fourth of the five main purposes of the church…to equip people for their life mission in the world. The mission team is a vital part of the church’s ministry both locally and globally.

Mission Ministries include:
Share and Care – identifies families who need a help in the community
Tape Ministry – reaches out to home-bound members
Bethlehem Center – Chattanooga inter-city ministry
Miracle Lake – a prison ministry outreach
Samaritan Center – varied ministry to the local community
Global Missionaries and Projects – prayer and financial support.

Worship Team

The Worship Team seeks to fulfill one of the five main purposes of the church…to magnify God. The worship team encompasses the artistic ministries of the church as well as supporting and enhancing both Sunday morning services. The passion of the team is to communicate the message of Christ through contemporary and relevant means, including media, drama, practical teaching, contemporary music, etc.

Worship ministries include:

Vocalists
Choir and Instrumentalists
Praise Team and Band
Ushers and Greeters
Lay Readers
Drama Team
Altar Guild
Craftsman, Set Designers, Scenic team
Prayer Partners
Technical support; audio, video, and computer graphics

Who do I call if I want to get involved?

Eric Light - (Director of Connectional Ministries) - 238-9216