As a student of Maranatha Baptist Bible College you are representing Maranatha! More importantly, as a Christian you are constantly representing Christ. For this reason we remind you of the following procedures and guidelines.
Attendance in Ministry
Before committing to a ministry, count the cost!
-
You should strive to be faithful each week in your ministry.
-
If you will be absent for any reason, please discuss this with the Pastor before committing to weekly ministry involvement.
-
Always arrive early! Plan ahead for traffic, weather, or road construction.
-
Always communicate with the Pastor and direct supervisor of your ministry at least one week prior to missing a service or a ministry.
Luke 14:26-30 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
Attitude in Ministry
While in ministry, always put others and their needs before yourself.
-
Always maintain an attitude of humility, cooperation and service, realizing whose we are and whom we serve.
-
Look for ways to serve and to show love toward all you serve.
-
While at the church you are under the authority of the Pastor. Never say a negative word about the Pastor, his family or the ministry to anyone in the church. Be supportive of the ministry, and be a blessing to the church.
-
Always have the Pastor’s permission and support in any ministry endeavor.
-
When working with young people remember your influence is great. Always be above reproach in your conduct and conversation.
-
If at any time there is a problem, contact the Pastor of the church and work toward resolving the issue. If the problem continues, contact the Director of Student Ministries.
-
If a ministry opportunity opens up for you and you are not currently involved in ministry at your permanent church, you may discuss the opportunity with the Director of Student Ministries.
Note: If you change your permanent church during the semester then you should meet with the pastor of your current church before leaving and explain the change.
Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.
Actions in Ministry
Since people cannot see our hearts and are not always aware of our motives, we are often judged only by what others see; therefore, it is of the utmost importance that we remain above reproach in our actions.
-
Always be attentive during the services. Others are always watching you.
-
Avoid whispering, writing notes and chewing gum during the service—especially while ministering in front of people (song leading, choir, special music, or ushering).
-
Say “thank you” often! Show an attitude of thankfulness in your words and actions toward those who feed, house and serve you. A note of thanks is always appreciated!
-
Thank you notes are available without charge in the Office of Student Ministries.
-
-
If meals are provided for you by the church:
-
Allow others to go before you in line.
-
Avoid sloppy table manners.
-
Look for ways to interact and get to know others; don’t just sit with your group.
-
Be sensitive to the size of servings you take. Remember that others need to eat as well.
-
Always help clean up afterwards.
-
1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Awareness in Ministry – Considerations while in a home:
While you are involved in ministry in a home, be very wise in your conduct.
-
Be a servant. Offer to help in any way possible. Clear the table, wash the dishes, help with the children, etc. Ask the host or hostess how you can be of service. Do not wait for them to ask for your help.
-
Pick up after yourself. Make the bed, keep things picked up and hung up.
-
Keep the bathroom clean. Rinse out the sink, shower or bathtub. Hang towels neatly after each use. Leave it cleaner than when you began using it.
-
Be aware of time restraints. Don’t monopolize the bathroom. Ask the host or hostess when would be the best time for you to have the bathroom. Adjust to their schedule!
-
Do not sleep in until the last moment. Get up early and look for ways to help the host or hostess.
-
Always be appropriately dressed before leaving your room.
-
Always maintain modesty in dress while at the home.
-
While you are staying in homes do not request to watch television or make long distance phone calls; you may call collect or use a calling card, but only with permission.
-
Use discernment and avoid situations where you are alone in a house with a child or an adult of the opposite gender.
-
Practice good table manners – “Please” and “Thank you.”
-
Eat slowly and with your mouth closed. Do not talk with your mouth full.
-
When serving yourself, take conservative portions. Be considerate of others.
-
Unless you have diet restrictions or allergies to certain foods, eat what is put before you.
-
Do not suggest other foods/drinks you would prefer unless they ask you.
-
Always show your appreciation by helping to clean up after the meal.
-
Be careful not to monopolize the conversation. Be more ready to listen than to talk about yourself.
-
Do not become involved in church gossip.
-
Always be Christ-like in your communication. Do not speak negatively about Maranatha, your family, etc.
-
Always be supportive of the church and the ministry.
-
Avoid sarcasm, questionable jokes, slang, complaining, argumentative loud speech and any other language that would not build up others.
Appearance in Ministry
Dress in Ministry (Men~Women)
Students must bear in mind the fact that they represent Maranatha when they are involved in ministry. Therefore, students are to abide by Maranatha’s standards for dress even though the church or home in which they are visiting may allow something different.
Ladies, for church related activities other than church services, please check with the pastor of your extension church regarding level of dress.
Music and Speech in Ministry
All vocal and instrumental numbers (including piano and organ), readings, dramatizations and song leading must conform to Maranatha’s standards and guidelines.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.