Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ
Board of Director’s Meeting
January 18-20, 2002 – Salem Lutheran, Homewood, IL

Board Members present:

Pastor Moyer called the meeting to order at 9:45am.  Pastor Smith started the meeting with prayer and led sharing time.  Pastor Baumgarn led the group in devotion differentiating between the Goal (Eternal Life) and the purpose (Witnessing, Inviting, Training) of Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ.  Christ has completely accomplished the Goal.  He has completely paid for our sins, won our salvation, and prepared a place for us in Heaven.  He has given us the purpose of carrying the message of what He has accomplished for us to others.

REPORTS
Secretary’s Report - The minutes from the October meeting were reviewed.  David made the motion to accept the minutes as submitted.  Pastor Moyer seconded.  Motion carried.  The Board discussed that in the future the minutes of the meetings from Summer Training should be written as 2 separate meetings. 

The Treasurer’s Report was given by Pastor Ruhlig and reviewed by the Board Members.

Slight changes were made to the detailed report of annual income and expenses.  No changes were made to the summary report.  Rachel made the motion to accept the Treasurer’s report as amended.  David seconded.  Motion carried.   A copy of the Treasurer’s report is attached to the minutes. 

Executive Director’s report – Pastor Moyer gave his report.   Billy made the motion to accept the report as corrected.  Mark seconded.  Motion carried.  A copy of the report is attached to the minutes. 

Assistant to the Executive Director’s report -  Dan Barz gave his report.  Billy made the motion to accept the report as submitted.  David seconded.  Motion carried.  A copy of the report is attached to the minutes. 

OLD BUSINESS
New Years Gatherings – Board members were in attendance at each of the 3 New Year’s Gatherings.  

St. Louis – Trey gave a positive report but expressed some concerns about the role of women in public worship.  Pastor Baumgarn shared letters from other participants that shared the same concern.

Salt Lake City – Billy Witcher reported that attendance was lower than they were anticipating but that the event ran smoothly.

Nebraska – Mark Triplett, reported that all went well.  He was visiting Concordia Seward so was able to participate in the gathering.

The Board discussed the involvement of the National Office in giving guidance at future New Year’s gatherings.  Denver Lutheran High and Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne are planning to host gatherings for 2002-2003.

International Travel Team – President Bueltmann submitted a written estimate of the cost to send a team to Germany. Pastor Moyer reported on his interviews with each of the applicants. He reported that 4 of the female applicants had withdrawn their names from consideration and that Carolyn Guengerich had been recommended as one who might have the necessary OAFC experience and German language ability.  Pastor Smith moved the following resolution: Whereas Carolyn Guengerich’s name has come before the board as a candidate to serve on the International Travel Team and whereas she shares many of the same qualifications as other team members and whereas she has 3 years of German experience and whereas she has indicated a desire to serve on this team and has a good recommendation from her local director, therefore be it resolved that the OAFC Board of Directors invite her to participate in the 2002 International Travel Team.  Billy seconded.   Motion carried.

David moved that all 14 applicants be appointed to serve on the International Travel Team.  Mark seconded.  Motion carried.  The following individuals have been selected to serve.

Production of the CD – Obie has been in contact with Dan and Pastor Moyer.  The CD still needs to be remastered and packaged.  We will review the contract and determine what our next course of action will be.  Communication between Obie and the National Office will continue until the matter is resolved.  Obie was contacted and informed Pastor Moyer he would be in touch with additional information on timetable of the CD project on Monday January 21.  Pastor Smith moved that the Board of Directors authorize the Executive Director and the Assistant, to locate or obtain the contract between Obie Jones and OAFC and to set a deadline of April 1, 2002 with Obie Jones for completion of the CD.  Rachel seconded.  Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS  
Staffing Changes and Review of Salary 
Housing Allowance – The Board discussed the Housing Allowance received by the staff.  Currently both the Pastor Moyer and Dan Barz have 100% of their compensation designated as housing allowance.  Pastor Ruhlig apologized that he had not provided a salary recommendation before the October meeting.  He informed the Board that no changes could be made at this date but that the compensation and designation of housing should be recorded in the minutes.  David Kamin moved that 100% of the Executive Director’s salary and the Assistant to the Executive’s salary be designated as Housing allowance for the year 2002.  Rachel seconded.  Motion carried.

Staff Salaries – The Board discussed changing the amount of hours each staff person would work with OAFC in view of the financial shortfall.  Billy made the motion: Whereas the finances do not support 2 full-time workers and whereas Pastor Moyer recommends he serve half-time in a parish, therefore be it resolved that we retain Pastor Moyer with full confidence and be it further resolved we accept his proposal that he continue to serve OAFC as Executive Director on a part-time basis at half salary and full benefits.  Pam seconded.  Motion carried.  This arrangement will take effect when Pastor Moyer has received and accepted a call.

Expense Reduction for 2002
Conventions and Campus Visits - The Board discussed ways to reduce expenses.  It is felt that the most effective introduction to OAFC usually takes place by attending a local weekend.  It was decided that OAFC would not have a booth at Synodical and District Events since the cost of travel and display space is getting prohibitive.  It was also decided that visits to the Concordia campuses would be curtailed unless the visit is made in connection with an OAFC weekend.

The Crier – The Board discussed eliminating or making changes to the Crier.  It was decided to leave the Crier publication as it stands since many of those who are Prayer Supporters may not have e-mail access.  The cost of distributing by bulk mail was also explored. The format and distribution method that we now have is the most cost efficient.  Billy Witcher will eliminate the duplicate addresses before the next mailing goes out.

Vans – The Board discussed selling all but the AAL vans based in Athens and Colorado.

Mark made the motion that the 94 Dodge van (located in Central Illinois) be sold on or around August 1, 2002.  Rachel seconded.  Motion carried.

Bill made the motion that the Board of Directors let it be policy not to finance any future local group transportation.  Rachel seconded.  The motion was passed with one abstaining. 

It was recommended that we assign the title of the OK van over to Orval Peter’s congregation and they be responsible for the upkeep and title.  It was also recommended that the KY van be funded by the local group, with upkeep and insurance being their responsibility.  

IRS and form 501c - A committee, involving Bill Witcher, Mark Triplett, Dan Barz, was formed to research the legal ramifications of reporting to the IRS under form 501c and an overview of our constitution to see if any changes need to be made in connection with this issue.  A report will be given at the April Meeting for all Board Members to review. 

Regional Directors – The Board discussed establishing the position of Regional Director. Discussion was held about what this role would entail and how this role is different from a Lead Director.  It was also discussed as to where and how the regions would be designated.  It was decided that Pastor Moyer would write a job description of the position and a review of the benefits to OAFC to be presented at the next meeting. 

Leadership Concerns – The Board discussed women leading in OAFC and reading in the service.  There is a need to re-emphasize the importance of men taking on the leadership role in OAFC.

Billy made the following motion; Whereas the OAFC Youth manual does not give specific guidance on gender leadership roles as does the Director’s Manual, p. 13, whereas there have been questions raised at both weekends and annual events concerning gender leadership roles, (e.g. reading scriptures, leading Bible Study, group leadership) be it resolved that the Youth Manual be changed to reflect the guidelines similar to those in the Director’s Manual, pg. 13.  Pam seconded.  Motion carried. 

The Board discussed some sensitive leadership concerns. 

Vans for Travel Team – There were concerns raised in regards to how vans are assigned for Travel Teams and why vans are based in certain areas for local weekend use.  It was suggested that a committee be formed to discuss this at a later meeting.

Exceptions to serve on a Travel Team – concerns have been raised in regards to individuals who are allowed to serve on a Travel Team when they have not attended a prior Summer Training.  We support the Executive Director’s decision to make exceptions and to discuss those individuals who are nominated with the Lead Director.  Qualifications to serve on Travel Team are outlined in the minutes of the January 1998 and 2000 Board Meeting. 

Nominations for the Board

Summer Training
Theme – Pam made the motion we use “Called…Into His Marvelous Light” as the Theme for Summer Training 2002.  David seconded.  Motion carried.  The Bible verse selected to go along with the theme is 1 Peter 2:9.

Speaker – Pastor J. Baumgarn (keynote)/Satanism and True Evangelism

Summer Training shirts – There will be shirts available to buy at Summer Training in St. Francis MN.  Pastor Baumgarn is taking care of this item. 

Schedule – concerns were raised that we were consistently off schedule and the Hosts were usually waiting for us to finish.  It needs to be communicated to all participants that we be ready to leave the Summer Training site in a timely manner to meet the hosts at the end of the day.  Participants should also speak with hosts about when to meet them (allowing for travel time to host congregations) at the end of the day and make every effort to be on time.

Workshops – Dan Barz reviewed the basic and elective workshops that are currently planned.  They are:  Basic Workshops (Bible Study, Survey, Witness Methods), Adult Leader basics, review, and training.  Meeting Objections, Peacemakers, Transitions – Moving the conversation to Jesus in a natural way, Mormonism, Travel Team Workshops, OAFC Reviewed, Islam.  Directors and leaders who would like to propose additional workshop topics are asked to get in touch with Dan by March 15^th.

Discipline – there were concerns about discipline at the 2001 Summer Training.  There were concerns about the disciplinary actions for the individuals smoking while at Summer Training.  The 2 individuals publicly apologized before the entire assembly.  OAFC policy states that they will be sent home yet they were allowed to stay.  Several letters with these concerns were shared with the Board.  Pastor Moyer, as Executive Director, asked for forgiveness on behalf of the Discipline Team that made the decision to allow the offenders to stay, for not following the policy set before them.  Absolution was given.  Dan Barz expressed concern that he had not followed policy but was commended by the Board for following the policy set before him when he was informed of the incident. 

Ellen made the motion that a letter of apology concerning the events at Summer Training on behalf of the Board of Directors, signed by the Chairman, be sent to all participants of Summer Training 2001.  Billy seconded.  The motion passed with a unanimous vote.  The Board will review the letter and those on the  Discipline Team will be contacted about the actions taken in regards to the smoking incident before the letter is sent out.

The Board also discussed another concern in connection with the smoking incident.  Pastor Baumgarn and Pastor Moyer will follow through on this matter.

It was discussed whether or not to change the policy in regards to sending individuals home who break major rules.  After much discussion, it was decided to reaffirm our policy to send home at their own expense those who smoke, go off site, or possess/use drugs.

Annual Meeting Agenda

• Call to order

• Opening Devotions

• Election Results

• Installation of officers

• Summer Training Theme message

• Other announcements

• Financial Report

• Introduction of Travel Teams

• Mass Canvass Report

• Closing Prayer

• Adjournment

Trey made the motion that we accept the Annual Meeting agenda as submitted.  David seconded.  Motion carried. 

Travel Team 
Shirts – should we change how the shirts look each year or do we keep the same shirt year after year?  Mark made the motion that Pastor Moyer be in charge of Summer Travel Team shirts and OAFC representation shirts as asked for by Leaders of OAFC Groups at the expense of the individual.  Pam seconded.  Motion carried.

Travel Team Leaders – Pastor McIntyre, Pastor Moyer, Orval Peters, and Kevin Wudtke

Travel Team Destinations – There is nothing definite yet, but some of the destinations being looked into are California, Iowa, Canada, and Michigan. 

Material Review 
Leadership Manuals – Dan Barz shared the changes he has made to make it easier to find information in the manual.  It was suggested to change the wording of one of the qualifications for the Lead Director.

Rachel made the motion to change the wording under Qualification #4 in the following forms; Lead Director Job Description, Lead Director Commissioning Form and the Lead Director Commissioning information and format from “Being one who seeks to live as a godly example following Jesus Christ will not drink alcohol or smoke in the presence of the youth and has not been divorced” to “He must be in good standing with his local congregation and have its blessing”.  Trey seconded.  Motion carried with 2 abstaining.  Changes also need to be made in the Director’s manual on pg 12, 16, 18.

Assistant Leader Guidelines - There was discussion about having an Assistant Leader Characteristics and Duties form.  Mark made the motion that we accept Dan Barz’s Assistant Leader form as submitted.  David seconded.  Motion carried with 1 abstaining.  A copy of the form is attached to the minutes. 

OAFC Registration form – Dan has submitted a change in the format for the weekend registration form.  It makes it easier to read and offers additional information.  The Board decided that either form could be used at weekends.

OAFC Circle – The Board decided to discuss updating and reviving the Ambassador Circle as an avenue to encourage long term gifts at the April meeting.

Witness Survey/Methods - Some changes were suggested in regards to the Survey and the Methods.  The Board discussed changing the opening phrase “we are from.” to “we are with…”

Trey moved that the wording in the Witness Survey introduction be changed from “We are from _____Lutheran Church taking a religious survey” to “We are with ______Lutheran Church taking a religious survey and sharing some Good News.  Ellen seconded.  Motion carried. 

Rachel made the motion to change the wording in the Witness Survey question 9 from “May I ask your name?” to “This is _____ and I am _____.  May I ask your name?”  David seconded.  Motion carried.

Prospect Letter – The Board reviewed a request to change the wording of the Prospect letter.  Billy made the motion that we accept the changes to the Prospect Letter as submitted.  Mark seconded this motion.  The motion was carried.

Sunday Morning Report - Dan Barz submitted an alternative Sunday Morning report form.  It was decided that this form, OAFC Alternative Sunday Morning Presentation, be made available for use.  Mark made the motion that we accept the form with modifications.  David seconded.  The motion carried.

Drama Book – A new puppet play has been submitted titled, “I Hate Change – The Lutheran Puppet Show.”  Billy made the motion to accept the puppet show as presented, striking from the title, “The Lutheran Puppet Show.” David seconded.  Motion carried with 2 abstaining.  The new puppet show will be available on the Web-site and included in the Summer Training manual. 

*Copies of all changes are attached.

Bible Study – Pastor Moyer shared that the updated Director’s Manual will have some format changes for the different types of Bible studies used by OAFC.

Web page – It was asked that all Leaders submit their weekend schedules to Ed Allen to be put on the Web-site. 

Pastor Moyer shared an outline for witnessing the Gospel in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and it was suggested a link be connected to OAFC.  It was decided to post the outline on the web but not to create a link at this time.

Bulletin Inserts – Pastor Moyer encouraged that the OAFC Weekend bulletin inserts used as often as possible. 

Constitution and By-Laws - The Board discussed the Constitution and the By-Laws.  The concern was raised that the Board of Directors is not officially established in the constitution.  Another concern raised was the terminology of the membership article (Article V).  A committee was formed to discuss the changes that may need to be made to the Constitution and By-Laws.  They will report their findings to the Board at the next meeting.  The committee includes Bill Witcher, David Kamin, and Pastor Moyer.

The next Board meeting will be on Sunday April 21 at 8pm via teleconference. 

At 5:15 p.m. Pam made the motion that the meeting be adjourned.  Rachel seconded the motion.  The motion was carried. 

The meeting was closed with prayer.

Respectfully Submitted,
Pam Rudick, Secretary

ATTACHMENT: Executive Director Report
Executive Director's Report    January 18, 2002

The Good News

1. Youth are continuing to be trained to share their certainty of eternal life with confidence.
2. Some areas have filled their entire schedule through 2002
3. Summer Trainings are scheduled through 2004 with interest already shown for 2005
4. The Fort Wayne seminary and Denver Lutheran High are preparing to host 2002-2003 New Years Gatherings.
5. A post Easter Traveling Team is being planned for Maryland and Virginia
6. An International Travel Team will be introducing OAFC to Germany in June.
7. Some directors are able and willing to serve beyond their local area.
8. Two directors have already indicated their willingness to serve as Travel Team leaders.

The Challenges

1. Creating an awareness and appreciation of the OAFC ministry among the Synod, Districts, and local congregations.
2. Finding ongoing funding to support two full-time workers and expand the ministry of OAFC.
3. Determining the most efficient use of the resources that God has given.
4. Recruiting leaders
5. Overcoming barriers to OAFC style evangelism.
6. Reaching the goal of serving each LCMS congregation and equipping 12,000 new ambassadors each year by the year 2020.
7. Completing and distributing the OAFC CD

Activities

Nov. 4, 2001 - Take part in the 125th Anniversary service of St. Peter's Lutheran in Petersburg, MI
Nov. 7, 2001 - Lead Chapel service and have display at Concordia, Selma, AL
Nov. 8, 2001 - Lead Chapel service and have display at Concordia, Austin, TX
Nov. 9, 2001 -  Serve as chaperon for CID Jr. High Lock-in
Nov. 10, 2001 - Attend weekend at Green Valley to thank Brian Krohe and Trey Fisk for their 
service to OAFC
Nov. 16-18, 2001 - Help lead weekend at Redeemer Lutheran in Corning, IA
Dec. 4, 2001 - Preach at Lutheran High Chapel 
Dec. 10-11, 2001 - Meeting with Dan Barz in Stevensville to review CD licensing and leadership 
manual.
Dec. 12, 2001 - Preach for Trinity Lutheran Chapel 
Dec. 30, 2001 - Take part in New Year's Gathering at Concordia, Seminary in St. Louis
- Teach guitar classes twice a month at Trinity 

Plans

Jan. 25-27, 2002 - Lead OAFC weekend at Trinity, Springfield, IL
Feb. 1-2, 2002 - Have OAFC display for Missionfest at St. Louis Seminary
Feb. 12, 2002 - Pastor's Circuit Conference at Immanuel, Springfield
Feb. 15-17, 2002 - Lead OAFC weekend at St. Stephen, Atkins, IA
Feb. 21-24, 2002 -Join Dan Barz in leading chapel service at Concordia, Mequon and have an OAFC weekend at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Mequon. Preach at Beautiful Savior
March 8-9, 2002 - Lead OAFC weekend at Immanuel Lutheran in Danville, IL
April 8-9, 2002 - Present Youth Evangelism topic to the Iowa East District Conference
April 12-14, 2002 - Visit Pilgrim, Beaverton, OR weekend
April 15, 2002 - Preach at Concordia, Portland, OR and have a display
April 21, 2002 - Preach for the 50th Anniversary of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Harriman, TN
April 25, 2002 - Preach for Lutheran High Chapel
April 26-28, 2002 - Lead OAFC weekend at Immanuel, Springfield, IL
April 29-May 1, 2002 - Attend CID Spring Pastors' Conf. with presentation by Dr. Paul Maier
May 3, 2002 - Tell the Good News Committee Meeting
May 17-19, 2002 - Lead OAFC weekend at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Delaware, IA
June 9-12, 2002 - Training Time for International Traveling Team to Germany in Athens
June 12-July 3, 2002 - International Traveling Team to Germany
July 16-21, 2002 - Summer Training at St. Francis, MN
July 21-31, 2002 - Lead Summer Travel Team

We thank God for His Blessings in A.D. 2001

• Personally led or participated in 11 weekends in 7 states

• Successful Summer Training in Oklahoma City

• First 2 Criers as Layout Editor

• Visited 5 Concordia campuses - Actual official visits hindered by changes in campus pastors and Sept. 11

• E-mail - with over 2000 messages sent since October 2000 and a similar number received

• Many contacts

• Having Family Support and a good home office

• Being Called to Serve OAFC Full-Time

In A.D. 2002 We Look Forward to:

• A full Michigan Schedule - 2002 Calendar attached
• A Personal Schedule of 13 weekends plus Summer Training
• Spring NY Travel Team - with Ambassadors to Maryland
• Summer Training in St. Francis

Projects

• Updating all files
• Summer Training Manual Revised - Seemed to work well except the numbering system.
• Directors Manual Revisions - Most will be done this week.
• Crier - comparisons done, 1 issue observed, & 2 issues completed
• Travel Teams - Sent and reports done
• Database of all OAFC Songs
• Started more complete data base on directors and leaders
• Peacemaker presentation for OAFC leaders at ST. The Peacemaker has much to say about how Christians can better deal with disagreements and conflicts.
• [Michigan OAFC Brochures - Copies shared, can help other states/districts create.]

Future Possibilities

• *Establish ST Workshops by March - have early sign-up would allow Ambassadors to better choose workshops and us to better assign space. We also need to discuss the format for new youth and review. The start of workshops is on page 3 of this document.
• Get ST attendance to 300 - Keep growing.
• Have 5 STT each year - Keep growing, perhaps less travel to save funding.
• Annual College Spring Break Team during Lutheran Schools Week - Tried but could not get enough team members this year.
• A Semester or Year-long College Team - They could visit Lutheran High Schools and assist with weekends, especially struggling programs. We had some in the 70'2 and 80's. Perhaps could provide scholarships to those participating.
• *Electronic Crier - Web & E-mail, could allow us to do a smaller but monthly publication. Perhaps we could do a single, large, annual, paper Crier.
• Restore OAFC Circle or other financial support system q Strengthen Michigan OAFC - and beyond, but looking for more leaders.
• Work with Ed Allen on Web Site - Possibly July 29 in Colorado.
• Continuing on ST 2003 - We are trying to get area pastors & churches aware and ready to join in hosting.

Personal Questions

• *Phones/Cell Phones - I have changed my long distance carrier, which will eliminate the monthly fee and cut rates in half. But by using a cell phone for most long distance call, I have cut the December bill to almost nothing. A cell phone would also work for a ST phone and make me available during Travel Teams. The problem has been getting a phone that works from my house, has national coverage, and has adequate minute. Only two are known to work in St. Francis.
• *Housing Allowance - My housing cost is very close to $15,000 a year. It could be designated as such.
• *Shared Ministry - This fall I substitute taught 3 days and could have done 5 days. Like Pastor Moyer I have thought about what might be best. I have wondered if I might do some part-time ministry in a local congregation. Currently that could be possible. I will have more information and look forward to prayerful discussion at our meeting.

*Items requiring discussion

2002 SUMMER TRAINING WORKSHOPS

Basic Workshops 

Proclamation - Pastor David McIntyre, Ed and Chris Steele
[Bible Studies,] Survey and Witness Methods

Presentation - Mrs. Tracy Kindred, Mr. Bill Witcher, TBD
Puppets, Drama, Nursing Home, Worship, [& Personal Witness]

Principles - TBD
Qualities, duties, dress, host guidelines

"OAFC Reviewed"
The single review workshop of the above items for the "Old Timers" - Those who have been to at least one Summer Training.

[Since these items are covered in depth during team times, I recommend that they not be covered here. It also seems that our college Ambassadors could be very good leaders for these sessions. Those involved in Travel Teams will not be able to serve as leaders. The same is true for "OAFC Reviewed" for returning Ambassadors. How about some role playing? 11/27/01 dsb]

Elective Workshop - Topics Leaders
"Meeting Objections" - Professor Jim Found
Jim Found, former missionary to Taiwan will help us learn to answer objections that commonly come up in witnessing by becoming sensitive to the needs of the other person.

"Peacemakers" - Mr. Daniel Barz
The call in Scripture to live at peace with our fellow Christians cannot be denied. Yet Christian churches and workers often find themselves caught in the middle of conflict. The same is sometimes true in OAFC. In this workshop we will give a brief one-hour summary of "The Peacemaker - Responding to Conflict Biblically". All leaders requested to attend and all Ambassadors are invited.

"Transitions - Moving the Conversation to Jesus in a Natural Way" Professor Jim Found
Professor Jim Found, who teaches in the director of Christian Outreach program at Concordia St. Paul, will show us how to find the open windows in a conversation that will allow us to move the topic to spiritual matters.

ATTACHMENT: Prospect Letter Change

OLD PROSPECT LETTER 

Dear _________________________ . Thank you for letting me share the Good News about Jesus Christ with you last Saturday afternoon.
     I know that I sin, and God says, "The wages of sin is death" [The Bible, Romans 6:23].  I deserve to be punished by our Holy God.
     But I rejoice that God's Son, Jesus Christ, took that punishment in my place when He died on the cross.  I am forgiven by Him each moment of every day.  Through Jesus, God promises that "I shall not perish, but I shall have everlasting life" [John 3:16].  Forgiveness and eternal life are yours also through Jesus.
     If you desire to talk further about the Good News of Jesus Christ, someone from  ______________ Lutheran Church will be glad to listen to you.

Your friend in Jesus,

NEW PROSPECT LETTER 

Dear _________________________. Thank you for responding to our survey questions when we came by your home last Saturday. The neighborhood survey data will help our church understand the spiritual needs in the community and how God might use us to better serve our neighbors.
     Thank you for allowing us to share the Good News about Jesus Christ and how His death and resurrection gives us assurance of going to Heaven (1 John 5:13). We know that we sin and deserve God’s punishment forever, but we can rejoice that God's Son, Jesus Christ, suffered the punishment we deserve when He died on the cross.
    While the Bible tells us in Romans 6:23, that "The wages of sin is death," the verse continues to say “But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Jesus paid the full price for our sin and there is nothing we can do to earn it. Isn’t it wonderful to know that we have forgiveness of sins and eternal life through Jesus!     
     Pastor ____, or someone from ________ Lutheran Church will be in touch with  you soon to share more about the Lutheran church, God’s Word, and forgiveness. In the meantime, please feel free to call the church about any of your spiritual needs or information about the programs we offer.

Your friend in Jesus,

ASSISTANT LEADERS
for
ONGOING AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST

Within the local OAFC group, adults are encouraged to serve as assistants to the Lead Director. Their participation and involvement is valuable to OAFC. In time men might become a Back-up Lead Director, and then the Lead Director. All Assistant Leaders are available to help the local program and weekends by assisting the Lead Director as needed.    

CHARACTER DESIRED IN AN ASSISTANT LEADER
He or she should be a spiritual leader approved in the local congregation. He or she should be faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ, the LCMS and its doctrine, and should be able to discipline. He or she should love youth and our Savior, and be a good example as a Christian.

ASSISTANT LEADER DUTIES:

1. Represent and be a spokesman for OAFC as opportunity presents.

2. Help the Lead Director arrange the yearly schedule for OAFC weekends in churches of the area.

3. Keep in touch with the Lead Director. 

4. Attend OAFC weekends as frequently as possible. Go out calling with the youth and encourage them through your example.

5. Actively participate in the local congregation. Seek to encourage the participation of member youth and strive to build support for OAFC among the membership.

6. Assist the Lead Director as best done according to spiritual gifts and as time and talents permit.

Copyright, Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ, Inc., January 2002                           Form 220 

LEAD DIRECTOR'S JOB DESCRIPTION
Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ

Major Objective: To lead a local OAFC group, guiding youth to grow in their faith, witness, train other youth.

DIRECTOR DUTIES:

1. BE A GODLY EXAMPLE AS A LEADER. In all he does, a director should remember that the youth are looking up to him. As they are taught, he too should ask, "Jesus, What do you want me to do?" and do it.
2. ARRANGE OAFC WEEKENDS. Directors should communicate with area churches seeking to have one church a month host an OAFC Weekend. (The OAFC Pastoral Advisor can be a great help in making contacts to fill the schedule.) As soon as possible send the Weekend Packet that helps the host congregation arrange and plan for the weekend. Arrange for a freewill offering or budgeted gift. Keep in touch with the host congregation.
3. LEAD OAFC WEEKENDS. See that the weekend schedule is followed. Lead or arrange other leaders for Bible studies and devotions. Guide the selections and presentations of songs, dramas, puppet shows, etc. Motivate and encourage the youth to learn and grow in the OAFC methods. Oversee housing and witness team assignments. Lead the team in serving the host congregation according to its needs and desires. Participate with enthusiasm in the witness survey and use the many opportunities that arise to teach the youth. See that canvass information is tabulated and left with the congregation. Encourage mixing of the youth throughout the weekend. Make sure that behavior is becoming of a Christian. Keep a disciplined program - it will grow if this is done. Keep the ball rolling during the weekend and don't allow gaps in the schedule. Appoint youth to assist in leadership areas.
4. CORRESPOND WITH OAFC YOUTH AND ADULTS IN YOUR AREA. Send a regular (monthly) e-mail or letter to the persons actively involved and to other parties that might recruit more participants (pastors, youth leaders, etc.). Communicate with the other leaders in your group and seek to recruit and train more adults in the leadership duties. Monthly letters may encourage, exhort, thank, share past statistics, list upcoming events, give directions to the church, etc. Relay to the host congregation the attendance expected for the weekend.
5. COMMUNICATE WITH THE OAFC NATIONAL STAFF. The national staff is ready to serve you, so keep them posted about what you are doing. Send them your weekend reports and offerings, monthly letter, and any questions or requests you may have. The office will correspond periodically with you and will make materials available to you.

TRAINING:

1. Through a Director's Manual, 
2. On-the-job training received from a trained director at your initial weekends,
3. At National Summer Training held each July. (Training at your earliest convenience is encouraged.)

RESPONSIBLE to: The OAFC pastoral Advisor and the OAFC Executive Director.

TIME REQUIRED:

1. Up to 10 weekends per year,
2. A few hours per month for writing and mailing or e-mailing your newsletter,
3. A week during the summer is encouraged for participation in National Summer Training. (Several adults may work together as leaders, so duties and time commitment can be shared.)

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. A Director must love youth and our Savior
2. He must be faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ, the LCMS and its doctrine.
3. The Lead Director must be a male, at least 21 years of age and of a mature and self-disciplined character,
4. He must be in good standing with his local congregation and have its blessing.
5. He should be able to discipline and be a good example as a Christian.

BECOMING A COMMISSIONED LEAD DIRECTOR :

1. Obtain an application (form 660) from the OAFC office,
2. Submit the application along with references,
3. OAFC Executive Director checks references and makes evaluation,
4. A letter of acceptance or non-acceptance is sent, If accepted:
5. Person is commissioned,
6. Person is recognized and publicized as an official Lead Director for an OAFC group.

The Lead Director should have Assistant Leaders with whom he can share the above duties. These assistants may be male or female.

Copyright, Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ, Inc., June, 1985 Revised January, 2002

LEADERSHIP TEAM
For an Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ Group

Group or Area Name:_____________________________________ Date:____________

LEADERSHIP TEAM MEMBERS

____________________________1. Pastoral Advisor

____________________________2. Lead Director (male)

____________________________3. Back-up Lead Director (male)

____________________________4. Assistant Leader

____________________________5. Assistant Leader

____________________________6. Host-Church Coordinator

____________________________7. Publicity, Newsletter Coordinator

____________________________8. Reporting & Logistics Secretary

____________________________9. Circle Coordinator, Adult (Goal: $1,000 in gifts)

____________________________10. OAFC Group Youth Representative (1 year term)

____________________________11. OAFC Circle Youth Encourager (l year term)

National office P.O. Box 41 Athens, Illinois 62613-0041 217 636-7729 (217 MEN-PRAY) email info@oafc.org

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