Southside Ministry Description Document

For over 100 years, the Southside Church of Christ has been a light to the community in the near
Southside of Fort Worth. Our vision can be broken down into three parts:
1.

We want to Be Missionaries We want to be a sent people to bring the lost to know

Christ. We are a church on a mission to our neighborhood, city, and the world.

2.

We want to Show Mercy We are to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those around us.
We want our church to be known as a place people can come and find hope and the
abundant life in Christ Jesus no matter who they are or what their past has been.

3.

We want to Bring Transformation We want to be a place where lives can be

changed through Gods word and His Spirit. A change that is so comprehensive, it
makes different all facets of life and puts Jesus Christ at the center.

One of the goals for the elders, staff, deacons, and ministry leaders at Southside is for each
member to find their place as a part of the body and contribute to this vision and serve to the best
of their ability based on their unique gifts and interests.
Romans 12: 46 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and
these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many,
form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts,
according to the grace given to each of us.
While each of us has gifts that we can contribute to the body we also want to emphasize the need
to be active and use those talents. Our desire is for each person to be an active participant as a
partner in the gospel
Phil 4: 36 I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of
you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first
day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will
carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
We want to be partners with one another and committed members of our church family who
share accountability in our call to serve together in Gods work of growing in His grace and sharing
the love of Christ in our church fellowship, as well as in spreading the good news to our
neighborhood, city, and world. We encourage you as you look through this packet to think about
ways in which you can serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with the Southside family.
This document provides a brief description of some of the ministry opportunities. All members
are encouraged to complete an Involvement Preferences Form and meet with the Ministry
Leaders, Transformation Minister, or a deacon on the Involvement Team so that we can identify
areas of interest and opportunities to expand our efforts in accomplishing Gods work for us.

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MISSION
Missions Foreign & Domestic
In addition to supporting missionaries in various parts of the world Southside offers a variety of
options to for members to participate in directly in mission efforts. Some of these include:
Serving on the Missions Committee to evaluate mission options and report on supported
works
Assist in grading correspondence courses through World Bible School
Participate in a mission trips. Past trips have been to Mexico, Ukraine, Ecuador, Honduras,
and New York
Help with missionary support and encouragement activities or house missionaries while
they are in town
Help fund special mission needs
Help with fund raising efforts and activities for childrens homes.
Outreach Programs / Local Missions
We are actively looking for opportunities to share the good news with people in our local
community as well. Some of these efforts include:

Community Day Once a year we conduct an event to celebrate with the neighborhood.
Typically, we cook hot dogs, have a bounce house, serve snow cones and just have a good
time. The goal is to meet some of the neighbors and let them know we are a church that
cares about our neighbors. Volunteers are needed to coordinate activities and help host
the event.

Community Garden We have a garden area on the east side of the building that was
created as a place where members of the community can gather to meet, meditate, grow
vegetables for food, or just enjoy working in the garden. There is a need for members to
help maintain the garden area and to visit with community members who may have special
needs or may just want to visit.

Fall Festival At Halloween we have a special evening for the kids to dress up and get
candy in a fun and safe environment. Some years we have a Trunk or Treat and decorate
cars and pass out candy in the parking lot. Other years we have a small carnival in the
fellowship hall. Volunteers are needed to help coordinate, plan, and conduct the event.

Food Pantry Bible Studies Some of the neighbors of the food pantry have an interest in
learning more about the Bible. There are opportunities periodically to teach the Bible to
those waiting for Food Pantry services at the building.

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Jail Ministry Several of our women participate in a weekly ministry to teach the Bible to
women in jail. Some of women have developed a course that inmates can work on while
they are in jail. The course walks them through the Bible and teaches basic spiritual
concepts.

Personal Evangelism From time to time we have members or community guests who are
interested in studying the Bible. There is a need for individuals to meet with them to
conduct oneonone studies.

School Supply Drive Each fall we have a school supply drive and collect or purchase
school supplies for elementary age students. Families from the neighborhood, most of
whom are pantry customers or students at our adopted school, Daggett Middle School, can
come up on a Saturday and obtain school supplies at little or no cost. Volunteers are
needed to help organize the event, purchase/order supplies and organize materials for
distribution.

School Clinic Several years ago we converted a portion of an old house on the church
property to a JPS Childrens Clinic. The clinic is staffed by JPS but periodically there are
volunteer opportunities to assist such as encouraging families visiting the clinic or helping
in the waiting room.

Tutoring Program We offer tutoring for students of families who come to the food
pantry or live in the neighborhood. Tutoring is offered on Tuesday nights during the school
year. Volunteers are needed to assist in tutoring kids and in planning activities and snacks.

Vacation Bible School During the summer we have a Vacation Bible School for our own
kids as well as for kids in the neighborhood. VBS is typically in the evening for three or
four nights. There is always a need for a lot of volunteers to teach, decorate the building,
organize activities, arrange snacks and supervise the kids.

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MERCY
Southside has always had a reputation for helping those who are hurting or have needs both
spiritually and physically.
Benevolence Southside has a reputation for helping those in need. We provide financial and
physical assistance to our brothers and sisters within the body as well as those who come to the
church from the community. As a result we encounter a number of people seeking support. Our
HOPE minister Dan Leaf and the benevolence committee regularly meet to review and determine
the appropriate way to fulfill these needs. This ministry requires a heart for helping and spiritual
discernment.
Clothing Room We also have room where they can get clothes, coats and blankets if needed. We
need volunteers to help organize the donated clothes and to help man the room on Tuesdays
during the same time as the pantry operations.
Case Worker Support South Central Alliance of Churches has a case worker on site to assist
with other social services as well. In the past, we have also worked with various housing
programs and offered assistance in helping church members identify and move to temporary or
permanent housing locations.
Congregational Care In addition to helping those in the community, Southside also strives to
assist members of our congregation who are hurting or going through challenging times. This
may include writing letters, visiting members in the hospital or nursing home, counseling with
members who are dealing with family crises or making food for families who lost a loved one.
However, in addition to providing assistance during challenging times, participants in this
ministry also offer encouragement during times of transition by working with new members to
help them find their place and get connected to others at Southside.
Disaster Relief and Special Needs Southside has a history of providing support when disasters
strike. Several of our members have been active on the ground to assist in providing support.
Food Pantry The food pantry is active in helping to meet the physical needs of people in our
community. We work with the Tarrant Area Food Bank to provide food distribution to qualifying
low income individuals and families. Food items are collected and delivered to Southside where
they are organized and sorted for distribution. We serve our neighbors at the building on
Tuesdays from 9am to noon. This includes processing their paperwork and providing groceries,
as well as seeking to counsel and pray with them as opportunities arise.
ShutIns and Widows Southside has quite a few older members who are no longer able to
attend services. Some of these members live at home and others are in a retirement or nursing
home. Volunteers are needed to visit with them and help address some of their physical and
spiritual needs.
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TRANSFORMATION
Adult Education We encourage everyone to be involved in a Sunday morning Bible School class.
This is one of the best ways to get connected to people in same age category. There are ministry
opportunities not only for teaching but also in serving as a class coordinator, maintaining
attendance, planning class activities and following up with class members who may be missing or
have special needs. The Bible study subject typically changes in each class on a quarterly basis.
On Sunday mornings we have the following adult classes:

Catchers Class This class meets in the library and has a variety of ages including singles
and couples both with and without children.

Faith Class Comprised primarily of adults and couples age 4050 . Most couples have
middleschool, high school, or college aged children.

Fellowship Class Comprised primarily of newly married or young married couples in

their 20s and 30s. Several couples have newborn or toddler aged children.

Frogs for Christ College Class Comprised of students from TCU and other local
universities. During the summer and winter the class also includes members who are at
home on break. See additional information below.

Heart Class Meets in the chapel. This class consists mostly of senior adults and couples.

Hope Class The class offers Heavenly Options for Pain and Emptiness and is geared
primarily to those members who have struggled with various addictions. The class serves
as a support group as well as a source for spiritual guidance and direction. See additional
information below.

Grace Class Comprised primarily of young couples and young professional who are out of
college but have not yet started a family.

Life Class Comprised primarily of married couples with in their 30s. Many couples have
elementary aged children.

Peace Class Comprised primarily of adults and couples who are primarily in the 50 to 65
age range.

RENEW Class Meets in the fireplace room. This is a new class for young adults.

Spanish Class This class is for our Spanishspeaking members and guests. See additional
information below.

On Wednesday nights we offer Southside University which is a prime time for indepth
discussion and study of Biblical and theological topics as well as spiritual disciplines . We also
offer a singing class. We typically have several class options and are always looking for good
teachers who want to lead a class on a textual or topical study.
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Childrens Care Southside has been blessed to have many young families with babies and
toddlers. We offer a nursery during class and worship times to care for them. The nursery is
located in the room adjacent to the auditorium. A separate toddler care room is also provided.
Childrens Education Southside has always taken pride in the quality of our childrens
education program. Under the direction of our Childrens Education Minister, Bekah
Weatherford, we offer classes for all ages on Sunday morning and Wednesday night. We have a
teachers work room with a variety of supplies and teaching aids. We offer a childrens worship
during the morning assembly. Each Spring, Southsides youth participate in the North Texas
Leadership Training for Christ (LTC) which provides opportunities for students to compete in
Bible Bowl, chorus, puppets and other events. Coaches are needed to help prepare the kids for
these events. Every summer we conduct a Vacation Bible School. We believe strongly in building a
solid foundation of Biblical teaching and are always looking for volunteers to help with these
initiatives.
Childrens Worship Children age 2 through Kindergarten are invited to attend Childrens
Worship during the preaching segment of worship on most Sunday mornings. Volunteers assist
with teaching the children worship skills, singing songs, telling Bible stories, and helping the
children find their regular Bible class after worship.
Frogs for Christ College Ministry While this ministry is called Frogs for Christ it is actually a
college ministry for students of TCU as well as other local colleges. There are opportunities
throughout the year to plan events such as tailgate parties before games, the annual Christmas
party, the spring trip, and weekend retreats as well as helping with student Bible studies or
fellowships during the week. We also have an adoptafrog program where members serve as
adopted parents for a TCU student and invite them to lunch or have them over to hang out at the
house periodically.
Grace Gatherings Small Groups During part of the year, the church meets in small groups,
rather than coming back to the building on Sunday night. We have a need for small group
leaders/coordinators, devotional leaders, hosts to provide hospitality and a place to meet, and for
all members to participate.
Guest Welcoming & FollowUp We want members and visitors alike to receive a warm and
welcome greeting. The ministry area includes meeting visitors who come to worship and
providing them with information as appropriate. In addition, it also includes contacting visitors
who may be looking for a church home to help them feel welcome and introducing them to other
members and to the opportunities to become involved in the work at Southside.

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HOPE Ministry The Hope Ministry offers support to those who are overcoming physical
challenges and addictions. This ministry, which stands for Heavenly Options for Pain and
Emptiness, is led by Dan and Kathy Leaf. Members who have, through Gods grace, successfully
fought the battle over addiction mentor and support others who are facing the same challenges.
This ministry is an ongoing ministry providing teaching, encouragement, mentoring, counseling
and support to regular members as well as weekly visitors. The Hope Class meets on Sunday
morning after worship and on Wednesday night. There is class fellowship the second Sunday of
the month after Bible Class and an AA meeting in the evening one night during the week.
Library Southside has a library at off of the front foyer. The room is used for a Sunday morning
classroom but the books are checked out infrequently. There is a need for volunteers to
reevaluate the materials in the library and establish a true resource library with books that
teachers and general members can check out. Volunteers could also research materials and
inform members of helpful resources for parenting, dealing with finances, sharing their faith, etc.
Mens Ministry The goal of the mens ministry is to plan activities and events that allow men to
grow closer to each other and to grow spiritually. These include Bible studies, fellowship,
projects, and other activities which range from an annual mens retreat to softball games, movie
nights and dinners.
Seniors Adult Ministry The Southside Seniors are very active in both social and spiritual
efforts. Many of the members volunteer in the food pantry and in visiting members who are ill or
in the hospital. They also have a number of social events throughout the year. Some of these in
the past have included trips to Branson, the Promise in Glen Rose, East Texas, Cowboy Stadium,
etc. They have an annual breakfast in the country and various potluck lunches. They generally
have at least one luncheon event after church where they host another Bible class to promote
cross generation fellowship.
Signing for the Deaf During worship service we have someone who signs during prayers,
sermons, and scripture reading to assist those who are deaf or hearing impaired. A Bible class is
offered on Wednesday night. We also need someone for translation when a person who is deaf is
asked to lead a prayer or read scripture and when a deaf person is baptized. There are
opportunities to assist the deaf by signing in Bible classes or other occasions as the need arises.
Singing While we do not have a formal singing group, we do have occasions from time to time to
sing at weddings or funerals. We like to have a list of members who would be willing to
participate when we are asked to put together a group.
Spanish Ministry Southside is located in an area that has a high Spanish speaking population.
Many of the friends who visit the food pantry or have kids at the adopted elementary school speak
Spanish. We are always looking for volunteers to help with interpretation and translation. We
also have a Spanishspeaking Bible class that meets on Sunday and Wednesday night.

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Special Events There are several special events that happen for our Southside members
throughout the year. There are opportunities for members to assist in coordinating, planning,
and conducting these activities. Some of these events include:

Senior Banquet held once a year to honor our graduating seniors

Family Campout held in the fall at Mineral Wells State Park

Holiday Celebrations held during the Christmas holidays

Womens Ministry The goal of the womens ministry is to plan activities and events that allow
women to grow closer to each other and to grow spiritually. Activities range from an annual
womens retreat, Ladies in Fellowship Together (LIFT), and ladies Bible study. A Womens
Handbook is available that lists resources and service opportunities.
Southside has a Ladies Bible Class that meets on Wednesday mornings. In additional to
participating in the weekly study the women in the class also help to coordinate some of the
congregational care ministries such as writing carding, visiting the hospitals, arranging food for
bereaved families etc.
Worship There are many opportunities to help with the Sunday morning worship service. We
are always looking for men to lead singing, offer prayers, read scripture, and serve communion.
In addition we have members who assist in preparing slides, operating the lights and sound
equipment, and recording sermons.
Youth Ministry and Education Southside is blessed with a vibrant youth program led by our
Youth Minister Matthew Morgan. Matthew is always looking for volunteers to help out with the
middle school and high school programs, which include Sunday and Wednesday night Bible
classes and youth activities. Some of the opportunities include:

Huddle Leader Assist as a huddle leader or youth mentor

Home Host Hosting huddle groups meeting, devotionals or parties in your home

LTC Coach an event for Leadership Training for Christ. The LTC areawide youth
competition occurs in Dallas over Easter weekend. Kids spend weeks prior to the event
practicing and preparing for their events which include choir, puppets, drama, Bible bowl,
speech, song leading, signing for the deaf, etc.

Summer Camp The middle school and high school aged youth attend summer camp at
Camp Blue Haven near Las Vegas, New Mexico. A few volunteers drive the bus and
chaperone the trip. An approved staff application to Camp Blue Haven is required to stay at
camp during the week.

Youth Trips There is also a need for drivers and chaperones to help with summer
mission trips or other youth rallies and weekend trips.

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MINISTRY SUPPORT SERVICES

Communications Southside provides many ways we reach out to our membership and
neighbors including a weekly bulletin of announcements, bulletin boards in classrooms and
hallways, a web site, a Facebook page. There are many opportunities through which we may
enhance our communication and public relations efforts. We also have needs for graphic art from
time to time. We are currently exploring software options to enhance internal communications as
well.
Facilities Southside maintains a building at 2101 Hemphill. A new addition was added a few
years ago but the main building was built in 1959. We also have building in the parking lot that
serves as a bus barn and a JPS medical clinic. Building maintenance, landscaping and repairs of
these buildings fall into this category.
Financial and Administration We maintain an office that is busy Monday through Thursday
with paid and volunteer staff. We create annual budgets, process payments and monitor expenses.
We must maintain insurance policies and ensure that all government forms and documents are
processed. We also have several members who are attorneys who occasionally assist members
with legal help as issues as needs arise.
Food and Fellowship The fellowship hall is used for a variety of meeting and social events.
There are a variety of ministry opportunities to prepare food, stock supplies, work in the kitchen
for cooking or cleanup, set up tables, clean up, etc. Opportunities to serve include Sunday
luncheons and providing food for funerals and other special events.
Photography / Directory There are a number of opportunities for photographers. We maintain
a photo directory and take pictures of various church events to maintain historical records and
post on the web site and bulletin boards.
Security & Safety We have a few members of the church who are always on standby to provide
medical assistance. Others ensure that we stay aware of safety concerns, not only when carrying
out events but on Sunday mornings.
Transportation Southside has a midsized bus and several vans. The bus is used periodically to
transport youth or seniors to various events. Vans are used to pick members up from the
community bring members to church. Ministry opportunities range from driving vans to
maintaining the bus and bus barn.

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