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Organization Update
Salem Evangelical Church has been blessed with more than 160 years of history ministering to the people of Salem and the Willamette Valley. We have gone through numerous changes, building projects, and pastor changes.
For over 30 years, Pastor Randy Butler led our family through incredible growth, new outreach opportunities. and ministry connections across the street and around the globe. For the months leading to his retirement, he laid the groundwork for a new pastor to lead Salem E.
Today we are building on the legacy of Pastor Randy and others who helped SEC introduce people to Jesus in Salem/Keizer. This page outlines the steps our church is undertaking as we continue to follow our mission to give everything to follow Jesus as we help others follow Him.
Timeline to Progress
List of Services
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January 5, 2020List Item 1
The Waters are Changing:
Pastor Randy Butler preached a sermon on the future changes coming to SEC. Shortly afterward, he announced his retirement after 30+ years of serving the SEC.
WATCH HERE
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Fall 2020List Item 2
A Search Committee was formed to begin looking for a new Lead Pastor.
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January 31, 2021List Item 3
Pastor Randy preached his final sermon.
WATCH HERE
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February 7, 2021List Item 4
Pastor Lew Shelton began serving as our interim Pastor.
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May 2022
Pastor Stephen Heleman was called to lead SEC.
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June 12, 2022
Pastor Stephen Heleman is installed by Randy Meyers, Superintendent of the Pacific Conference of the Evangelical Church.
WATCH HERE
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January 8, 2023
After months of prayer and work by multiple committees and groups, the Church Council and Pastor Stephen unveiled the mission for the mission for the next chapter in the church's life. Titled The Game Plan, this document is our understanding of what God wants us to do as a church.
WATCH HERE
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Read the SEC Game Plan Here
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November 5, 2023
Game Plan 2.0 | Again, after months of prayer and work, Pastor Stephen, on behalf of the Church Council, announced changes that will take place over the next three or four months. These changes will help us fine-tune our alignment with the Game Plan and adjust the budget shortfalls over the next quarter.
1) We will focus our energy on Sunday morning and Wednesday evening activities:
This focus means we are making room to build more small groups and ministry team-led connection opportunities.
2) Refocus our Missions support:
The Missions Team has been redefining how and who we support across the street and across the globe. These adjustments will reduce the number of missionaries we support so that we can increase the time and energy available to care for these missionaries.
3) Reorganization of the staff:
The Church Council has written new job descriptions for every position, ensuring that each job supports the Game Plan. Over the next three months, every existing staff member can apply for these newly created positions. These new positions will officially start on February 1, 2024. This reorganization will reduce our staff from 19 FTE to 15 FTE (Full Time Equivalent) employees.
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November 9, 2023
Pastor Stephen announced to the staff the five director positions, covering each of the five Game Plan pillars.
- Executive Pastor of Ministry
- Executive Pastor of Alignment
- Director of Next Generation
- Director of Discipleship
- Director of Worship
These five positions are open to existing employees through the end of November. The Church Council will interview all staff applicants.
Once those five positions are hired, a second round of jobs will be posted:
- Ministry Associates
- Ministry Assistants
- Support Staff
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