Finance and Stewardship
Why is this a goal?
Historically through the decades, St. Philip has been a giving congregation. Buildings were paid for
shortly after they were built. Multiple full-time staff members were employed and maintenance and
mission were taken care of. Currently, the people of St. Philip give to special items like a roof, new
chairs, disaster relief, and nonprofits in the area. Yet, the congregation rarely is able to meet bills and
payroll without digging heavily into limited savings. Maintenance and mission suffer due to lack of
funds.
What is going to be different moving forward?
Throughout 2018, we will reduce our financial expenditures looking at actual, current needs. Along with
this, the Finance Team will explore ways of teaching generosity for the sake of God and discipleship. We
will also explore and expand options by which one can give to ministry, such as e-giving. We will
encourage giving and tithing for the sake of the Gospel and for the sake of one’s own discipleship,
resulting in a growth of ministry and mission. Savings will no longer be used to support routine bills.
Mission and Outreach
Why is this a goal?
St. Philip is a long-established congregation, visible in the community throughout the years. It has
started ministries that continue to serve people to this day. At present, few congregation members
engage in ministry outside the walls of the building. Donations are made quarterly to some
benevolences while a handful of members give of their time at Helping Hand or other charities on
regular occasion.
What is going to be different moving forward?
Organized events to serve our neighbor will create an easy, yet fulfilling way for all to participate in
tangible and loving ways. The community of Myrtle Beach will see us as an important light in service
and ministry. We will be Christ’s hands and feet in the world, visible to all as a tangible sign of Christ’s
love.
Youth and Families
Why is this a goal?
St. Philip has a tradition of reaching out to families, youth, and children, in addition to housing a
preschool. The past few decades have seen decline in involvement as well as connection to the
congregation. Few new programs and ideas are implemented. Many events are held but are poorly
attended. Little emphasis or planning is given to involvement in the life of the church. Faith formation
and discipleship are not emphasized. Many congregations with a youth group the size of St. Philip’s do
not pay for a staffed youth position, but rely on the pastor and volunteers to run programming.
What is going to be different moving forward?
We will invite, welcome, and engage youth, children, and families as important pieces of the life of St.
Philip through relationship, Christian formation, and involvement. Youth and families will participate
in all aspects of congregational life. In the midst of a chaotic world, we will help ground them and
nurture them in faith, empowering them for ministry in their lives and with the congregation, utilizing
the gifts of volunteers and the pastor.
Worship and Music
Why is this a goal?
St. Philip has been host to many talented musicians through the decades. The music has been a driving
force in worship, inspiring members in their lives of faith. The organ was renovated in the early 1990s
to further support music and worship. Today, worship is adequate and adheres to Lutheran tradition.
Musically, there is not much deviation or creativity, nor much growth in variety or number of
participants. Handbells, youth choirs, and diverse music styles are rarely implemented.
What is going to be different moving forward?
Our worship, aided greatly by a variety of music, hymns, choirs, and instrumentalists, will help us
experience God’s holy presence in joy and awe. The talents of children and adults will be included for
the glory of God. Worship will be a launching point for the week ahead, full of reminders of God’s joy,
love, and grace, sending us out into the world to serve.
St. Philip Preschool
Why is this a goal?
St. Philip Preschool has been around for over 50 years, teaching generations of children, many of whom
now send their own children. Effort has been made in connecting church and school, including merging
of finances, instituting “Preschool Sunday,” and an engaged Pastor. However, much about the preschool
is similar to how it was decades ago. There is moderate connection between church and school, though
old habits are hard to break. The preschool often runs a deficit because of overstaffing and under-enrollment,
which St. Philip subsidizes.
What is going to be different moving forward?
St. Philip Preschool will support and be active in the mission of the church. The congregation will see
the preschool as an important ministry in and to the community. St. Philip Preschool will be renewed
with mission and connection to St. Philip Lutheran Church at the core. Quality education will remain at
the forefront of their purpose.