Commitment
ECC has a clear vision and deep passion for all ages to honor God through worship, discipleship, teaching, spiritual direction, community, outreach and compassion. This vision has led the ECC congregation to grow staff, space and budget allocation to meet the many needs and challenges that come with these ministries. The following are specifically some of the areas that flow from the decisions ECC has made to honor Christ well and to obey his call in our life in this season of our life together.
Worship:
We believe it is good and right to give God priority and honor in our life as individuals as well as a community. This is seen by supporting pastors to teach and preach from God’s Word as well as a worship pastor that has a heart to lead us into worship well. Worship growth and development not only happens Sunday morning but through other special worship events as well as small groups and one-on-one meetings. A major component of our worship does happen on Sunday morning which is why we’ve committed to building and funding a beautiful well equipped God focused sanctuary, drawing many into the presence of God through sight and sound.
Children:
We believe that teaching, discipling, and caring for children is very important to our Body. To do this well we have a part-time children’s minister to teach, coordinate, plan and inspire children as well as adults toward the love and teachings of Christ. We also have funded space for children’s learning and developmental needs through classrooms, gym and chapel.
Youth:
We believe that teaching, discipling and caring for adolescents in a specific way is highly important to our church. We have expressed this through a full-time youth pastor position which we feel is necessary to develop an intentional youth ministry for middle and high school students. We also have funded space for youth through a youth room and gym as well as giving access to the rest of the church for various learning and playing opportunities.
Women:
We believe that women need a special place to gather for encouragement, fellowship and teaching leading to deepening spiritual growth. The building offers outstanding space and equipment for such meetings offering a place for small and large groups, places of worship and study, multi-media options and a kitchen to prepare special treats or meals. We desire to support and train leaders which are so vital to this ministry. We also desire to support this ministry beyond our walls through special retreats, home meetings and various celebrations.
Men:
We believe that men need a special place to connect for support and furthering their faith. This happens through the support and guidance of a pastor and providing special places and times to meet as seen with the weekly men's breakfast (at church), a series of connecting events, and a yearly retreat.
Small Groups:
We believe community and discipleship effectively happens in small trusted gatherings. To do this we host a variety of opportunities for people to walk with a few others on a deeper level including everything from couples groups, Alpha (intro to the Christian faith), Good Sense budget course, recovery 12 step groups, young married gatherings, etc.
Mission:
As seen above, we believe it is central as followers of Christ to bring God’s love and compassion to a hurting, lonely and broken world. One way we lean into this call is by supporting missionaries that have been sent around the globe. We also have committed to maintain a long term relationship between our ECC community and Ameya, Nicaragua. We also believe that mission not only happens in places far away but in our backyard. We are pleased and honored to be able to partner with a host of local agencies to meet some of the needs within our region.
Benevolence:
There are people who come to our church that need help with food, utility bills, rent, etc. Most of these folks get redirected to other organizations, but we are committed to grow this ministry so that we can have an active hand in helping those who come to us with a need. We deeply desire to provide assistance for those facing difficult times.
Staff:
As seen above, ECC has desired to be led well by staffing the ministries of the church with full-time and part-time pastors, ministers and followers of Christ. Currently, we have committed to 4 full-time pastors, 1 part-time children’s minister and 3 part-time support staff.
Care, Counseling & Spiritual Direction:
All staff at ECC are devoted to giving ear and presence when needs come up. Depending on the staff person and/or pastor, this happens through care, counseling and spiritual direction to individuals and groups who express a need. Of course care, counseling and spiritual direction go far beyond just the staff as the Body ministers to one another by the work and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Facility:
As seen above, ECC has committed to funding a place to do ministry well. We have roughly 30k square feet on almost 3 acres to house worship, church programs, weddings, memorials, community activities as well as host long term renters such as Elderhouse adult day care.