Teaching on Deacons, Elders, Membership

Elder-Led Congregationalism at Meadow Creek Church

May 20 - July 22, 2018

We met for ten weeks as a church family for a time of fellowship, worship and teaching. 

The teaching focused on what the Bible says about eldership and the development of

spiritual leaders in our church. Topics covered with notes attached: 

What is congregational eldership?  (p. 3)

What is the biblical basis for elders?  (p. 5)

What is congregationalism?  (p. 10)

What is the role of an elder?  (p. 15)

What is the role of a church member?  (p. 20)

What is the role of a deacon?  (p. 26)

What does eldership look like in practice?

What are the qualifications for elders and deacons?

What are the qualifications for members?  (p. 27)

How are elders appointed?  (p. 31)


Here is the complete summary of those teachings on Deacons, Elders, and Membership


Eric Ness

Non-Vocational Elder

Envelope   Email Eric

I grew up enjoying attending a Minnesota rural Baptist church that my family's life seemed to revolve around.  However it was at Bible camp in 5th grade that God convicted me of the seriousness of my sin and the joy of knowing Christ as Savior and Lord. My wife Julie and I began attending Meadow Creek Church in 1991 and have enjoyed the many ways God has grown us and our 2 now adult children through ministries and people here. I'm also grateful for God's provision in my vocation as a dentist and local business owner. 

Child Dedication

It is our tradition at Meadow Creek Church to offer Child Dedication services for the children of our church family and our surrounding community.  This is a special time of public ceremony and personal commitment when the parents promise to raise their child in a way that honors the Lord.


To learn more about Child Dedication at Meadow Creek Church, visit our Child Dedication FAQ.

Jared Mulvihill

Non-Vocational Elder

Envelope   Email Jared

I am a lover of Jesus, husband to Amy, and a father to Levi, Henry, Mackenzie, and Wesley. I serve as a curriculum developer for Training Leaders International, hold graduate degrees from Bethlehem College & Seminary, and am a doctoral student at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. I grew up at Meadow Creek Church, and I am blessed to now help pastor those at Meadow Creek towards further knowing and treasuring Jesus Christ.

Doing Missions with Paul

2022 Missions Conference

Oct. 9-16, 2022

What was missions to the Apostle Paul? How should his methods influence the way we do missions today? What implications does this have for our church?  “And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Not only is the local church central to the work of missions, it’s also the place where it begins. Whether we go to Cambridge, MN or Cameroon, the work must begin in the lives of the people of Meadow Creek Church. This October, we will consider what it means to do missions with the apostle Paul. We’ll get to hear updates from missionaries, enjoy fellowship meals, and pray for his kingdom to come. And we will celebrate God’s work in the world to create gospel communities among all peoples who treasure and proclaim his infinite worth.

EPHESIANS PREACHING SERIES

Church-Wide Bible Memory: Ephesians


We are encouraging and challenging the church family to hid God's word in our hearts through the

gracious discipline of memorization. We are providing Bible Memory Tips, as well as three options

for you to memorize all or portions of Ephesians. Let's go hard after God together through Bible memory!


BIBLE MEMORY TIPS 


Ephesians Bible Memory options

The recent outbreak of COVID-19 leaves many anxious and uncertain. Even now, Scripture is not silent. It gives peace for those patient enough to ponder, and confidence to those bold enough to ransack its answers. God has not lost control (Amos 3:6). There's no reason to fear COVID-19 (Matt. 10:28–31). God intends COVID-19 for you good (Rom. 8:28). God has given you everything you need for this trial (Rom. 8:32). Nothing is guaranteed to us—not even health (James 4:13–15). Our ultimate hope is in God, not health (Ps. 20:7). There is no trial in which God isn't worthy of praise (Hab. 3:17–18). "Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful creator while doing good" (1 Pet. 4:19).


Missions

"And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony

to all nations, and then the end will come."    Matthew 24:14



Supported Missionaries:

Kids Creek Nursery: Birth-4 yrs.

10:15am only through the Summer!

From 9 AM until the end of the Worship Service, our Nursery is open to all children from infant to age 4. We provide a creative, kid-friendly environment, partnering with teachers (and parents) to create a weekly experience filled with singing, Bible stories, and lesson-related activities. KidsCreek Nursery is not simply a free babysitting service, rather we intentionally use the time we have to teach them about God’s Word and His love for each one of them.

Welcome to Children's Ministry at Meadow Creek 

We are a discipleship-focused ministry, which simply means our goal is to instill a love and passion for God

and his teaching as your child sees us setting the example. We know our time with your children is limited

compared to the daily impact you have as parent, grandparent or guardian. Our hope is to work with you you

by providing a genuine, biblical framework of God’s truth so your children might continue throughout the week

under your own nurturing discipleship and care! Come check out Kids Creek this Sunday! For more details

about the kids ministry, please email kids@meadowcreekchurch.org.

Kids Sunday School: Gospel Project for Kids

[5 yrs old - 5th Grade] Sunday School Starts September 18!

At 9 AM, we welcome all children ages 5 through 5th grade to check in at Kids Creek and then gather in the Worship Center Balcony.  We will spend a few minutes together singing before they are dismissed to their classrooms. 

Our teachers are using The Gospel Project for Kids Curriculum this year. 

It’s more than a story—it’s good news!

The Gospel Project is a weekly Bible study that helps kids dive deep into the big story of the Bible—God’s plan to rescue His people through His Son, Jesus Christ. Kids and preschoolers will be immersed in the gospel through every story, theological concept, and call to mission from

Genesis to Revelation. Ultimately, the gospel message changes everything; heart transformation can only take place when a child experiences the gospel. Kids and preschoolers will understand the

Bible is not just a collection of stories, but one unified story—

God’s story of redemption.


Classes are dismissed at 10 AM. The younger children should be picked up at their classroom. Please coordinate ahead of time with your 3rd-5th grader on where you would like to meet to attend the family worship service together following Sunday School at 10:15 AM.

MEN

MEN'S BIBLE STUDY

TUES | 7:15pm | 1st and 3rd TUESDAYS | September-May


Join the Men of Meadow Creek as we dig into the book of Ephesians.

God calls us to steward the word that is preached to us every Sunday. 

But I fear that many times we jump into our busy weeks and forget to chew on and

be nourished by the spiritual food that God provides each week. Here is one way to grow in this. 

Join us as we dig in, apply, and live out the book of Ephesians together.

We will continue to meet every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month.

Adult Sunday School

"A Theological Survey of the Old Testament" [9:00am]

Why do we neglect the first 3/4 of our Bibles? Maybe it's because the culture of the Old Testament is foreign, there are long sections of genealogies, chapters of seemingly outdated laws, and some really strange (sometimes gruesome) stories. How do all these things relate to Christians today? Is the OT merely historical background for the New Testament and the coming of Christ? What impact should it have on our faith today? We believe that the Old Testament is Christian scripture so it's important to find helpful, biblical answers to these questions. Join us as we survey the theological message of the first 39 books of our Bibles and discover

how they fit together and connect to the New Testament and our faith. (26 weeks from Jan-July) 

Join us every Sunday morning at 9am in the gym.  

Section Title

Type the content for this section here. This is just example text to show you what it will look like when you enter text content into this section. Your unique, authentic, and appropriate text will be filled into this section. Once you click into this section, you will see the filler text disappear, and you can begin typing your real content. We’ve simply put in filler text in this area. We’ve simply put in filler text in this area. No need to get caught up in the actual content of this body text, we just typed a bunch of meaningless sentences.

"Cultivating a Heart of Hospitality"

Women's Fall Event at Meadow Creek!

SATURDAY | OCTOBER 30  |  9 AM - 2:30 PM

Ladies, please join us for an event to encourage your heart for hospitality. 

This is for women in all seasons of life.

There's something for everyone, whether you're single and new to hospitality or seasoned and

have been practicing it for many years. We'll hear from speaker Anita Tomlinson and participate in

interactive discussion sessions to explore different aspects of hospitality and the Biblical foundation for it.

Registration is $16 with lunch or $3 if you'd like to bring your own lunch.


REGISTRATION IS CLOSED TO ORDER LUNCH. 

You may register at the door for the Event [$3] but bring your lunch. We still have room for you!

Please call the Church Office [763-427-4543] for more information. 

AWANA Clubs

[Clubs meet September-May]

2020-2021 School Year Format  [Sept. 27, 2020 - May 23, 2021]

We will be offering a Parent-Led program for all age groups (Cubbies, Sparks, T&T). While we are disappointed

that we aren't able to host club safely in person in the current environment, we do believe that parents play an integral role in discipling their children in the faith. We want to partner with you, utilizing the AWANA program to continue the intentional discipleship of our children. Club will run from September 27th through May 23nd. (This schedule will give you plenty of time throughout the year to have your clubbers complete their books, completing a section a week with some time off for the holidays.)

 

Parents will work with their kids to complete their sections in their books and will listen to their kids say their Bible verses. Each week you will receive an email with enrichment resources that you can use to enhance your child’s learning experience, such as a link to a short lesson and fun activities/songs. Once a month, the AWANA Club Director will send out a log for parents to complete (this should take about 5 minutes max!), verifying the sections that their kids have completed. We will encourage and celebrate our kids as they hide God’s word in their heart and complete sections with the normal patches and awards, as well as a small birthday treat, just sent in the mail. What kid doesn’t love to get mail!

 

Parent Action

Please use the link below to register your child for the 20/21 AWANA year. The registration fee will cover the cost of the books and awards that your child earns. 


CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE REGISTRATION


AWANA stands for “Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed” taken from 2 Timothy 2:15. AWANA is an international children's discipleship program that focuses on Scripture memorization and learning more about God through Bible stories and studying the Word. At MCC, we offer AWANA for 3-year-olds through Grade 6.


To get in contact with our AWANA Clubs leadership, email us at AWANA@meadowcreekchurch.org.

MEN

Men's Evening Bible Study Fellowship (BSF)

Mondays @ 7:00 pm | Note Day Change

MATTHEW: "The Unexpected King"


Why are we here? What is my purpose? Why is the world so broken? 

Genesis answers life's hardest questions. BSF walks through each book chapter by chapter, 

exploring God's Word in context. The first 11 chapters of Genesis concern the creation and

expansion of the entire human race. The final 39 chapters focus on the family of Abraham

(the patriarch of Judaism, Christianity and Islam), the three of his descendants - Isaac, 

Jacob and Joseph. Through Abraham and his descendants, the redemption of the world

by Jesus Christ and the restoration of all creation will be accomplished.

Meadow Creek hosts Men's BSF each week from September-April. 


BSF is an in-depth, interdenominational Bible study that helps people know God and equips

them to effectively serve the church throughout the world. Come visit any Tuesday night. 

For questions, contact John at bsfotsego@gmail.com.

senior adults

The Meadow Creek Church family is richly blessed with many adults who are all vitally important to our church. Our adults represent an enormous wealth of resources essential to the well-being and growth of our church.


”Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come." Psalm 71:18.


PRIMETIMER events are advertised in the ‘The Creek’ worship folder, and at "The Hub" information booth. If you have further questions about the events or how to participate, please contact the Church Office.


All Primetimers are welcome to experience fellowship, service and learning in the context of warm and caring friendships. We look forward to get to know you as we grow in Christ together. For upcoming events, check out our Church Calendar!

Giving is an act of worship. You can give online anytime by clicking here, mailing a check to the church office at 3037 Bunker Lake Blvd. NW, Andover, MN 55304, or dropping off a check in person. Please note that continuing to give during this trying season is one of the more important acts of worship we can express.Giving expresses faith in God through the

uncertainties that are before us and helps us continue our ministries as a church. Thank you for your continued support of the ministries at Meadow Creek Church, here locally and abroad.

Want to join the prayer chain?

To receive prayer requests and updates from our church family via email, fill out the form below!




Please join us online for our virtual Easter Sunday Resurrection Service at 10:15 AM.

Click HERE to begin, and then follow the instructions at the top of the page.

We worship the Risen Christ!

online Good Friday Service

"The Cup of suffering: a good friday narrative"

Join us HERE at 7:00 pm for our virtual Good Friday Narrative entitled "The Cup of Suffering."

The narrative is intense, and parts will be somewhat graphic. The crucifixion is shocking.

And this depiction of the crucifixion will help us experience the shocking reality of what

Jesus suffered on our behalf. We hope that you will click the link and join us at 7 pm this evening.

We pray you will take some time to reflect and pray, either alone or as a family, afterwards.

Then remember...it's Friday...but Sunday's a-coming. We hope you can join us again

on Sunday, when we will celebrate Jesus' triumphant resurrection together.

Meadow Creek Updates & 

Preparations for covid-19

Our nation is trying to decide the best way to handle the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic in real time.

As a church, we will continue to do our best to stay informed and operate by faith in God and love for others.

After much consideration and prayer, we have decided to suspend all onsite ministry events at Meadow

Creek Church until May 3. We will be continuing to make decisions about ongoing ministries as

more information is available to us through the Minnesota Department of Health. 

Click here for the complete communication from Meadow Creek Church.

Sunday service times:

We offer Adult, Teens and Kids Sunday School [9-10 am]

The Worship Service starts at 10:15 am but plan to arrive early for coffee in the Creekside area.

WE'RE HIRING

AUDIO TECHNICIAN

We're adding to our ministry staff! As our new paid Audio Technician, you will serve as part of the Worship Team during Sunday morning services and assist with the Audio/Visual needs of the Pastor and special guests. You will participate in Worship Team practices (Wednesday evenings) in preparation for the Sunday morning service. You will also configure, operate and troubleshoot all audio equipment, connections, soundboard, soundchecks and other testing. Time commitment is approximately 15 hours/week. No experience necessary. Simply a desire to serve the Lord through working with technical equipment. Meadow Creek Church will provide all necessary training on all equipment prior to operating equipment alone.


Interested? Download the documents listed below to apply! Send your completed application to tammy@meadowcreekchurch.org. We look forward to reviewing your application!


Position Description         Application

mercyworks connection

MercyWorks Connection is a care and compassion ministry of Meadow Creek Church. We are committed to showing God's love in a tangible way when families are facing personal challenges and crises. MercyWorks Connection is organized with Acts 1:8 in mind. We want to demonstrate the love of Christ at three levels; locally, regionally and globally. Therefore, we have organized into three response teams.


As a church, God has equipped each one of us individually to serve the needs of others locally here at Meadow Creek, in the greater community to which we are connected, and/ or across the world! We are committed to showing God’s love in tangible ways to our Meadow Creek family as well as our community when they face personal challenges and crises. The MercyWorks team is designed to help a variety of needs. Are you in need of a ride or meal? Do you know of a student that needs tutoring? Household or yard work? The needs are many and varied and so are the gifts the Lord has provided. Contact the MercyWorks Team to let us know about your needs! We are here for you!


Click here to request help from MercyWorks Connection!



WORSHIP LEADER

We're adding to our ministry staff! As our new Worship Leader, you will be providing leadership

to the worship team to ensure a comprehensive, effective, and sustainable music ministry program. 

You will collaborate with pastoral staff and communicate effectively to the worship team. 

You will focus on creating God-centered, participatory worship for the main worship service and other events. 

You will manage a variety of responsibilities, including volunteer scheduling, leading rehearsals, and more.


Interested? Download the documents listed below to apply! Send your completed application to searchteam@meadowcreekchurch.org. We look forward to reviewing your application!


                                                     Position Description    Church Profile    Application


Questions? Email us at searchteam@meadowcreekchurch.org.