Duties and Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of the Pastoral Service Aides is to offer natural support and spiritual assistance to the Senior Pastor and to his or her Senior Leadership Staff as they oversee the spiritual development of the congregation. To be chosen by God to lead in any capacity in the Body of Christ is an honor and a huge responsibility. The men and women of God need the support of the auxiliaries in order to effectively carry out their spiritual responsibilities on behalf of the people. The auxiliary boards should lighten their load so that they may be given over to prayer, fasting and discipleship. Leadership should feel our presence and support.

Every PSA must know that they are a vital member of the Body of Christ and that their support, no matter how small it may seem, is needed. Serve leadership with all your heart. Don’t sit around waiting for the Pastor to ask you to do something. Make yourself accessible. Inquire as to their needs before they ask. Make them feel that you care and understand the pressures of ministry and are more than willing to help them bear the load.

I. WATCHERS OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH

One major area of responsibility for the PSA is that of a “watcher”. They must be watchers over the Word of God and the men and women who have been chosen to feed the flock. God has given this ministry an awesome task. We are reformers! We have been hand picked by God to manifest His heart and mind for the Church. As with anything God gives His people to do, there will be much opposition from the enemy. Therefore, we must walk in holiness in order to see the enemy, know his plan of attack and know how to destroy his efforts against us. The devil wants to stop the influence of the Word of God. That has always been his purpose and it still is. The Father will speak a word and the devil will send his agents, soon after, to oppose that word. This was his tactic in the Garden of Eden when he convinced Eve that she could disobey God and live. God instructed Adam not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and that if he did, he would surely die (Genesis 2:17). Then came the serpent and contradicted what God had said.

Genesis 3:1-5

1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:

3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

Satan is a deceiver! He is a liar! He will not and cannot change. Therefore, we cannot afford to be ignorant of his plans and the devices he uses to discourage the saints and prevent the lost from receiving the Word of God. We must be vigilant and on the offensive. We must watch what enters the household of faith because Satan will send people into the congregation whose sole purpose is to fight against the leader and/or the leadership staff. He will send in his agents to cause division and to keep strife among the saints. He will sow seeds of discord and clicks will flourish throughout the congregation if the watchers are not on guard.

These satanic forces must be dealt with through prayer that is motivated by love and a desire to see the purposes of God prevail. We are in a spiritual battle with a spiritual enemy. We must fight his spirit with the Holy Spirit. We must be skilled in dealing with those whom the devil uses; for our purpose is to love the individual but to uncover how the enemy uses them.

II. CHAMPIONS OF PRAYER

The Pastoral Service Aides must also be “champions of prayer.” As you interact among the leaders you will come to know, personally, some of the struggles, tests and/or trials with which they are faced. It is your responsibility as a PSA to offer continual prayers to the Father on their behalf. Leadership should be able to turn to the PSAs for spiritual support and know that their situation will be handled with discretion and put before the Father in prayer.

Other areas that the PSAs are to offer continuous prayers for are as follows: Petition God for a fresh word so that the congregation will continue to grow thereby. Pray for God to keep the leadership on course and that they not add to, nor subtract from, the Word of God. As the Word of God is being ministered the PSAs are to pray quietly to themselves for the speaker and the congregation. Pray for the Word to come forth with clarity and that the people receive the Word into their hearts. If the speaker is nervous and seems to have lost focus or direction, the PSAs should pray for them. Ask the Father to remove fear and unbelief. Pray diligently for special projects, conferences, concerts, schools of ministry, plays, etc. The PSAs should pray that the focus of any scheduled ministry be that God be glorified.

III. SERVICING MEETINGS, SHUT-INS & PRAYER SESSIONS

The PSAs must also make themselves available to serve food and beverages at meetings, shut-ins, prayer sessions, etc., scheduled by the Senior Pastor when asked to do so. The president will decide which PSAs, if not all, will serve at these functions.

A. The PSAs should inquire ahead of time how many people will be attending the meet- ing.

B. Ask the Pastor what foods and beverages they would like served. While it is the responsibility of the ministry to provide the funds for the purchase of food and beverages, there will be times when the PSAs will be asked to donate the food themselves. For instance, each PSA may be asked to bring a food item.

C. PSAs should arrive at the meeting at least 1 (one) hour prior to the start of the meeting to ensure that everything is properly set up.

D. Each PSA must be mindful not to be a distraction to the meeting. There should be no unnecessary talking, walking, noise or loud outbursts.

E. Upon completion of the meeting, the PSAs are to thoroughly clean the kitchen and/or the area in which the food was served.

F. Situations of a delicate or sensitive nature are sometimes discussed at these meetings. Therefore, the PSAs may be asked to leave the meeting once set-up is complete and food is served. However, it may be necessary at times for the PSAs to return, once the meeting has ended, to properly clean the kitchen and/or the area in which food was served.

IV. PERSONAL SERVICE TO THE SENIOR PASTOR

The PSA President should assign a personal PSA to the Senior Pastor on a monthly basis to assist with the following:

1. Inquire about and offer prayer for any situations that he or she may be dealing with.
2. Help them prepare lessons for the congregation by looking up scriptures or defini- tions from the dictionary.
3. Answering phone messages when directed to do so.
4. Pick up dry cleaning, grocery shopping or other errands that he or she may not have time to attend to.
5. Prepare robes or teaching apparel.
6. Help with ironing or light housekeeping chores.

V. FOUNDER’S WEEK

Founder’s Week is a yearly celebration where the entire ministry comes together to celebrate the founding of the ministry as well as its founder, Mary Banks. It is usually scheduled during the month of October at the Ft. Lauderdale, Florida location. It is a week-long celebration that culminates with a birthday party for Dr. Banks. The Pastoral Service Aides are responsible for meal preparation for Dr. Banks and her guests, each night (Monday through Friday) after the evening services.

A. The International President of the PSA Board will send a roster to each Local President ten (10) weeks prior to founders week, notifying them of the night they are scheduled for service, which includes meal preparation, set-up, serving the meal and clean up afterwards.

B. The Local Presidents should then meet with their PSAs to determine the menu. So that we do not end up with spaghetti 3 times in one week, the menu must be determined and sent via email by the Local President to the International President for approval within two (2) weeks of receiving the roster. The International President will then review the menus, give his or her approval and/or changes within three (3) days of receipt of the menu.

Additional menu guidelines are as follows:

1. Menu should include Meat, Starch, Vegetable, Bread, Dessert and Drink (hot and/or cold).

2. Food must be freshly prepared the day it is to be served. Make sure that food is properly seasoned. Please do not serve anything that you yourself would not eat.

3. If items such as chicken are purchased from a deli such as Publix or Walmart, it must be fresh. Please examine the food for freshness before it is purchased.

4. All those preparing food should be mindful that if you cook something early in the day, say for instance rice or baked chicken, to not allow it to sit out all day especially, in a warm climate and then serve it later that night. Once food has sufficiently cooled off, it should be placed in your refrigerator until you take it to the service in order to guarantee its freshness.

5. Hot foods should be served hot and cold foods, such as salad, served cold. Make certain that food is properly heated before serving.

6. All food should be brought to the sanctuary, properly covered, at the start of service. All foods requiring refrigeration should be placed in the refrigerator upon arrival.

C. Food and beverages are to be paid for out of the dues that the PSAs contribute to throughout the year. If there is not sufficient funds from the dues to cover the cost of the food then the Local President will have to collect a donation from each PSA to cover the cost, or the food can be donated by each PSA or even from someone else in the congregation.

D. The host location will supply the following items ONLY: Table Cloths, Plates (Dinner), Cups (cold beverages), Napkins, forks, spoons, serving utensils, salt and pepper.

E. If coffee or tea will be served it is the responsibility of each location that is serving to bring their own and other items such as sugar, cream, butter, ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, ice, aluminum foil, cups for hot beverages, carry out plates in case Dr. Banks would like to take food home, etc.

F. If special decorations are desired it is the responsibility of each location that will be serving to purchase them, set them up and remove them during clean up.

G. The PSAs scheduled to serve should get to the sanctuary 90 minutes (1 and a 1/2 hour) prior to the start of the service to do the following: Set-up sufficient tables and chairs. Ensure that each table has a tablecloth. Ensure that plates, cups, napkins and eating utensils are in place. Hang any decorations such as balloons, banners, etc. Ensure that if any food has arrived that it is properly covered and/or stored.

H. The PSAs are also responsible to control the flow of traffic during dinner. Only Dr. Banks, her guests and the PSAs should be in the dining area!

I. Do not fix to-go plates for anyone that is not on Dr. Banks’ guest list. The food pre- pared is for Dr. Banks and her guests only. At the completion of dinner if there is any food left then it can be eaten by the PSAs or given to others who may desire a plate.

J. At the completion of dinner the PSAs should make certain that the area is properly cleaned. Remove and discard all table clothes from the tables. Clean all dirty tables and chairs and return them to their proper place. Remove all decorations unless prior permission has been granted from the host Senior Pastor to leave them up. Empty all trash receptacles and replace with new bags. Thoroughly sweep and/or vacuum all carpeted areas. Sweep and mop all tiled areas. All leftover food must be given away or taken home by the PSAs. Clean all countertops, wipe down the outside of the refrigerator, and the in- side and outside of all microwaves belonging to the host location. All used dishes and eating utensils belonging to the host location must be properly cleaned and put away. All dishes brought in by the PSAs must be taken home. They cannot remain at the sanctuary overnight.

VI. BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR DR. MARY BANKS

Planning, overseeing and serving at the Birthday party for the ministry’s founder is also another major area of responsibility for the Pastoral Service Aides. There is a yearly celebration of Dr. Banks’ birthday in the month of October at the end of Founder’s Week.

A. The Bishop of Operations will set the Budget for the party and will communicate that budget to the International PSA President.

B. The International President will then notify the President at each location, by June 1st, of that budget as well as inform them of the amount that is being asked of each location to contribute toward that budget (which will be divided equally between all locations).

C. It is the responsibility of all BTI locations to contribute finances to cover the cost of the party so that there is no financial strain on one location.

D. The President at each location must communicate to the Senior Pastor by June 3rd the contribution amount that is being asked of the ministry.

E. It is against ministry guidelines for the PSA president to ask any Bible Teachers International member for monies for any function or event without Senior Pastor Approval.

VII. INTERNAL DÉCOR

The Pastoral Service Aides are responsible for making all major decorative changes within the sanctuary with Senior Pastor Approval. These areas in which the PSAs are responsible for decorating or redecorating are: All restrooms (men & women). the foyer, stage/ pulpit, lounge, etc. the office of the chief apostle and the senior pastor. A request to decorate or redecorate an area or room should be submitted to the Senior Pastor for approval. The request should include the following:

1. The area selected for decoration/ redecoration.
2. A blueprint or a design plan of what the finished product will look like.
3. The color scheme
4. An estimate of the cost of decoration/ redecoration. (Generally funds for these projects will be provided by the ministry. However, donations can be given toward a project).
5. An estimate of how long it will take to complete the project.
6. Once approval has been granted, the PSAs should proceed with the project and see it to completion.

VIII. CONFERENCES

Another major responsibility of the Pastoral Service Aides is to serve at all major BTI conferences which include, but are not limited to, the following: World Conference School of The Prophets Gathering of The Sons Leadership Conferences Prayer Conferences Fast Tracks Plays Concerts To follow are the guidelines and responsibilities of the Pastoral Service Aides at these functions:

I). Prayer

II). Registration

III). Books Sales

IV). Hospitality to Senior Leaders

I. Prayer

Prayer is an essential part of each function. The PSAs must be in place prepared for prayer thirty

minutes prior to the start of each session.

II. Registration

The registration table(s) will be set up by the MBM Global Conference Team who will also supply the

conference welcome packets. All PSAs who are scheduled to work must arrive at the sanctuary one

(1) hour prior to the start of the conference to ensure that set-up is complete and that all needed

materials are in place.

A. The PSAs are responsible for making certain that all those who are attending the conference. . .

1. Receive a friendly greeting.

2. Complete a registration form. Make certain that the registration forms are completely filled out as this information will be entered into our database. If someone should ask why we ask that they complete a registration

form, then kindly inform them that the information will be used to notify them of upcoming conferences, schools of ministry, concerts, etc.

3. Receive a welcome packet (including BTI senior leadership and all visiting leaders).

B. The PSAs must be prepared to carry out any special instructions given by the Chief Apostle regarding Senior Leadership and/or visiting leaders. For example, Apostle Banks may ask that all Senior Leadership and/or visiting leaders be given additional information at the time of registration.

C. All PSAs should be well informed of all registration guidelines and be able to courteously and confidently answer questions that guests may have. If a guest should require further assistance, outside the registration department, the PSAs should know where, or to whom, to direct them.

D. At the completion of the conference all completed registration forms should be sent to Headquarters for data entry.

III. Book Sales

All PSAs should observe the following guidelines when working the sales tables:

A. Sales tables will be set-up by the MBM Global Conference Team. However, it is the responsibility of the PSAs to make certain that each sales table is equipped with needed items such as: books, price lists, credit card slip and/or equipment, pens, pencils, etc. It is very important that we keep all credit and debit card numbers and personal information of the guests private and out of public view.

B. Guests should be greeted in a polite and courteous manner. Make certain to make eye contact with the guest and give them your undivided attention when speaking with them regarding the materials.

C. Speak clearly and confidently when explaining the price of the materials. Price lists should be easily visible to all guests, which will expedite their time at the sales table. All PSAs should know the price of all materials prior to the start of the conference.

D. When asked, direct all guests to make their checks payable to Bible Teachers International, BTI, Mary Banks Ministries or MBM.

E. Do not accept post-dated checks from visiting guests. If a BTI member asks to post-date a check it must be approved by the PSA President and can only be held for five (5) business days. However, if the person has a history of bouncing checks, then do not accept a post-dated check from them.

Note: The start of a conference can be a stressful time for some because there is a lot go- ing on. However, we must still perform our responsibilities in a spirit of love. Feeling overwhelmed does not give one the right to be rude.

People should never hear us murmur, complain, or get into a nasty confrontation with a fellow PSA. It would be wise for us to remember that the most important things at a conference are not the books nor the compact discs. People are the most important! Jesus did not die for the study guide, He died for people. What does it profit us to sell five hundred books but offend one hundred people in the process? We must not lose sight of purpose. In times of pressure or stress, we must learn to relax in the Holy Spirit; for He is an expert at displaying the character of Christ, no matter what the circumstances are.

IV. Hospitality To Senior Leaders

The Apostle Paul often spoke of those who were of great help to him both spiritually and naturally. He appreciated those who lightened his load and shared his burden for the Body of Christ. Paul was often refreshed and strengthened by women like Clement, Chloe and Priscilla who ministered to some of his natural needs which enabled him to focus on spiritual things. We cannot take for granted how much this means to the men and women of God who often feel overwhelmed by trying to juggle domestic responsi- bilities and meet the demands of ministry. It takes so much pressure off of a leader when someone offers to run an errand, pick up their dry-cleaning or prepares dinner for them. Hospitality ministers greatly to the recipient.

As Pastoral Service Aides, we are there to lighten the load of our leaders and share their burden for ministry. We should count it a great honor to be considered worthy of serving the people of God.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake.And be at peace among yourselves.

1 Peter 4:9

Use hospitality; one to another without grudging.

A. Practical ways to extend hospitality to our senior leaders:

1. The President should introduce his or herself to visiting senior leaders offering assistance for

needs they may have. For example someone may not have stockings, toothpaste, etc. and may

need to go to the store. Their schedule sometimes can be busy. A PSA should be able to do this

errand.

2. Gift baskets – attach a welcome card to a gift basket and place it in the hotel room or place of

accommodation before the arrival of the pastor.

3. Personalized notebook and pen and welcome from host location can be placed at table

provided for the pastoral board.

4. Pastoral meetings are usually held after the evening sessions. Apostle Banks and/or senior

leaders from Headquarters use this time to fellowship with the leaders from the other locations. The PSAs must be on hand to serve food and beverages at these meetings when asked to do so.

B. Guidelines that will ensure our mutual holiness:

While extending hospitality, be mindful that you will be around senior leaders of the opposite sex. The Word of God instructs us to flee even the appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22).

1.If a senior leader is married, communicate with the wife about their needs.

2.A female PSA should not work alone with a male senior leader, or a male work alone with a female senior leader.

3.It is preferable for male PSAs to be assigned to male senior leaders and female PSAs to be assigned to female senior leaders. If this is not possible, then two female PSAs should assist male senior leaders and two

male PSAs assist the female senior leaders.

4.If you have to go to a senior leader’s room of the opposite sex, perhaps to deliver an item, make sure you go with another PSA.

5.If you have difficulty operating within these boundaries, check yourself.

Even if a leader’s spiritual location does not reflect holiness, you should present a righteous mirror. We must respect and honor the Word of God. One way we do this is by obeying the guidelines that He puts in place for our own good.