Marcia Thaxton

Developed and casted a vision for the existing Kids Ministry, as well as started a new ministry to the toddler and pre-K age groups. Chose and implemented curriculum that encourages kids to know God and learn to walk with Him in an age appropriate way. Encouraged a congregational culture that embraces the presence of children within the body, and values their contributions. Recruited, trained, and scheduled ministry volunteers. Ensured child safety through maintaining regular background checks and environmental surveillance. Made creative structural and environmental changes to the Vineyard Kids area to promote corporate play and kid-friendly worship. Held classes for parents seeking to dedicate their children, and performed child dedications.

Oversaw the ministry to mid-high and high school age kids. This included choosing curriculum, coordinating social meet ups, and providing opportunities for service within the body. Later responsibilities included recruiting leadership for the youth ministry and maintained a posture of prayerful and supportive oversight to the leadership.

Launched a new international ministry in Woyirabora, Ethiopia through partnership between RenVC and Children's Hopechest. Casted to a vision to the congregation for the advancement of the gospel in Woyirabora, through emphasizing God's heart for the poor, His concern for child welfare, and for the health and economic wellbeing of the Woyirabora community. Supporting the ministry of the Vineyard Church in Woyirabora through the presence of a Carepoint there. Planned and executed a major fundraising effort to establish a clean water source for the community, providing clean water for 8,500 people.

Performed administrative support to Senior Pastor, Area Leader, and Vineyard USA National Board Member. This included maintaining calendars, prioritizing appointments, and communicating with congregants and fellow pastors on his behalf. Developed church materials adapted from content produced by the senior pastor. Assisted with website maintenance. Organized and oversaw local and regional Vineyard retreats conferences for up to 300 individuals. Organized and oversaw training and spiritual support for local church ministry leaders.

Provided leadership to the Women's Ministry. Led women's small groups and conferences, and provided support to other small group leaders. Coordinated travel for retreats and out of state women's conferences.

Participated in the prayer ministry team. Offered healing and supportive prayer to individuals at weekly worship services.

Assisted with vision casting and ground breaking of a new ministry to Homeless individuals in the Ann Arbor area. This involved assisting with and coordinating food donations, as well as weekly visits to homeless camps and parks to distribute food and offer prayer. Assist with coordination and execution of an annual Thanksgiving Meal served to homeless individuals on site at Vineyard Church of Ann Arbor.

Started ministry to students within several dormitories; this comprised direct evangelism and leading Bible studies and discussion groups for individuals spiritually seeking, as well as leading Bible studies for students already committed and growing spiritually. Helped organize and recruit students for ministry retreats and area conferences several times each year. Served as speaker at weekly campus Cru meetings and occasionally at retreats. Led mission trips for college students to inner-city Chicago (community outreach and youth development) as well as internationally to Turkey (Bible distribution and encouragement of persecuted believers).

Taught university students learning English as a second language with the goal of building relationship. Engaged in relational evangelism with spiritually interested students and colleagues. Engaged in individual discipleship with students who committed their lives to Jesus. Held meetings for such students to share the Word, the Lord's supper, and prayer. Encouraged students to seek fellowship within the (underground) Church.