SHARED GOVERNANCE PHILOSOPHY
“Shared governance” means recognizing that God has given each of us unique callings, gifts, and abilities to help grow His kingdom of grace in the world. We’re not meant to all do the same thing—otherwise, we’d just get in each other’s way and create an unhealthy ministry. Instead, we work together in a complementary way, united in purpose and centered on Christ. As Paul says in Romans 12:4–8, just as one body has many parts with different functions, we, though many, are one body in Christ and belong to each other. With gifts given by grace, we’re called to use them—whether it’s prophesying in line with our faith, serving faithfully, teaching well, encouraging others, giving generously, leading with passion, or showing mercy with joy.
GOVERNING BOARD (LAY-LED)
Create and promote a healthy ministry environment where God’s mission and ministry teams can thrive is key.
The Governing Board stays focused on the charter entrusted to them by the congregation, protecting the Mission and Vision to spread the Gospel far and wide. They do this by regularly connecting with members to understand the congregation’s mission and vision, building awareness of board duties, and creating and monitoring policies that guide the pastor, staff and volunteers in delivering faithful ministry—baptizing, preaching, teaching, and making disciples as commanded in the Great Commission of Matthew 18. Holy Cross Lutheran Church’s vision is to create a welcoming, Gospel-centered space where people of all ages can enjoy recreation, learning, mentoring, and Christian fellowship through worship, Bible study, health and fitness activities, and other opportunities to connect. This vision builds on resources God has already provided and, with a Strategic Ministry Plan scoring high in both Gospel impact and financial viability, is designed to be sustainable by aligning God’s provision with mission and ministry goals.
Policy governance fosters accountability in ministry, starting with the board.
Policy governance calls for board members who are engaged and able to discuss the values behind the ministry’s daily actions, and to guide through the broader expression of those values. Board members should enjoy exploring ideas, hearing different perspectives, and clarifying values. They need to welcome dissent while still respecting and supporting the group’s decisions once they’re made.
Board Members will make every effort to:
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Keep in mind that their role isn’t to step in and rescue staff or volunteers. (However, board members are welcome to volunteer outside of their board duties at any time by joining staff committees and participating in daily ministry activities.)
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Ensure that staff and volunteers are safeguarded from board members attempting to manage daily ministries without formally being hired or joining a staff-led committee.
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Take an active interest in the challenging task of connecting with members to determine final goals and outcomes, helping the congregation clarify its ministry direction.
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Promote open expression of differing opinions, teamwork, and a friendly, respectful atmosphere during board discussions.
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Encourage open discussion with many voices, but provide unified guidance in direction to the Pastor.
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Keep in mind that the church’s ownership is more diverse than any board could fully represent.
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Aim to connect with stakeholders in the most inclusive way possible, whether or not there are constituency members on the board.
A disciplined board will manage itself effectively.
Even the most disciplined people can struggle to function as part of a disciplined group, yet that’s exactly what a board of directors needs to be. Board members have to recognize there are familiar habits they need to leave behind and new ones they must adopt. Too often, boards talk about good governance but don’t hold themselves accountable. While the Chief Governing Officer has a key role in maintaining discipline, it’s not their job alone. Group discipline works best when every member commits to helping each other uphold the standards the board has set.
Executive Officers
- President, Bruce Peterson
- Vice-President, Keith Collins
- Recording Secretary, Linda Hensley
- Treasurer, David Cardone
- Financial Secretary, Jill Collins
Board Committees
- Ends Policy Committee – On the last Sunday of each month, the Board hosts a lunch to connect with members. They use an “Ends Policy,” or “membership linkage,” to engage the congregation, streamline operations, avoid conflicting visions, and stay focused on strategic planning. When the Board brings the congregation together around a shared mission, it inspires member engagement. The real challenge is building a governance model that makes the most of the unique strengths and resources of both the congregation and staff.
- Investment Committee -Along with managing the endowment funds, the Holy Cross investment committee plays a key role in shaping and upholding the Investment Policy Statement (IPS) to meet its fiduciary duties and ensure assets are managed in line with the mission. In short, their IPS responsibilities cover creating, reviewing, and enforcing the policy, making sure it reflects core values, defining governance roles, monitoring compliance, and keeping clear records. This approach is key to managing resources wisely while ensuring the steady, long-term preservation and growth of both assets and gospel impact.
Board & Member Portal
MINISTRY TEAMS (STAFF-LED)
“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and from by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” (Ephesians 4:12-15)
Dedicated church staff who oversee daily operations, administration, and coordinate various ministries to ensure the church runs smoothly and effectively serves the congregation.
Facilitates meaningful worship experiences through music, liturgy, and service planning. This team coordinates all aspects of worship services to create an environment for spiritual connection. There are many opportunities for involvement in worship ministry: reading the lessons, lighting candles, music, singing, greeting, and reception and food preparation.
A group that assists the pastor in providing spiritual care and fellowship to the congregation. Each elder oversees a “flock” or section of the congregation, helping with readings, prayers, and sacraments during worship services.
Handles unique creative design and innovation initiatives, events, and projects that fall outside regular ministry activities, providing specialized support for church needs as they arise.
Join a Ministry Team
Our stories have been the same throughout the ages – we are all beggars at heart.
Luther’s Final Words: “We Are Beggars. This Is True.”
Martin Luther’s last words, found in his pocket after his death in February 1546, read: “We are beggars. This is true” These words were not a cry of despair, but a distilled summary of his life’s work and the gospel he proclaimed.
Context of the Words
When Luther died in Eisleben, Germany, friends and fellow reformers gathered at his bedside. Among the items on the table was a scrap of paper with his final thoughts. The words reflected his deep conviction that before God, no one can stand on their own merits.
Meaning in Luther’s Theology
Luther’s statement was rooted in his understanding of God’s Law and Gospel:
- Law: God’s perfect standard reveals our sinfulness and inability to earn salvation (Rom. 3:23; Gal. 2:16).
- Gospel: Christ’s death and resurrection provide forgiveness and life as a free gift by grace through faith (Rom. 5:8; Eph. 2:8–9).
Because of our sin, we have “no case to make” before God’s throne — we are beggars. Yet the gospel offers mercy and life, not condemnation.