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The Challenge of Ministry

The Challenge of Ministry. North Western Synod 13 th October 2012. The United Reformed Church does not have too few ministers!. Membership down 67% Stipendiary ministers down 50%. Membership down 30% Stipendiary ministers down 25%. Number of congregations: In 1972 there were 2080

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The Challenge of Ministry

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  1. The Challenge of Ministry North Western Synod 13th October 2012

  2. The United Reformed Church does not have too few ministers!

  3. Membership down 67% Stipendiary ministers down 50%

  4. Membership down 30% Stipendiary ministers down 25%

  5. Number of congregations: In 1972 there were 2080 In 2011 there were 1529. In 39 years we lost 67% of our members and 50% of our stipendiary ministers but in that time we lost 26% of our churches.

  6. Too few ministers? Too many buildings?

  7. Changes in Ministry

  8. Think about ministers you have known Were they married What were their circumstances Did their spouse work

  9. Hold on to those memories and images

  10. Three statements with which you may agree or disagree: A minister should attend all church events. (If you disagree, then which ones should they miss?) A minister should never ‘date’ someone from his/her congregation.   A minister ought to leave a contact number where they can be reached when they are going on holiday.

  11. We would not normally expect the same availability for a minister in non-stipendiary service as we would for one in stipendiary service. Therefore questions regarding availability are not directly linked to being a minister but the nature of service and other demands.

  12. Minister A

  13. Ministers B & C

  14. Minister D

  15. Minister E

  16. Minister F

  17. Ministers B & C Minister D Minister E Minister A Minister F

  18. Ministers B & C Minister D Minister E Minister A Minister F

  19. Ministers’ circumstances and commitments are different and they change over time

  20. 37 hours 40 hours 48 hours

  21. 40-48 hours + 160-192 hours +

  22. Is having guidance on the Ministerial Working Week helpful or not?

  23. The Church is changing Ministry is changing Our understanding of the relationship between minister and church, with a shared responsibility for mission and mutual care is not always realised.

  24. The Guidelines on Conduct and Behaviour for Ministers of Word and Sacraments Church Related Community Workers Elders

  25. • In discussions between ministers and elders in establishing expectations in a time of new ministry; • With candidates for ministry, both Ministers of Word and Sacraments and Church Related Community Workers, as expectations regarding lifestyle are explored and the nature of leadership probed;

  26. • With those preparing for ordination and induction as elders as the nature of the role as a spiritual leader in the local congregations is addressed. • During the Ministerial Accompanied Self Appraisal (MASA) and Local Mission and Ministry Review (LMMR) processes. • When ministers are moving and/or preparing for retirement.

  27. The Challenge of Ministry North Western Synod 13th October 2012

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