Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota IX Bishop search
Ministry Highlights
Total Ministry
Total or Shared Ministry is based in our theology of Baptism, where we affirm that each baptized Christian is called to use their God-given gifts for ministry.
Total Ministry teams, often referred to as ministry support teams, work to involve as many members of the congregation as possible in various forms of ministry. In other dioceses, Total Ministry is also called Collaborative Ministry, Shared Ministry, Team Ministry, or Mutual Ministry.
The number of congregations engaging in Total Ministry in the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota has increased significantly in recent years. Bishop Jelinek noted at convention that over a third of the congregations in the diocese are now Total Ministry churches.
The Diocese currently has more than 35 congregations actively engaged in Total Ministry. Many other congregations throughout state, especially within the Department of Indian Work, are considering it.
Following are excerpts from conversations with clergy, team leaders and lay people about the important role of Total Ministry in the Diocese:
“We have numerous examples of increased church health and size that can only be attributed to Total Ministry.”
“I can see Total Ministry expanding exponentially and particularly into larger congregations as a method of affording additional staff without the financial commitment.”
“Congregations that have chosen to engage in Total Ministry have for the most part experienced revitalization.”
“When those identified to serve with the ministry team engage in study and formation, I see their excitement and enthusiasm and a renewed sense of God's call to mission and ministry.”
“It isn't always easy, but those involved generally feel called and strengthened to do the work God calls us to do.”
“The reality of church finances will compel more small and medium-sized churches to consider and move into the TM model, sharing the services of seminary-trained clergy as transitional sacramental leaders and trainer/mentors of leadership teams.”
“Total Ministry will be the driving force for the founding and building up of scores (perhaps even hundreds) of small churches, mostly in rural Minnesota.”
“Total ministry has enabled us to become a church in the black. We were not able to sustain a full or half time rector, so we now manage the church with a non stipendiary team and local vestry. That gives us more time to do outreach and to grow the congregation spiritually. Thus we have a new emphasis on evangelism and working with people instead of constantly worrying about how to stay alive.”
“People in our community see our church in a new light and support our activities in the community. We sense an ecumenical oneness with many of our other community churches.”
“When people get excited about ministry good things will happen.”
