Those who participate in and lead this ministry will work to provide opportunities for learning and maturing in the Christian faith and practicing spiritual disciplines.
ADULTS
Retreat Leadership (Men, Women, Silent): (around 5 hours around the retreat event) DaySpring has long valued the importance of coming away to a quiet place to be with Christ. We try to organize a women’s retreat, a men’s retreat, and a Lenten silent retreat every year or so. Help organize, publicize, and administer these important times of retreat for our congregation.
College Ministry Leadership Team (3): Host dinners in your home with young adults of college age in consultation with the Associate Pastor for Community Life.
* Small Group Leaders: Help facilitate a small group that meets twice a month in homes. Groups focus on spiritual growth and developing community in consultation with the Associate Pastor for Community Life.
* Sunday Morning Adult Formation Team: Work with the Director of Adult Formation in planning and leading the Sunday morning adult formation class(es).
* Lectionary Breakfast Leader: (Friday 8-9 am, weekly email reminders) Assist with leading the lectionary discussion group each Friday morning.
YOUTH
Substitute Teachers (4+): Substitute teachers allow our regular leaders to commit with the assurance that youth group will continue on if they get sick, take a trip, or just need a day off. Substitutes facilitate Sunday formation or youth group gatherings on Wednesday nights (6-7:30 pm) when they are needed and available.
Host Homes (6): Host homes are expected to host our students for special events during the year, such as an overnight retreat, pool party, or meal. Host homes are expected to be clean and coordinate food with the Youth Minister. Ideally, host homes will only be asked to host once or twice a year.
* Wednesday Evening Leaders (4): Wednesday night youth gatherings are at the heart of our community’s life together each week. Wednesday night leaders help facilitate games, worship, lessons, and small groups.
* Winter Retreat Leaders (8): Our annual youth retreat happens at the beginning of the calendar year, usually falling on Presidents’ Weekend. We spend Friday night through church on Sunday together, staying at church members’ homes, meeting at DaySpring for worship, and doing various activities like ropes courses and scavenger hunts around Waco. We divide into 4 host homes, each with 2 leaders.
* Summer Camp Leaders (4+): Each summer, we take the youth group to camp for 4-5 days. We need at least 4 chaperones to accompany the Youth Minister to camp. Chaperones help the Youth Minister supervise the youth, play games and do activities with the youth, and help facilitate devotional times, worship, and small groups. This is an amazing opportunity to connect with and minister to our youth.
CHILDREN
Family & Children’s Ministry Coordinator: Jared Patterson(mailto:jaredrpatterson@gmail.com)
Our Worship Care Team is part of "The Big Three."
* Fall/Spring Sunday School Teachers (16): Sunday school is one of the primary ways DaySpring nurtures children in their growing faith in Jesus. We have several teachers who have taught for over 10 years giving testimony to how rich and rewarding it can be. The weekly commitment may feel intimidating, but it allows for the teachers' deep and lasting connections with the children and one another. We keep a list of willing substitutes who step in when you're absent.
Each of our classrooms has two teachers: a storyteller and a doorkeeper. The roles look different in each classroom, but typically the storyteller prepares and tells the Bible story, guides reflection, and prays with the children before the feast (snack). The doorkeeper welcomes the children, assists with transitions and response time, and blesses the children upon dismissal.
Summer Sunday School Teachers (12): Each summer we aim to give our Fall and Spring teachers a break to rest and renew their commitment to teaching children. Summer Formation typically lasts 8 Sundays and is a wonderful way to build relationships with the children. We know folks travel in the summer and will work with you to find a substitute on the Sundays you’re unavailable.
Compassion Camp (8 adults): Alongside the Minister to Children and Families plan a summer formation opportunity for children. Summer formation is a great time to experiment with programs. If you’re gifted in music, recreation, decoration, or working with preschoolers, please indicate that on your sign up form. If you have a multitude of gifts and simply want to pitch in wherever you can, please do.
PassportKIDS Team (2 women/2 men): Accompany campers and Minister to Children and Families to PassportKIDS camp in late July. Camp is for completed 3rd - 5th graders. Typically, chaperones are parents, but non-parents are welcome! It’s a bonding experience like no other.
Special Events Team (Advent, Easter, Pentecost, Fun on the Hill) (6): Alongside the Minister to Children and Families, plan and implement church wide special events related to the liturgical calendar and other occasions. These events include but are not limited to Advent Wreath Making, Easter Egg Hunt, Pentecost Celebration, and Fun on the Hill Picnic and Waterslide.
Worship Care Substitutes (4): Substitute worship care helpers are needed on Sunday mornings when unforeseen illness occurs and a scheduled helper needs to care for themselves or a sick family member. We need substitutes who are willing to jump in on the morning of worship and take their place.
New Parent Support & Care Team: Encourage parents by checking in before and after the birth of a baby and creating a meal calendar once the baby is home.