The Salem Lutheran Church Council is a nine-member board elected from the voting members of the congregation that meets monthly. A confirmed youth may also be elected as a tenth member of the board. The youth member has voice, but no vote. The Church Council has general oversight of the life and activities of the congregation, and particularly its worship life, to the end that everything be done in accordance with the Word of God, the Lutheran Confessions and the faith and practice of the NALC.
The Audit Committee is composed of three voting members appointed by the Church Council. It meets annually to review the checking account of the previous year.
A Mutual Ministry Team of three voting members may be appointed jointly by the president/copresidents and the pastor. This team works with the pastor to further the mission of the church and work toward conflict resolution if it arises.
A Call Committee of 5-7 voting members shall be approved by the Church Council when a pastoral vacancy occurs. Term of office will terminate upon installation of the newly called pastor. The Call Committee follows the guidelines of the NALC and/or LCMC when calling a Pastoral Candidate. It meets regularly during a pastoral vacancy.
The Constitution Review Team of three members appointed by the Church Council meets annually to review the Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions of Salem Lutheran Church. When necessary, changes and updates to these governing documents are recommended to the Church Council.
The Budget and Finance team prepares and proposes the annual budget for Salem Lutheran Church to the Church Council. It is composed of five to six voting members, the Treasurer and the Council Liaison. The Council President or Co-Presidents may be present. Members from this team may be appointed by the Church Council to serve as the audit committee. This team meets annually.
The Salem Lutheran Church Cemetery Association oversees the care for the Salem Cemetery which is located two miles south of Ponca, NE on the East side of Highway 12 in Dixon County, Section 35-30-6. It consists of five members of Ponca Salem Lutheran Church congregation, with the pastor an ex-officio member. Members meet on an as needs basis.
The Salem Lutheran Communications Team serves to spread the message of Jesus Christ through various forms of social media as well as enhancing the worship experience at Salem Lutheran through electronic media. The team serves on an as needs basis when a request is made or an issue arises involving the social media or electronics of the church. All members of Salem are welcome to serve on this team.
The Endowment committee oversees the administration of the Salem Lutheran Endowment fund. Decisions for expenditures from the Church Endowment are made by the committee from recommendations received from individuals, boards and committees. The Committee is composed of seven church members including the Church Treasurer, and a Council Member appointed to a three-year term by the Church Council. Other than the Treasurer, members may not serve two consecutive terms. The committee meets twice a year or more often if necessary.
The Faith Formation team strives to equip and help the people of God enter into daily practices that deepen their faith, and their relationship with God and others. So that each may be sent out to serve in the manner of Jesus. The Faith Formation team oversees Sunday School, children’s Christmas program, Vacation Bible School, Confirmation, and Bible Study groups. The team meets annually prior to each new Sunday School and Confirmation year and on an as-needed basis. All members of Salem are welcome to be a part of this team.
The Salem Lutheran Church Memorial Fund assists individuals with making gifts to the church either in their own names or in memory or honor of a loved one. The Memorial Fund has its own Treasurer. The Treasurer may be the Church Treasurer or another member of Salem. The Treasurer provides periodic reports of fund balances to the liaison to report to the Council.
The Salem Lutheran Church Misson Support Team recommends to the Church Council fixed and variable Mission Partners for the distribution of Mission Support dollars. The team is composed of one member of the Church Council and four members appointed from the congregation. One congregational member may be a confirmed youth. Congregational members serve a two-year term. The team meets annually prior to the annual meeting of the congregation and on an as-need basis.
The Music and Worship Mission Team assists the Pastor in the planning of worship services both indoors and out. This team meets monthly. All members of Salem are welcome to serve on this team.
The Property Committee provides for the proper maintenance and protection of all property of the congregation and shall see that the same is kept in good repair. This committee meets as needed. All members of Salem are welcome to serve on this committee.
The Salem Mission Team is the hands, feet, and heart of Jesus in our church family, neighborhood, community, and throughout the world. Together this team reaches out to support others in time of need, spread joy and kindness and share the love of our Lord and Savior with others. The team meets quarterly and as needed. All members of Salem are welcome to be a part of this team and help with as many annual events as they desire.
Thrivent is a membership-owned fraternal organization. The Thrivent membership shares a Christian Common Bond and a commitment to help strengthen the communities where they live, work and worship through their local Thrivent Member Networks. Through Thrivent Choice®, members can contribute annually to Salem Lutheran Church by March 31 each year. Members who designate Thrivent Choice dollars to Salem are welcome to vote on how these dollars are used to support requests that come before the membership. Salem Thrivent hosts the Confirmation reception each year, preferably the Sunday prior to the service of Confirmation. Thrivent meets on an as needs basis to consider requests for support funds.
The Worship Leading Team is organized when an ordained minister is not available to lead worship services at Salem for an extended period. This team consists of individuals who volunteer to lead worship services on a rotational basis. Upon the hiring of an interim, parttime, or full-time pastor, this team is not active. However, members of this team may occasionally be called upon to lead worship services if the current pastor is absent for a short period of time.
The mission of the Salem Lutheran Church Youth Group is to nurture and empower the youth of Salem Lutheran Church to develop a deep, personal relationship with God, fostering a community of faith, love, and service.” The youth group is open to high school youth. It meets quarterly and does service projects throughout the year.