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We operate more on the basis of relationships than policies because the quality of our relationships with one another will determine the effectiveness of our ministry in the community (John 17:20-23). This family structure shapes...

How We Make Decisions.
Even though Creekside is congregational in church government, we only vote on a limited number of
items:

●The annual budget.

●The corporate officers (the church council.)

●The hiring of pastors and other ministerial staff.

●Any changes in the church constitution or bylaws.

●The purchase of land or buildings.

●Acceptance or dismissal of members.

All other decisions are made by those responsible for that particular ministry, or by the church council.

How We're Organized.
Every ministry at Creekside is a team ministry, composed of people who have not only committed themselves to that particular ministry, but also to one another for mutual accountability and support.
There are no lone rangers at Creekside. We either work together in harmony and love, or the church doesn't work at all.

CREEKSIDE IS A BODY (Romans 12:4-6)

The church is not an organization but an organism into which God has placed each member to fulfill a specific role. Therefore, Creekside functions on the basis of spiritual gifts, not elected positions. Since God has given every Christian at least one spiritual gift, we believe that everybody is a minister at Creekside. The role of the congregation is to do the ministry. The role of the paid staff is to train the congregation for ministry (Eph. 4:11-13) and to free the congregation for ministry by taking the burden of administrating the ministry. For Creekside to grow, the staff must trust the congregation to minister and the congregation must trust the staff and elected leaders to lead.

CREEKSIDE IS A FLOCK (Acts 20:28)
Creekside is led and cared for by shepherds, not bureaucrats or board members. Three terms are used interchangeably in the New Testament for church leaders.

"Pastor" (or shepherd)

"Elder"

"Overseer"

These leaders are called to lead and feed the congregation. Each member's well-being and growth is to be a leader's principle concern. (John 21:16-17) Therefore, Creekside is structured to provide the greatest amount of care for each individual. Creekside is led and cared for by the pastors and the small group leaders. It is served and administered by the Church Council. (Acts 6:3-4) The pastors and small group leaders are appointed on the basis of gifts and past faithfulness, while the Church Council is elected by the congregation.

The church council consists of five church officers: chair, vice-chair, secretary, financial secretary and treasurer. They supervise church membership, set policy, endorse plans, and audit compliance to ensure all ministries at Creekside conform to the spirit of the church mission and constitution. In addition, they evaluate the church staff annually and oversee finances and facilities.

CREEKSIDE'S AFFILIATION WITH THE EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH OF AMERICA

Creekside is affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church of America. We were begun by First
Covenant Church of Oakland, and Creekside formerly joined the denomination in 1996. The Evangelical Covenant Church of America was organized in Chicago, Illinois in 1885 with 48 member churches. Currently there are over 600 member churches spanning a wide variety of social, ethnic and racial backgrounds. While Covenanters value the denomination's rich heritage and seek to be faithful to its values, they also believe that ministry must be to the needs of the contemporary world. The Covenant supports mission in the United States as well as overseas, and conducts other ministries including homes for senior citizens, homes for children, campgrounds, publications and North Park college and seminary in Chicago.

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP AT CREEKSIDE

While every Christian is a member of the body of Christ, California state law requires Creekside as a non-profit corporation to have a designated membership roll which is empowered by the Creekside Constitution to make decisions relative to church organization and operation. We invite every regular Creekside attendee over the age of 12 to consider becoming a church member.

 Creekside Community Church ● 951 MacArthur Blvd ● San Leandro, CA ● (510) 430-0607