Last Sunday I suggested a way to help congregations and pastors to work together as a team with shared goals and expectations. I thought it would be helpful to summarize my thoughts for possible future use. A chart based on what I suggested would look something like this:
| Key Ministry Areas | Desired Result/Spirit Team | Pastor’s Role | Congregation’s Role | Resources Needed |
| Worship | ||||
| Education | ||||
| Pastoral Care | ||||
| Financial Care |
List all the Key Areas of Ministry. Keep the desired results simple—spiritually enriched, intellectually challenged, etc. It might be best to make a separate column for the Spirit Teams. Role definitions can be more detailed but only to the degree that is helpful—resist the temptation to micromanage. Resources include time, money, material and people. I’d suggest that the Mission Council and the Pastor complete a chart separately and then compare them and establish mutually agreed upon priorities, results, roles and responsibilities. This information could be shared with the congregation at the Spirit Fest. In May the Mission Council and Pastor can review progress and in November share in an evaluation and planning meeting. In some areas the Pastor may have primary responsibility. In other areas, such as Management Services and Skilled Crafts the Pastor may have very limited responsibility. These areas are Key Areas of Ministry but since the Pastor’s role is limited they might not be listed as priorities for the Pastor’s chart. This is simply a planning tool.
This is an exciting time as we prepare for the future. I hope this suggestion will be helpful.
Peace,
David