Jul 31 2023

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What are the Benefits of serving a 6261 Ministry Community?

Here are just a few of the benefits of serving in a 6261 Ministry Community:

Colleagues to share in the work of the Gospel

Full-time work, salary, and benefits

Built-in support network which allows for an easier time taking vacation, sabbatical, parental leave, etc.

An opportunity to engage in creative ministry and partner congregations to justice work within its community.

GAINING STRENGTH COHORTS

Deacons and pastors serving and interested in serving a 6261 Ministry Community will participate in a Gaining Strength Cohort, facilitated by Rev. Doug Hill.

18-month process

The cohort has 2 in-person retreats per year along with 2 Zoom meetings per year.

Collegial support

Cohort members will learn from one another and build lasting relationships as they embark on this journey.

Tools for organizational transformation

Rev. Doug Hill is a leader in the anchor church model and deeply understands the important of culture for any organization - especially the church community - and will share how to make such transformation happen.

Resources

The cohort receives resources for guiding the 6261 Ministry Community in articulating its core values, mission, and ministry focus.

Pastors

Pastors are ordained to the roster of “Word and Sacrament.”

Pastors preach and teach the Word along with performing the sacraments of Holy Communion and Baptism. Pastors perform other worship rites such as Confirmation/Affirmation of Baptism, Weddings, and Funerals.

Pastors of 6261 Ministry Communities will be specifically responsible for:

Leading worship, preaching, and providing Holy Communion
Performing baptisms, weddings, and funerals
Coordinating ministry teams and staff to plan worship services – including music, prayers, service setting, liturgical elements, creative opportunities, etc.
Visiting those in the hospital, the homebound, and others who request pastoral care
Praying for the 6261 Ministry Community, its congregations, its surrounding community, and its ministries

Deacons

Deacons are ordained to the roster of “Word and Service.”

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.

Deacons of 6261 Ministry Communities will be specifically responsible for:

Praying for the 6261 Ministry Community, its congregations, its surrounding community, and its ministries
Equipping the 6261 Ministry Community for service embedded within the community
Using their distinct and diverse ministry gifts, as well as their prophetic voice, for encouraging and integrating the primary ministry project of the 6261 Ministry Community
Leading worship, preaching, and setting the table for Holy Communion
Coordinating with ministry teams and raising up leaders for faith in action
Other ministries as determined by the 6261 Ministry Community such as leading Bible studies, small groups, visitation, teaching Confirmation, administration, etc.

Lay Leaders

Lay Ministers are licensed by the Bishop to perform certain duties within specific congregations or 6261 Ministry Communities. These will vary based on the gifts of the lay minister and the needs of the 6261 Ministry Community.

Lay Minister duties may include:

Praying for the 6261 Ministry Community, its congregations, its surrounding community, and its ministries
Preaching
Leading Worship services
Leading Bible studies
Leading and coordinating small groups
Visiting those in the hospital, the homebound, and others who request a visit
Potential for Sacramental authorization

Characteristics

Deacons and pastors serving a 6261 Ministry Community should have several of the following characteristics:

Deacons and pastors serving a 6261 Ministry Community should have several of the following characteristics:

You can download the list of characteristics that would benefit rostered ministers serving in 6261 Ministry Communities here.

Expectations

The NEPA Synod expects the following of its pastors and deacons serving 6261 Ministry Communities:

The NEPA Synod expects the following of its pastors and deacons serving 6261 Ministry Communities:

You can download the expectations of rostered ministers serving in 6261 Ministry Communities here.

Rostered Ministers