New Watchcare Program
I am excited to let you know about our new Watchcare program, which I believe will benefit our church and be a blessing to college and graduate students in our area.
What is it? Watchcare allows students who have temporarily moved to Middle Georgia to participate in the life of the church in ways that non-members typically cannot. This program allows them to:
- Volunteer with minors
- Serve as a paid staff member
- Participate in an Ingleside-sponsored mission trip
- Serve in a role in which Ingleside membership is required
Anyone serving with minors will still go through the entire process outlined in our Child Protection Policy, which includes completing an application, an interview, a background check, and multiple references.
Because those in Watchcare are not members of Ingleside, they cannot participate in church votes on Ingleside matters.
Why have a Watchcare program? This program will allow college and graduate students to more fully participate in the life of the church. That is good for them and for the church.
It will also give many qualified students the opportunity to serve as ministry interns, which is an important part of our leadership pipeline.
How will it work?
- Students must meet the requirements for membership, but are not required to join:
a. A personal profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
b. Baptism by immersion as a believer as a symbol of salvation; and
c. Completion of a church membership class. - Submission of a Watchcare application
- A pastor at one’s home church must complete a Recommendation Form.
- Those who wish to serve with minors must adhere to the Child Protection Policy.
- Those who wish to serve on staff will engage in the same interview process as other candidates.
- The Young Adult Pastor will review the status of each student yearly to renew or expire their involvement. A renewal form will be developed for students to complete.
- When a student completes their education, they will be encouraged to officially join Ingleside if they plan to stay in Macon.
I am praying this will help us make disciples of more college students and will allow them to contribute to the life of our church in meaningful ways!
Grow Conference
On Sunday, March 8, we will have our Grow Conference, which will include breakout sessions on a range of topics for every season of life. Check out the video below, and register here.
With the affection of Christ,
