| Shared ministry parish... |
Our old Diocesan Canons (rules) for ministry stated that the Bishop would appoint a priest-in-charge of any congregation that did not have, and was not searching for, a Rector. Thus, one of my titles in the congregation has been “Priest-in-Charge.” In many ways, Priest-in-Charge functions like a Rector, who, in turn, functions much like a CEO. In addition to being the Priest-in-Charge of the Parish, I was also paid to be the Mentor of the Total Ministry Team in Formation. The organizational flow chart of authority for a “regular” parish or mission described in Diocese Canons looks something like this:
You will notice that there is no “Total Ministry Team” or “Team Mentor” on the above flow chart. The “Total Ministry” or now renamed “Shared Ministry” model of congregational life did not fit the old Diocesan Canons for ministry, which are unambiguously hierarchical. A more appropriate diagram of the shape of the ministry outlined in our new Diocesan Canon for Total or Shared Ministry is more collegial and organic and looks something like this: The “ministers” in a “Shared Ministry” congregation are the baptized members of the Church. A “Shared Ministry” congregation is organized, together with other congregations, in the context of the wider ministry of the Diocese and the Bishop. The paid professional (seminary trained) Priest Mentor of a Shared Ministry Congregation is to be a part-time resource to the whole community: especially Wardens and Vestry members and to the members of the Shared Ministry Team. The Wardens and Vestry members are elected by the Annual Meeting of the congregation and are responsible for doing the “business” of the congregation between Annual Meetings. This business includes, but is not limited to, things like entering into contracts on behalf of the congregation, formulating an annual budget, seeing that bills and salaries are paid, raising funds, seeing that the use of funds are accounted for, making decisions about the use, maintenance, and improvements of the property and to work closely with the Shared Ministry Team: especially in the area of planning and evaluating the program of ministry. The members of the Shared Ministry Team were Ordained and Commissioned by the Bishop, on behalf of the Diocese, to provide ongoing leadership in the congregation with respect to the evaluation, planning, and especially, the coordination and implementation of the congregational program of ministry. This program of ministry includes, but is not limited to, things like worship, stewardship of time talent and treasure, pastoral care, preaching, evangelism, and community wide ministries of compassion and social justice, education and spiritual direction. Priests will take over the celebration of the Eucharist, baptisms, weddings, and funerals. Deacons will assist in the conduct of these services and explore new ways of connecting the Church to the needs of the larger community. The Priest Mentor of the congregation serves as a resource to the congregation as a whole, with special responsibility to support the elected Wardens and Vestry members and the ordained and commissioned members of the Shared Ministry Team in their leadership roles. The Priest Mentor also serves as a vital personal link between the local congregation and the larger Diocesan community and office of the Bishop. I will spend the same amount of time doing ministry with Christ Church, but I will spend about 12 fewer hours a month traveling between Grand Rapids and Princeton. I will normally make one trip a month to Grand Rapids and stay here for a week at a time. I will spend a good deal more time consulting with Team members, Wardens, Vestry members, and our Parish Administrator (Cindy Emerson) by phone and via Skype (computer enabled video conferencing). I will be less visible up in front of the congregation. And I will spend more time interacting with individuals and small groups. As in the past, anyone in the congregation should feel free to call me on my cell/office phone at 259-6887. |
