Ministry
                                 Truth for Life
                                 One of the most compelling things Jesus ever said was this:

                                       
"The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness."   (John 10:10, NLT)

                                  Jesus, the living word of God, comes to bring life, and the Bible, the written word of God, in the same way is relevant,
                                  attractive, engaging, and life-giving. The Bible is not about what happened to a bunch of people long ago, but what God has
                                  to say to you, today. At the same time, we don't seek to entertain, but to inform, educate, equip, and encourage. God's
                                  word may not always say what we want to hear, but it is never dull, boring or irrelevant. God’s Word helps us grow to know
                                  Him and ourselves, apply His truth in our lives, and learn how to find life "in all its fullness."

                                  We have Sunday School classes for all ages at 9:00 am on Sundays. We also offer Men's and Women's Bible Studies, evening
                                  classes, and Summer Vacation Bible School for kids. Our mid-week care groups and monthly fellowships encourage growth,
learning, friendship, and accountability. For more information, contact Tom Reidy, our Sunday School Director, through the church office: (314) 837-5600.

Worship and Music
We are made to worship and enjoy God. We come together Sundays at 10:30 a.m. to use our gifts to encourage one another, praise the Lord, speak
to Him and hear His voice, practice generosity, and receive His blessing (nursery care is provided). If you have vocal, instrumental, teaching, drama, or
technical gifts, there is a place for you in worship ministry! Contact: Ellen Geerling (see below)

We believe that children should be part of worship, but also recognize that asking little ones to sit still for a full worship service can be frustrating for
kids and parents. We usually open with a time of praise and worship, then we have a special children’s message, after which younger children are
excused for J.A.M. (Jesus and Me), a time of age-appropriate teaching, games, prayer and worship. You're always welcome to have your kids stay with
you in worship, if you prefer.

Youth Ministry
Teen years are critical as many decisions are made regarding God and His role in our lives. We’re here to  encourage students to experience  God, know
Him personally, and follow Him faithfully. Youth Group meets on  Tuesdays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm. We have a great youth class on Sunday mornings at 9:00 am,
and Thursday afternoon discipleship groups, too.

Come join us for friends, fun, and faith! We have retreats, service projects, fun nights, and trips during the year. All our meetings are in Fellowship Hall
or in the 2480 Youth Center next to church. For more information, contact Bryce and Kacey Marner in the 2480 youth center at 314-830-4553.

Joining Salem
If you’d like to call Salem your church home, we encourage you to become a member. We’d love to hear your story of faith in Christ, what God is doing in
your life, and how He’s gifted you to serve. Contact Pastor Jeff (see below).

Our philosophy of life and ministry
We believe that God is calling to himself a people who are saved by his free grace through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 says:
"There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus who gave himself as a ransom for all men." There is no longer a human
priest who stands between God and the people. Rather, we have
all been made priests -- ministers who declare God's praises, share his truth,  and
intercede on behalf of one another and a lost world. 1 Peter 2:9-10 says this about God's people:
"You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy
nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."

Certain people are gifted and called to full-time, vocational ministries of leading, shepherding, and equipping others for their own ministry, but we don't
believe in a sharp clergy/laity distinction or in a dichotomy between sacred and secular.
All God's creation is made to bring Him praise, and all God's
people are ministers. Some Christians make their living at ministry; others serve God as carpenters, lawyers, teachers, or stay-at-home moms. If you
belong to Christ, then God has equipped and called you for service to God and others.

Our full-time vocational minister is
Jeff Schultz. Jeff graduated in 1999 from Covenant Theological Seminary (St. Louis) with a Master of Divinity degree.
Jeff and his wife Amelia have four beautiful children who keep them busy and on their knees. Prior to entering full-time ministry, Jeff worked in marketing
management for 6 years. Jeff's passion is to see God's truth transform people's lives for the glory of Christ. You can reach Jeff at: jschultz (at)
salemefree.org

Our church secretary is
Joyce Erselius. Joyce was born and raised at Salem and probably knows more about the church than any person on earth. She
and her husband Karl have one daughter and a number of "adopted" grandkids in the congregation. Joyce is a lifelong Cardinals fan. She manages the
church office and can answer just about any question you have. Contact Joyce at: office (at) salemefree.org

Our music and worship director is
Ellen Geerling. Ellen is a gifted vocalist, pianist, and guitarist. Ellen has many years of experience in directing adult,
teen and children's choirs, both in traditional and contemporary Christian music. While Ellen plays both keyboard and guitar, she considers working with
voices to be her greatest gift ... along with making people laugh.  "Laughter is the music of life," she notes.  "They are closely related, because both
music and laughter make you feel more alive." For any questions about music or worship, contact Ellen at: ellen (at) salemefree.org.

Bryce Marner leads our junior and senior high youth ministries. He has a passion to reach young people with the good news of God's amazing love.
When he's not leading youth groups, in class, or planning the next big thing, Bryce can be reached through the church office.

Mimi Hiner is the President of our Deacons -- that's the church board. Mimi directs the ministry of those who have been elected to servant-leadership in
the church. Mimi can also be reached through the church office.


NOTE ON EMAIL ADDRESSES
It's a shame, really it is, but we live in a world where even technology has been cursed by sin. That's why in the email addresses above there's no @
sign or a link for you to mail directly. People have created annoying programs that scan websites for email addresses so they can spam us with
information about stock tips, Nigerian money scams, and cheap prescription drugs.

To use any of the email addresses above, simply launch your email program and replace (at) with @ as you normally would. Thanks for your
understanding.
Salem Evangelical Free Church
of Florissant, Missouri