How Wasatch Church is Governed

Decisions are made at Wasatch as a partnership between different voices.  Our Elders set the direction and give general oversight as the church's governing board.  Our staff team operates the ministry day by day - under the authority of the Elders.  Ministry team leaders - as the people who are on the frontlines of ministry - make decisions that are relevant to their areas of responsibility.  While vision and direction come from the Elders and staff, there are certain major decisions that the congregation's formal members can make, as they cast a vote at congregational meetings.  We have a written document - the Bylaws - that sets forth these various roles and relationships.  Copies are available from the church office.

Becoming a Partner at Wasatch Church

We consider our formal members at Wasatch to be ministry partners.  These are the people who invest in the mission and vision of our church.  Beyond those who merely attend, partners are the people who are on mission with us.  They are our team of core stakeholders.

The New Testament paints a picture of the significance each person has in the cause of Christ.  The mission does not belong to the pastors or Elders, but to every Christ-follower, as described in Ephesians 4:11-16.  But too often the church is like a football game: a great number of people deeply in need of exercise sitting around watching a few people deeply in need of rest.     

The process of becoming a member validates the people who make a commitment to partner with our mission.  As such, they are given the privilege of voting on key matters relating to the life of the church.  The membership process is also how we insure that the people making the decisions that direct the congregation are genuinely followers of Jesus and are pulling in the same direction.

We require that our members have a testimony of saving faith in Jesus Christ.  Everyone is welcom at Wasatch Church.  But only confirmed Christ-followers are eligible to be formal partners.

Beyond a saving relationship with Jesus, we ask partners to make seven specific commitments to the people and mission of Wasatch Church.

1. You agree with our Statement of Faith and our Lifestyle Covenant.

2. You commit to join us in seeking a closer relationship with Jesus.

3. You commit to pray for the congregation.

4. You commit to join us in service through a ministry team.

5. You commit to participate in a Community.

6. You commit to contribute financially to our mission.

7. You commit to join us in reach our community for Jesus.

Again, everyone is welcome to participate in the ministries of Wasatch Church, whether they choose to become a formal partner or not.  So why do it?

1. Have a voice in decisions that direct the church, such as choosing Elders, calling staff members, etc.

2. Get first priority on church resources like building, staff, etc.

3. Receive beneficial accountability that will help you grow in Christ.

4. The leadership pathway is open to you, as only partners can lead ministries.

5.  You get to participate in awesome work God is doing!

To find out more about partnership and how to become a formal member, plan to attend the next quarterly Base Camp, to be held in January 2010.

Regardless of whether or not you take the step of formal partnership, we urge you to maximize your relationship with this congregation by taking the following steps:

1. Join a Community

2. Enroll in The Ascent

3. Find a Place to Serve

4. Start Living Missionally