Who Runs Our Church?

Lawai Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church

Family Ministries Messages

Family Ministries Director: Kay Kuzma; 808-652-1803; kaykuzma@aol.com

Hopefully, the Lord Runs Our Church!

           But on a practical level, our church administration is as democratic as the members choose to make it. Why? Because the decisions that govern our church are NOT made by one person. Most are made at the monthly Church Board meeting, which is made up of church leaders who are voted into office by church members. BIG decisions, like the annual church budget, are voted on by the entire church membership at specially scheduled Church Business Meetings. The church members attending an official Church Business Meeting represents the highest authority of the local church.

How Does a Church Change?

           A church is a training ground for members to use their spiritual gifts, so it’s essential that opportunities are given for every member to participate. Sure, it’s sometimes difficult for serving members to give up their positions so others can have a chance to use their talents. But sometimes the greater difficulty is getting new members to serve! Our goal is that every member have a ministry. That's what makes a healthy church!

            So, if you have a great idea, or if you have a suggestion of how something could be improved, don’t just sit there and grumble! If you do, NOTHING WILL EVER CHANGE!  Instead . . .

1.      Volunteer. Get involved. Come to church functions. Get to know all the church members.

2.      Let others know what your interests are and how you’d like to use your spiritual gifts.

3.      Attend Church Business Meetings and the monthly Church Board Meeting. Yes, the Board Meeting is open to all members who would like to observe--except when personnel are discussed. It meets the second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. See your church leadership in action!

Who Is On Your Church Board?

The Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual suggests which church offices should be represented on the Church Board. We have twelve members:

Lay Pastor/Head Elder: Brian Tuzon

Elders: Denny Lauama, Mark Arthur

Head Deacon: Lynn Provonsha

Head Deaconess: Lynn Jackson

Treasurer: Stephanie Arthur

Clerk: Charles Steak

Personal Ministries Leader: Denny Lauama

Sabbath School Superintendent: Maria Lytwynic

Family Ministries Leader: Kay Kuzma

Women’s Ministries Leader: Stephanie Arthur

Pathfinder Club Director: Lynn Provonsha

Interest Coordinator: Paulynn Hanief

Health Ministries Leader: Angela Kuzma

What Happens at Church Board? 

Here's a sample from January 14, 2014:

Brian Tuzon, our Lay Pastor and Chairman of the Board, gave a devotional based on the Gospel commission in Matthew 28:18-19 where Jesus announced, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth,” and then said, “Go therefore…” Jesus didn’t say GO on His own authority—but the authority of the entire Trinity! That makes our work of telling others about Jesus even more important. Then Brian shared from the Church Manuel that . . . “the most important work of the Church Board was to promote evangelism.” Our Church Board should help support and encourage every member--from our youngest to our oldest--to share Jesus with others.

·         The budget and the minutes of the last board meeting were approved.

·         Reports from the various church departments were given.

·         The Board voted a small stipend to assist a young adult with expenses to attend the Young Adult Leadership Training on Oahu the weekend of Jan. 18-19, and stipends to help church children attend Summer Camp, who would otherwise not be able to attend.

·         The Kahili Adventist School Principal and Home & School Leader discussed what’s happening at Kahili. It was agreed to plan a Sabbath at Lawai Valley where the PBS film on Adventist Education can be shown and Roger Brodis (principal) can answer questions.

·         A Pancake breakfast sponsored by the Juniors is being planned to raise money for the church roof.

·         A report was given on the construction plans for fixing the church roof.

What You Can Do for Your Church Board? 

            Pray that the members will be given Holy Spirit insight so their decisions will effectively promote sharing the gospel here on Kauai.