Getting Involved

The strength of The Garden is that it empowers everyone in ministry. It is truly team oriented, where individuals are free to express their unique gifts and passions for the good of God.

The worship service of The Garden is the culmination of a great deal of preparation. The themes are decided upon by the Message Team, which meets quarterly. The themes are assigned a date to be presented and the scripture that correlates to the subject is researched. The pastor then writes the message that will be used in that service.

The Worship Team meets weekly and discusses the ideas, firming up the focus of the theme, exploring different unique ways for presenting scripture, perhaps in song, video clips, or in drama. Once the content is determined, the team decides the order or “flow” of the multi-media service.

The Good Earth Band (at Beef and Boards) and the Oak Hill Band (at Oak Hill Mansion) then receive the selected music at their weekly rehearsals. Each band is made up of a number of very talented musicians (keyboards, percussion, bass, electric and acoustic guitars and several vocalists). Which vocalist will perform the music is determined and the rehearsals begin.

Segments of the pastor’s message and lyrics to the songs are sent to members of the Technical or Tech Team. Before the services, some of this team produces original video clips and PowerPoint presentations. Other members of this team take turns operating the cameras, playing the videos and directing the team at the weekly services. This team also meets periodically.

The Garden Kids Team targets the youngest Gardeners. This team plans and implements programming for the Garden kids that accompanies each of Sunday’s themes. Currently, Garden Kids is only offered at Oak Hill.

Each of these teams adds their own creative element to the service.

On Sunday morning, the Hospitality Team coordinates help in the parking lot, distributes weekly programs, and helps with food, seating, smiling, greeting and cleaning up afterwards. Team members are generally scheduled to help once a month.

The Marketing / Communications Team focuses on getting the word out about The Garden. Having both external and internal components, they also help facilitate communication among Gardeners. Team members write articles, take photographs, and assist or lead projects. Periodic meetings are held.

Part of The Garden’s mission is to give back to the community. One way this is achieved is by donating 10% of the monthly donations Gardeners donate to a grass roots not-for-profit organization. The 10% Team routinely asks for suggested recipients and then researches the organizations to determine if they fit the criteria. Team members coordinate when the recipient will be presented their check at an upcoming service with the Worship Team.

The many activities and programs of The Garden, requires funding. The Development Team oversees the budget and plans creative ways to raise the funds needed to support The Garden.

The Comfort and Care Team offers prayers, their presence and help when Gardeners need a friend.

The Leadership Team tries to foresee where The Garden is headed, and what the future will hold.

The Tech Team is the engine that makes Sunday morning chug. The tech team coordinates all Sunday morning technology from PowerPoints to cameras and production. You too can be part of the geek squad—we’re always looking for good, technologically inclined folks.