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Who is in charge of the church, such as finances, staffing? What is the hierarchy?
Many evangelical churches use a congregational model of church government. A congregational church is self-governing (autonomous), making their own decisions—with big decisions ultimately being voted on by the congregation. It’s nothing new. The Pilgrims who first came to America were all congregational. That’s one reason they came here: to be free as a church to call their own pastor, and to do ministry as they saw fit as they were led by God’s direction.
Woodland is congregational, but is a member of the Southern Baptist Convention. That allows us to cooperate voluntarily with tens of thousands of other Southern Baptist churches for missions, seminaries, humanitarian relief and more. A part of your offering we give to the Southern Baptist Convention.
At Woodland, ministry direction, leadership, teaching, and vision are given by the pastor and ministry staff, but three key lay committees provide accountability. Our church Stewardship Committee is ultimately over our finances and is appointed by the congregation each year. They set and present the budget and the congregation votes on it each October in a business meeting. Key personnel decisions, salaries levels, and policies, are approved by the Personnel Committee. Our Deacons are selected by the church, serve the church, pray over the sick, help serve the Lord’s Supper.
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