Frustration Ends!
Philosophy of Ministry: Statement #5

By Scott Corey

Do you have frustration?

I am sure you have experienced "transfer hell" when you called a business to correct a problem and in seeking someone with the authority to fix your problem you were transferred multiple times, or worse yet, you had to go repeatedly through the seemingly endless menus of the automated answering system. And you may have been involved in ministry here at Central, and had similar frustrations in getting approval or were delayed by a committee or board meeting schedule.

We can't fix your whole life, but we do intend to minimize frustrations and maximize effectiveness in doing ministry at Central. This is the objective of the fifth concept in our Philosophy of Ministry,

"Authority and responsibility are lodged as close to actual ministry as possible."

This concept is to be implemented at two levels. First, it will be implemented at the Session level as it transfers authority and responsibility for the day to day oversight of ministry to the MET (Ministry Empowerment Team comprised of Pastors, Directors of Ministries-Children's, Student, etc., the Office Manager and two lay members). Second and most importantly, it will be implemented with individuals, ministry teams, and committees doing ministry.

Historically, authority and responsibility for ministry was held by the Session and its committees. Then over years as we built a Staff, it was shared with the Staff to various degrees and in different ways. This was confusing and frustrating on occasion to those involved. Under the new organizational structure, the authority for the day to day oversight and support of ministry is shifted to the MET. The MET will be accountable to the Session, but will be free to minister and to oversee ministries within the broad confines of our mission, values, philosophy of ministry, and the general policies, vision, and goals provided by the Session.

The shift of authority and responsibility to the MET provides the foundation for empowering and supporting you in ministry. Ministries by individuals and ministry teams will be given authority and responsibility by the MET with similar accountability and freedom to operate as the MET. It is expected that this will result in more time in ministry, less time getting approval, and new ways to minister to people, community, and the world.

We believe that the creation and empowerment of the MET and those doing ministry will not only reduce frustration, but it will more importantly result in a growing number of highly effective ministries. Get involved, make it happen.