Church Profile Form 1

CHURCH PROFILE FORM

Reformed Church in America

Introduction

The Reformed Church in America’s Office of Ministry Services provides information

and services to ordained ministers who are seeking a call and churches who are seeking

ordained ministers. It does not recommend any particular candidate or church but

instead serves as a resource to both.

For further information, or if you have questions or problems while completing this

form, please contact Elaine Tetreault, Coordinator of Pastoral Services at

etetreault@rca.org or 212-870-3252.

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may fax it to 212-870-2499, or scan and email as an attachment to

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Church Profile Form 2

CHURCH PROFILE FORM

Reformed Church in America

Section A. Background Information

Today’s Date: 8/9/2012 Position to be filled:Senior Pastor

1. Name of church: Faith Reformed Church

2. Mailing address:

243 S. 4th Street Street

Cedar Grove, WI 53013 City / State / Zip Code

Telephone: (920) 668-6725 E-Mail address: office@faithreformedchurch.org

3. Classis: Wisconsin

4. Classis Supervisor: John Ornee Address:

N3145 State Road 32 Street

Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085 City / State / Zip Code

Telephone: (920) 564-3434 E-Mail address: john@gibbsville.org

5. Chair of search committee: Jon Damkot Address:

120 Wisconsin Avenue Street

Cedar Grove, WI 53013 City / State / Zip Code

Telephone: (920) 668-6484 E-Mail address: jondamkot@hotmail.com

6. Membership:

Time of worship Five years ago Today

Active Confessing Members 273 204

Inactive Confessing Members 9 41 Comment on significant changes:

The elders recently checked in with people on the rolls who do not attend regularly, hence the large shift in member allocation. For more information, see #8.

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Age of all active members (baptized and confessing)

34 % 0-20 years old

15 % 20-34 years old

19 % 35-49 years old

16 % 50-64 years old

16 % 65 years and older

7. Racial/Ethnic composition of congregation:

0 % African American

0 % Asian

100 % Caucasian

0 % Hispanic

0 % Other: (please specify)

8. Worship schedule: Average Attendance (includes adults and children)

Time of worship Average attendance Five years ago

Average attendance Today

9:00 am pm 199 167

6:00 am pm N/A 12

Comment on significant changes: There have been a handful of issues that have led to attendance decline over the last few years. (These can be discussed in greater detail during the interview process.) While there have been times of disunity in the past, the congregation has largely moved past those feelings, and for the most part, is moving forward in unity. The PM service changed fundamentally over the last 5 years. Back then, we met jointly with First Reformed (Cedar Grove). For the current format, see #9.

9. Describe a typical worship service (order of worship, music, etc.) What is your congregation’s preferred style or styles of worship? Attach a bulletin, if available.

Our morning worship service has a "blended" style, including both hymns and modern worship music. Prayer, scripture reading, and a sermon are central. Other elements include a children's sermon, an offering, a choir and music ministry, sharing of joys and concerns, multimedia and drama when applicable to the message, and periodic readings of the Apostle's Creed and the 10 Commandments. See http://faithreformedchurch.org/bulletins.htm for our most recent bulletins. Our evening service is a Bible study, where congregants gather together to read through, interpret, and apply a book of the Bible.

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10. Financial Information: Attach a copy most recent Consistorial Report and Annual

Budget if available.

Five Years Ago Today

Total RCA related contributions $19,354 $16,156

Total other contributions $14,911 $27,132

Percentage of total budget contributed by living donors:

100-90 %

75-89 %

60-74 %

45-59 %

44 % or less

(Please include a copy of your annual budget)

11. Congregational Giving: Number of those whose annual contribution is:

Less than $500 27

$501- $1,500 18

$1,501- $2,500 18

$2,501-$3,500 14

Greater than $3,500 35

12. Financial assistance: Do you receive financial assistance beyond the congregation? (rents, etc.) Yes No

If yes, amount received last year: $

List other fundraising programs that support the church:

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13. Church/Sunday School: Average Attendance

Average attendance Five years ago

Average attendance Today

Youth - 69 55

Adult (RCA Guide) - 15 15

Adult (New class) - 0 15

Comment on significant changes:

The new class includes adults of all ages and covers various pressing topics.

14. Describe briefly all educational programs (including children, young adult, adult).

Children's Sunday school uses a curriculum. High school covers the Heidelberg Catechism, the Gospel, the attributes of God, and church history. One adult class uses the RCA Sunday school guide, and so far the new class has gone through books together (currently "The World-Tilting Gospel" by Dan Phillips).

On Wednesday night there are three programs: Adventure Island (through 5th grade),

Crusin' (grades 6-8, run jointly with First Reformed), and Soul Impact (grades 9-12, also run jointly). All three include a time of worship through song, a large group teaching time, and a small group discussion time.

On Sunday night, grades 6-8 participate in Roots, while grades 9-12 participate in J-

Teams. Both are adult-led small group Bible studies that go through a book of the Bible. This ministry is also run jointly with First Reformed.

Additionally, we have a week-long Vacation Bible School in the summer (run jointly

with First Reformed and First Evangelical Presbyterian of Cedar Grove). Also, there are several adult Bible study groups.

15. Church groups/organizations: Briefly describe ministry purpose of each group. (use separate sheet if necessary)

Name of group Frequency of Meeting (i.e. weekly, bi-monthly, etc)

Attendance

-Care Connection (reaches out to people in need)

monthly 7

-Education Committee (discusses staffing, curriculum, and other issues related to the education programs)

monthly 9

-Evangelism Committee (organizes outreach opportunities)

bi-monthly 7

-Worship Team (selects music and videos for the morning service, and ensures that things run smoothly)

bi-weekly 6

-Fellowship Committee (plans

congregational fellowship events)

monthly

18

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-Personnel Committee (deals with paid staff) -Women's Guild (financially supports the church and various missions) -Management/Property Committee

monthly monthly monthly

7 10 8

16. Comment on one event or experience over the last year that has significantly contributed to the spiritual life of the congregation.

The congregation recently completed a 2-year "re-tool" process through Pinnacle Ministries. While the process itself had both its strengths and shortcomings, it did spur us on towards spiritual growth in several areas, including: -A recommitment to prayer, which led to bringing back our Wednesday night prayer meeting. -A recommitment to adult education, which led to the new Sunday school class. -An emphasis on God-focused worship on Sunday mornings, which led to the formation of the worship committee. -A need for leadership development, which led the elders to examine the current process for nomination, and to encourage those with leadership gifts to serve on the consistory. Also, we now offer training for youth Sunday school teachers. -A desire for family service projects and mission trips, which are currently in the works. -A new vision statement: Deeply Loving God, Authentically Loving Others, Boldly Living God's Word.

17. Buildings: Please describe church-owned or rented buildings and purpose.

The church is a brick building built in the mid-1960's. The sanctuary seats approximately 300. It includes offices, 2 kitchens, a fellowship hall, classrooms and an elevator. Also, the sound equipment has recently been upgraded.

In 2009, we dedicated a new $1 million air conditioned addition, including a new fellowship hall and kitchen, many of our classrooms, nursery, bathrooms, an office, and the elevator.

The parsonage is a two-story colonial (built around 1980) with 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, large living room, dining room, family room with fireplace, fully finished basement, and an attached two-car garage.

There is also a detached storage shed, primarily for outdoor maintenance equipment. The church is on a large lot in a residential area of town.

18. Do you plan any capital expenditure during the next five years? Yes No If yes, please explain briefly:

19. Is there a mortgage indebtedness? Yes No

Amount: $ 326,000

Of how long standing? Issued 12/12/2008

Annual rate of repayment $39,000 budgeted for 2012 (Interest rate: 4%)

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20. Pastor’s study: In church in parsonage Other Not Provided

21. List all paid staff in addition to the pastor:

Position

Director of Youth Ministries Full time Part time

Office Administrator (30 hours/week) Full time Part time

Indoor Custodian (2) Full time Part time

Outdoor Maintenance Full time Part time

Treasurer Full time Part time

Full time Part time

Full time Part time

Full time Part time

Full time Part time

Full time Part time

Full time Part time

Full time Part time

Full time Part time

22. Consistory Membership: What method is used in selecting members?

All members are able to nominate 2 congregants for both offices of elder and deacon. From those nominations, the consistory selects the most-qualified members, relying heavily on the nominations. The congregation then votes on a single slate presented by the consistory. (Note: The current term is 3 years, with 2 years off between.)

Please list present Consistory members ( Put a check in the box where appropriate:

Elder Deacon Male Female Occupation

Mason

Teacher

Accountant

Cabinet Maker

Office Worker

Trucking/Construction

Forklift Operator

Carpenter

Appraiser

Sales

Dairy Salesman Actuarial Analyst (Deacon - Male)

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23. What leadership roles do women currently fill in your church? Many women serve on the committees listed in #15. Women also teach in the youth programs listed in #14, and lead women's Bible studies. For the morning service, women sing in the choir and on the praise team, and lead the children's sermon.

24. In our congregation…(please check appropriate box)

Few have… Many have… Most have…

Had up to twelve years of formal education

Had some education beyond high school

A college degree

A graduate degree

25. In our congregation…(please check a box)

Few are… Many are… Most are…

Scientists & Engineers

Farmers

Business People

Students & Teachers

Industrial Workers

Office Workers

Other:

26. Special training/experience desired: (Describe briefly)

We are primarily concerned with finding a pastor that meets scriptural qualifications for the office.

27. Languages: Should your pastor be fluent in any language other than English? Yes No If yes, please explain.

28. The salary we are prepared to offer our new pastor is $ TBD, starting at RCA standards The average annual increase to our pastor over the past three years was $per RCA

standards

29. Is a parsonage provided? Yes No If so, is it on site with the church? Yes No

If the parsonage is not on site with the church, how far from the church is it

located?

30. Is a Minister’s housing allowance in lieu of a parsonage a negotiable option? Yes No

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31. The benefits/business expenses we will provide our pastor are: (Please check those provided or give amount as requested.)

Base Salary $ Housing Allowance $ Parsonage provided? Yes No

Travel Reimbursement $ Social Security (Amount) $ Book Allowance (Amount) $ Continuing Education Allowance (Amount)

$

Provision for Sabbatical $ Other (Specify Below)

$

TOTAL $

Yes No Pension Yes No Major Medical Insurance Yes No Health/Hospital Insurance Yes No Life Insurance Yes No Dental Insurance Yes No Unemployment Insurance Yes No Disability Insurance

Annual Vacation (Number of Weeks)

Necessary Comments regarding above:Most of the items in questions #28 and #31 are up for discussion. We are wiling to consider additional provisions based on need and pastoral experience/qualification. Also, we are giving our next pastor the option of choosing between our parsonage or a housing allowance.

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32. Community served: (please check one)

Rural: Under 2,500

Town: 2,500-9,999

Small City: 10,000-49,000

Metropolitan-Suburban: 50,000+

Metropolitan-Urban: 50,000+

Metropolitan-Inner City: 50,000+

Other:

33. Cooperative ministry: In what ways have you cooperated with other churches in your community during the past year?

As previously mentioned, most of our youth programs are done jointly with First Reformed Church--which is highly valued by our congregation--including Wednesday night ministries, Sunday night ministries, mission trips, senior high camps and retreats, and various fellowship activities. This alliance has been in place for roughly 5 years. We also join with community churches for VBS (see #14) and the "5th Quarter" (see #34). We also send about 4 people per month to serve at a soup kitchen at Hope Reformed in Sheboygan (Hope Café).

34. Community involvement: In what community programs or projects have you participated during the past year? (As an organization, not as individuals.)

Our church joins with other community churches to offer a "5th Quarter" at First Reformed after home football and basketball games that occasionally exceeds 100 students. Just recently we showed a movie ("Courageous") at Faith on a Friday night and invited the community. As mentioned in #33, we serve at the Hope Café in Sheboygan. We are also in the process of starting a food pantry for needy people in the school district. Finally, the Red Cross does a local blood drive at Faith church.

35. What denominations or religions are present within three miles (in rural areas, consider the county) where your church is located?

Cedar Grove has 3 other churches: RCA, OPC, and EPC. The county is largely protestant, but there are also several Catholics and Mormons, and a building within 10 miles was recently converted to a Mosque.

36. Outreach: What is your strategy to reach un-churched people in your community?

Much of our outreach comes from aforementioned ministries. Some un-churched kids come to Adventure Island, which gives us the opportunity to

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reach their parents. The care connection largely serves the congregation, but they also give gifts to people of the community who are in need or have suffered hardship. Also, the ministries mentioned in #34 give us the opportunity to interact and serve un-churched people. The greatest challenge is to remain eternally-minded and to equip our congregants to speak the Gospel into the lives of the people we come in contact with.

37. The income level of the people in our congregation tends to be: (please check one)

About average for our community

Somewhat below the rest of the community

Somewhat higher than the rest of the community

38. Describe the community and school system: (Provide website links were appropriate.)

Cedar Grove is a traditional Dutch community with a Christian heritage. The community is relatively tight-knit and safe, but worldly patterns are increasing. While population of the town has grown, church attendance has not, so there is much opportunity for outreach. Also, Cedar Grove hosts an annual summer festival named Hollandfest (hollandfest.com). Our schools are located in Cedar Grove, and the district includes the village of Belgium (5 miles south), which is also around 2,000 in population. The facilities are of high-quality. Also, the school has been good about working with the churches. They have allowed our youth pastors to visit with students during lunch hours, and they are willing to donate the food from their food drive to our food pantry. Additionally, several members of our church teach in our school system.(www.cedargrovebelgium.k12.wi.us)

39. Record of last three pastors:

Name Dates

Rev. Earl Slotman 2002 to 2012

Rev. Van Rathbun 1989 to 2001

Rev. Leon Dykstra 1975 to 1988

40. Please complete your profile with the following contacts:

Name

Jeff Risseeuw Vice President, Consistory

John Ornee Classis Supervisor

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Section B. Reflections

Please answer the following questions, adding your own experiences where appropriate.

1) What is the stated mission, vision or purpose of your congregation? Our vision statement: Deeply Loving God, Authentically Loving Others, Boldly Living God's Word.

2) What goals have been developed from your mission and vision over the next 5 years? ( Example new programs or outreach ministries.) Include long range or strategic plan.

As previously stated, our goals include a recommitment to prayer, a recommitment to adult education, a stronger emphasis on God-focused worship on Sunday morning, leadership development, more service opportunities, stronger community outreach, and more involvement of post-high adults. See #A.16 for our progress towards these goals.

3) Describe the strengths of your church, the best of what you are as a community, and what you can offer a new pastor. Our church does a great job of reaching out to those in the congregation in times of need. There is a strong core of leaders and volunteers who deeply care about the church. People are hungry for strong preaching, which is a great need in our church and serves as an opportunity for an incoming pastor. The youth programs are strong and well-supported. Also, Faith Reformed has seen growth in unity over the last year. While many churches in transition are divided--and while we certainly are not perfect in this regard--Faith Reformed is primed to move forward together.

4) Explain the strategies or ideas that most excite your church in becoming or remaining missional. One way we will remain missional is through existing ministries, including Adventure Island and the Care Connection (see #A.36) as well as the Hope Café (see #A.33). We are still a work-in-progress in this area, as we move towards starting a food pantry and planning church-wide mission trips.

5) Name three of your church’s most passionate hopes and why they are significant. First, we desire stronger biblical teaching from the pulpit so that our congregation will be trained in righteousness and equipped for every good work. Second, we desire to reach the lost in the community, given we are commanded to be Christ's witnesses on earth and to spread His Gospel. Thirdly, we desire for Faith Reformed Church to be a place where congregants can be excited to bring their friends--both saved and unsaved--so that they can encounter the Word of God and the love of His people.

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6) How do you hope someone who visits your church would describe what s/he considers to be most important? We hope that someone who visits Faith Reformed will see people who live out our vision statement: Deeply Loving God, Authentically Loving Others, Boldly Living God's Word. We hope they will witness people who love God through their worship and through receiving God's Word as it is proclaimed from the pulpit. We also hope that they will personally experience our love for others. And we hope that they will see people who boldly live out God's Word in their everyday lives. We desire that the members whom they have encountered in the outside world are truly living lives that are consistent with what they profess when they are at church.

7) Name at least one challenge facing your new pastor. There is much room for growth in biblical knowledge in our congregation. Also, there are some who are complacent in their spiritual growth, and others who are content to have little involvement with the church body. Our next pastor will face the challenge of lovingly and patiently building us up as people who know God through His Word, and people who actively serve Him together as a body of believers.

8) Describe your vision and hopes for your church and your pastor over the next 5 years. Overall, we hope that our next pastor will guide us toward continued growth in living out our vision statement, including the aspirations in #B.5 and the goals in #B.2. We also look forward to receiving additional guidance from our next pastor in how we can best serve as Christ's church, and for him to help ensure that all the ministries of the church are carried out with a common vision and a unity of purpose.

9) Explain what ever else you would like your potential pastor to know about your church.

First, we don't expect a pastor to come in and fulfill all the duties on the job description on their own; he can expect much support from the elders and other lay leaders. Second, we admit that we have a long way to go to meet all the aspirations in the "reflections" section. But we believe that we are moving in the right direction, and we pray that God will send a pastor to our church who loves God and His people, and will push us towards fulfilling these hopes.

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Reformed Church in America Office of Ministry Services

Release Statement (Full Church Name)

We, Faith Reformed Church acknowledge that the information in

this Church Profile is accurate and complete. We authorize the Office of Ministry Services (OMS) to release this profile to designated recipient(s) seeking positions as ordained Ministers of Word and Sacrament, including posting of this profile on the RCA website.

Signature of Search Team Chairperson or Designated Date