6-2 Short Paper: Interview Report

Chester Freedom Ministries: 729 Village Drive, Chester, SC 29706

Interview Questions:

What is the organization’s mission?

· Our mission is to reach people with the message of Christ and to share the message of God’s love to mankind by sending Christ to earth to save mankind from sin by dying on the cross. We also seek to serve and love and meet people’s needs in both the church and community. We provide counsel, care, and help for those in need and follow Christ’s example in doing so.

Whom does the organization serve?

· We serve both the church congregation, people inside the church as well as those in the community.

Who serves on the board of directors?

· Our church elders do. We have 3 elders. 3 pastors as well as church staff and deacons.

What information does the organization provide on its website?

· Our heart, background, mission, info, sermon messages, calendar, announcements, and events.

How does the organization communicate its goals and strategies internally?

· Through meetings, digital and print media, website, email web pages, group apps and texts, verbal announcements, and social media.

How does the organization communicate its goals and strategies externally?

· Monthly meetings with staff and area leaders, outreach groups, group texts and discussion forums.

What are some of the fundraising strategies and activities this organization uses?

· Word of mouth, social media pages, and verbal communication as well as print announcements and media.

How does the organization seek and recruit volunteers?

· We provide and promote area serve and volunteer cards every year during our worship meetings and gatherings, as well as through our web pages. Our area leaders make contacts and connections with those interested in serving in those areas.

Is this organization looking to expand or sustain its current operation?

· We aim to do both. As a church body our goal is to constantly be growing and reaching those in the community with the message of Christ. We desire for people to connect with Christ and Christ’s message and also to foster relationships with each other.

What are some of the organization’s long-term goals?

· To expand our preschool and afterschool programs. To build a new gym and facility with a children’s area and more classrooms to accommodate the new housing subdivisions being built within a mile of the church.

What are your responsibilities within the organization?

· I provide family counseling, perform weddings, oversee and lead the youth ministry, teach youth Bible classes on Wed nights for grades 6-12. Oversee the Sunday morning children’s classes from K3-5th as well as the nurseries. Planning, oversight, teaching, scheduling of leaders in those areas and curriculum development. I also help with outreach events such as soup kitchen and winter coat drive.

What are some of your key challenges?

· Having enough volunteers to meet the growth. Also there has been a rise in the number of counselee’s and kids who are depressed, bullied, and suicidal than ever before in the last year and a half. So, trying to meet the growing needs can be tricky at times, however God always seems to provide what we need.

What do you think is the best theory for this type of organization?

· Following the Bible, God’s Word as a guide for mission and ministry. Following Jesus’ model for us in the Scriptures of sacrificial love and service of others in a relational and real way.

Do you find it difficult to share information or communicate within the organization?

· Not the communication as much as having people to implement what is communicated and vision casted on a consistent basis.

What happens if the organization is unable to meet its financial obligations?

· This has never been an issue in the 15 years that I have been at Chester Freedom Ministries. However, less growth, loss of families and attendance are the most likely things to occur. Worse case the church could bankrupt and or lose it’s building and place of meeting, which would force it to downsize and meet in homes.

Do you have goals that you must meet within your department?

Yes, Student care, counsel and growth. To lead and organize teams in both student ministry and children’s ministry who effectively love and serve those who attend. To provide environments where Biblical truth is taught and love is displayed and fellowship is encouraged.

Is the organization focused more on management than it is on leadership?

· It is more focused on leadership and building relationships within the church.

Does the organization take responsibility for ensuring adherence to rules and regulations?

Yes, The board of elders and leaders make sure that the church runs smoothly and operates according to the Bible and it’s by-laws and mission statement. It ensures that congregants and members and ministries within the church are in adherence and operate in line with what the Scripture teaches, Christ’s commands, and the church structure. This keeps things being done in order and in a fashion that leads toward unity and growth of all.