Leading
In a packet of information about me, I would be remiss not to say that I believe that a minister has a responsibility to be a leader. Not the only leader, a leader in the dance of shared ministry with all of those wonderful volunteers who are the fuel behind our congregations.
In the particular time in which we live, religious and congregational life is changing rapidly and at this time it is particularly important that we have clear understandings about what it is that we are doing together and what our roles are. I believe a minister in a mid to large congregation must be able to:
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Supervise and develop a healthy staff team by functioning as chief of staff
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Help the Board and other leaders develop clear policies which allow all to enter a level playing field
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Ensure guidelines and rules for healthy engagement (see MDUUC’s new Covenant of Right relations here.)
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Work with a Committee on Ministry or similar group to identify gaps in the ministries of the congregation
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Be part of casting a vision for the future of the congregation to guide choices of how to use time, talent and treasure
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Be an active part of stewardship efforts which can make the vision a reality.
Ministry is that act of creation
Calling us beyond our best selves and
The simple attempt to see the humanity in another
Which stretches our sense of the possible.
Through ministering to one another, we expand the possibilities of love.
Through the unity we find, we glimpse the eternal.
Ministry is not the job of minister—it is a calling to coax something into fuller life--
Its acts performed by people of all ages and in all walks of life.
Ministry is as every-day as the gift of an open heart.
Through ministering to one another, we expand the possibilities of love.
Through the unity we find, we glimpse the eternal.
Ministry is as large as our care for our planet or our interest in our universe.
Ministry connects us to the aspirations of a people to make a better world in this world day-by day.
And so we know that it is--
Through ministering to one another, we expand the possibilities of love.
Through the unity we find, we glimpse the eternal.
Copyright 2011 Leslie Takahashi Morris