It Works for Us

This study is our second venture into this topic and, while it stands on its own, builds on previous discoveries published as, It’s Real Ministry: How part-time and bi-vocational clergy are challenging and empowering the church (Frisen Press, 2022). There we established that the patterns of church and ministry established in the mainline Protestant denominations (Anglican, United, Evangelical Lutheran, and Presbyterian) in Canada during much of the 20th century were, historically speaking, quite anomalous. During the period beginning in the late 1800s a variety of social and economic trends facilitated the growth of Christian ministry as a profession, in which individuals with a specific set of learned skills could reasonably anticipate a lifetime of fulltime, paid employment. The increasing professionalization of the clergy had many consequences, not least of which was the gradual disempowering of various expressions of discipleship by lay members. This represents a significant shift in the nature and functioning of the church throughout the previous eighteen centuries and presents particular challenges today.In this study we seek to introduce the reader to a variety of ideas and practices.Our clear goal is to assist in creating and maintaining vital and thriving communities of faith.

 

But what do those terms mean? Are there aspects of a congregation’s life which, if appropriately emphasised and nurtured, have a greater impact on a healthy future? Chapter 1 explores a number of these factors based on recent Canadian research.This study is grounded in clear empirical data gleaned from a second nation-wide survey, as well as figures provided from other mainline Canadian denominations. What do those numbers tell us? Chapter 2 analyses the various statistical trends that demonstrate clear trends.

 

Before we are able to truly explore alternatives to current models of ministry, a variety of factors must be clearly named. In Chapter 3 we explore the general state of congregational morale in the post-COVID-19 years; address how improperly structured govenrnace can sap a congregation’s vitality; confront the reality that a misunderstanding of aging blinds congregations to opportunities; review the dynamics of church buildings, and; address the misconceptions developed through the 20th century that centre the clergy in the consideration of a congregation’s minstry. We then offer some alternative concepts which we suggest are more productive for understanding ministry before reviewing in greater detail, some the factors that we know impact partially funded ministries and some key questions that must be grappled with.In the second part of this study we examine the astonishing range of responses we have discovered to the reality of partially funded ministry.

 

The intention is not to offer a series of plug and play options but to invite the reader into the prayerful reflection about the model that might best fit their unique context. These are stories of congregations – perhaps like yours – who have discovered what “works of us”. These include:-The “Hub” model-Using of Technology-Distributive ministry-Two congregations, one building.-Ecumenical shared ministry-The larger parish model.-Planting and Replanting-Collaborative MinistryRecognizing that these options may not be applicable to all settings, we then discuss the various ways being employed to make partially funded ministries healthier and more sustainable for all parties.One of the conclusions that forced itself upon us during this study was that, not all ministries are sustainable. While we do not believe that the ending of any community of faith is a “good” thing, we argue that denominations, judicatories, congregations, and clergy need to develop more robust resources for determining when the season of faithful service has drawn to a close. If we can do that, then perhaps some measure of the sense of “failing” that engulfs congregations facing the end of the journey might be mitigated, and communities and their leaders might be more forthright with each other. Further, we have encountered clergy with a genuine charism for accompanying congregations on that journey. Potentially recognizing that as a sub-specialization can identify and release resources where they are needed.