By Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, Ministry Office
New resources recently posted by the Ministry Office offer support to congregations and leaders by interpreting the concept of a shared ministry team model. In some congregations lacking a settled pastor, new life and energy have emerged from reclaiming a traditional Brethren team-focused approach to providing pastoral leadership.
Stories of congregations using this model have been posted for some time on the webpage titled “Shared Ministry Model” at www.brethren.org/ministryoffice/shared-ministry-model. The newest story comes from the Springfield (Ill.) First Church of the Brethren, which has found the model to be invigorating, hopeful, and uplifting.
Another resource is a recording of an equipping session offered at this year’s Annual Conference titled “Many Hands Make Weighty Work Light: A Shared Ministry Model.” Featuring presenters from four congregations, the session describes how such a model strengthens a congregation’s sense of giftedness, its call to discipleship, and mission. Find the recording at www.brethren.org/ministryoffice/shared-ministry-model
Finally, from last year’s Annual Conference in 2024, a recording of a session titled “Toolbox for Caring for Your Pastor: Money and Beyond” features two part-time co-pastors sharing how they and the congregation they serve have benefited from using the Shared Ministries Priorities tool. Learn how this tool can strengthen and encourage a healthy and vital partnership between pastor and congregation by viewing the session at www.brethren.org/webcasts/archive. The tool is an essential part of the Integrated Annual Ministry Agreement found at www.brethren.org/ministryoffice/compensation.
Credentialed ministers can receive continuing education credits for viewing recorded sessions. Complete the required form at www.brethren.org/webcasts/archive
— Nancy Sollenberger Heishman serves as director of the Ministry Office of the Church of the Brethren.
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- Grant of $500,000 to the Church of the Brethren will support Brethren Disaster Ministries
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- Global Mission executive visits Church of the Brethren in Burundi, meets with church leaders from Democratic Republic of Congo