Contact the Director of Evangelical Mission (DEM), Deacon Kat Tigerman. Visit the synod’s leadership page for the latest contact info.
6261
WHAT is a 6261 Ministry Community?
6261 Ministry Communities are groups of 6 congregations served by 2 full-time pastors, 6 synod-licensed lay ministers, and 1 full-time deacon for shared ministry within their community.
Shared Purpose
Each 6261 Ministry Community participates in a common life, ministry, and mission.
Cultural Shift
This represents a paradigm shift—moving from individual to collaborative ministry.
Co-Leadership
Leaders work in partnership with each other and across all six congregations.
Vital & Sustainable Ministry
The goal: deeply rooted, shared ministry that is both vibrant and enduring.
Primary Ministry Project
Each community centers around at least one core ministry focus.
Context-Driven Action
Projects are grounded in the real needs of each community’s specific context.
Increased Evangelism
There are more opportunities for people to dwell in the Word, participate in small groups, and join the Christian family in ways that meet a wider variety of work schedules, family life, and invitations for new people of all ages.
Strengths-based Collaboration
As we build on one another's strengths, gifts, and passions, we can do more together to stand as witness to the love of God.
Responsive
By adapting to the quickly changing world around us, church can remain relevant as a spiritual community walking the discipleship road together.
Mutual Transformation
As relationships grow, transformation happens—for both those serving and those served.
Gospel-Centered Commitment
This work is rooted in and empowered by the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Community-Based Vision
This isn’t just about ministry in a place—it’s about ministry with a place and its people.
6 Congregations
2 Full-time Pastors
6 Licensed Lay Ministers
1 Full-time Deacon
...bundled together in common life, ministry, and mission.
6261 Ministry Communities Can Happen Anywhere!
Ideally, 6261 Ministry Communities will be comprised of 6 congregations who are within 15-20 minutes of one another. This geographic versatility gives the 6261 Ministry Community the opportunity to be deeply interconnected and to engage in ministry within the same surrounding community, demographically.
Not Just the Cities
6261 Ministry Communities can form anywhere—rural, urban, or suburban. Ministry thrives in every setting across the Northeastern PA Synod.
All Sizes Welcome
Congregations of any size and staffing—full-time, part-time, or currently in pastoral transition—can be part of a 6261.
Ecumenical Partners Welcome
6261s can include ELCA congregations as well as our full-communion partners and congregations across synod or judicatory lines.
Not Limited to Six
While the model begins with six congregations, a 6261 Ministry Community can include more—or fewer—depending on what fits the context best.
Strength in Partnership
6261s weave together the gifts, energy, and leadership of multiple congregations for greater impact and support.
Ministry Focus
Some 6261s center on a shared ministry project. Others support different, complementary ministries across their congregations.
*Our ELCA “full communion” partners include the Episcopal Church; the Moravian Church; the Presbyterian Church (USA); the Reformed Church in America; the United Church of Christ; and the United Methodist Church. For more details, check out the ELCA website.
WHO will serve as pastoral leadership in a 6261 Ministry Community?
Pastors, Deacons, and Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) will be the pastoral staff of 6261 Ministry Communities. All 3 types of leaders are essential.
Licensed lay ministers will vary in their theological backgrounds and training, gifts and passions for ministry, and their availability for service. These lay ministers will become licensed for serving in the 6261 Ministry Community after completing the synod-authorized formation path for discernment, training, and certification for licensing.
Deacons and pastors are “rostered” ministers, called by the whole church, who serve in our Synod in a specific 6261 Ministry Community. Both deacons and pastors have completed a seminary-level theological degree with equivalent training and candidacy rostering requirements (of the ELCA and Synod).
Licensed Lay Ministers
Licensed lay ministers are licensed by the Bishop to perform certain duties within specific congregations of 6261 Ministry Communities.
Pastors
Pastors are ordained to the roster of “Word and Sacrament.” As such, pastors are best known for preaching and teaching of the Word, along with presiding at the table for the sharing of the Sacrament of the Altar (Holy Communion). Pastors also perform the Sacrament of Baptism as well as other worship rites such as Confirmation/Affirmation of Baptism, weddings, and funerals.
Deacon
Deacons are ordained to the roster of “Word and Service.” As such, deacons share the Word through preaching and teaching. Deacons are uniquely called to the ministry of service, connecting the Church to the world and reminding all believers of our call to loving service of our neighbors.
WHY would we want to form a 6261 Ministry Community?
6261 Ministry Communities align with the NEPA Synod strategic direction of “Gaining Strength.” 6261 Ministry Communities gain strength through collaboration and sharing in ministry with one another for the sake of the Gospel.
6261 Ministry Communities promote vitality for all 6 of its congregations by providing:
Collective resources
Collective resources to support full-time pastors and deacons, in a time of clergy shortage and in a way that supports clergy health, as well as additional ministry staff such as musicians, Christian education, administration, and more.
Training structure
Training structure for licensed lay ministers and interns, allowing for a natural flow of trained leadership – some of whom may discern a call to public, rostered ministry.
Teamwork
A means for staff and members to practice teamwork in a familiar network as they rely on one another to fully support and sustain ministry.
Built-in Support
Built-in support for re-identifying values, mission, and community in the wake of Covid-19 and an ever-changing social and cultural landscape.
Accountability
A deeper and broader training and accountability structure for councils, officers, committees, staff, rostered ministers, and licensed lay ministers.
Greater Oversight
Greater oversight to guard against financial malfeasance.
Global Church
Insight into the global Church as congregations partner together for the sake of the Gospel, reaching beyond their individual doors into the broader community.
Increased Opportunities
Increased opportunities for worship, Bible study, small groups, service, fellowship, and other spiritual practices.
HOW are 6261 Ministry Communities formed?
It takes time to form a 6261 Ministry Community. Typically, the process begins with sharing information and building relationships. If people continue to be interested, an Exploration Team is formed to help begin working out details, discerning ministry together, and further building collaborative relationships. As a group moves closer and closer to starting a 6261 Ministry Community, the DEM helps draft a Joint Covenant and a Joint Budget for all the congregations to review, revise, and discuss. The Joint Covenant and Joint Budget go through many versions until all the congregations feel comfortable and excited about it. Simultaneously, worship schedules, additional staff, other ministries, and any shared resources are worked out.
Congregations choose their own 6261 Ministry Community partners!
The Synod can provide suggestions and facilitate introductory conversations, but will NOT assign any congregation to a 6261 Ministry Community. Each congregation must do the work of determining whether a 6261 Ministry Community is right for them and who their partners might be for the ministry work God has laid before them.
For congregations interested in exploring the possibility of joining a 6261 Ministry Community, the Narrative Inventory Form is a great place to start. The Narrative Inventory Form can be completed by the congregation’s Council, Vision Team, or another authorized group. This Form helps the congregation think through its gifts, hopes, expectations, current partnerships, and potential for shared ministries.
What are some NEXT STEPS we can take?
Prayer
Continue Discernment & Discussions
Joint Exploration Team
What OTHER RESOURCES can help us discern and learn about how to form a 6261 Ministry Community?
The NEPA Synod Council has deemed 6261 a Synod priority, meaning that 6261 is a priority for the Synod, its time, and its resources. Below is a list of people who can walk with you on your discernment about forming a 6261 Ministry Community and learning more about the model. There are also additional templates and documents that can provide more information and help you get started on the process.
DOCUMENTS
Starting Out:
- Narrative Inventory Form
- 6261 Intro Booklet
- 6261 Joint Exploration Team Guide
- 6261 Ministry Community Discernment Guide
- Licensed Lay Ministry Handbook
- ELCA Acronym Key
Templates & Samples:
- Sample Joint Budgets for the 6261 Ministry Community
- Sample Worship Schedules for the 6261 Ministry Community
- Template Covenant for the 6261 Ministry Community
- Template Joint Budget for the 6261 Ministry Community
Down the Road:
PEOPLE
- The Director for Evangelical Mission – Deacon Kat Tigerman
- Your Associate of the Bishop
- The NEPA Synod Bishop – Bishop Christopher deForest
- The Synod Council of the NEPA Synod
- Your pastor(s) & deacon(s) and nearby clergy/rostered ministers
- Your Congregational Council
6261 GRANTS
6261 Grants are now available. Click below to view which ones are currently accepting applications
