Local Shared Ministry Theology

Here's the note I sent to James Cassidy to explain my theology in relation to Local Share Ministry:

Local Shared Ministry
One Possible Underlying Theology of Church and Ministry

Ministry is the collective human expression of God’s Mission to the World, within which all God’s people contribute through individual gifts, responsibilities and callings that originate from God. Local Ministry is particularly significant because it is the means by which God serves a particular local community, using the gifts he has already given to that community. The wider Church has responsibility for the oversight of local Christian “ministry units” in terms of management, support, training and mediation.

1. Ministry is the Human Expression of God’s Mission: God is the originator, initiator, mover and end of the Missio Dei – “the Sending of God”. The Church is called to participate in God’s mission and does so by serving him in creation, both within the Church and in the World. In its broadest sense, Ministry is the service offered to fulfill this calling.(See Karl Hartenstein, Van Sanders, Jurgen Moltmann and David J. Bosch)
2. The Church is the Continuing Expression of Christ’s Body: The Church is also called to embody Christ in the World. This is both a calling to “be” Christ to those who need to experience him, and to act on behalf of Christ in a World which still needs his love. This calling is collective and requires the whole body to function in unity, with each member playing a unique and necessary part.
3. The Holy Spirit empowers God’s People for Service: The Spirit is given so that the Church can be empowered to serve God in the World and also be transformed into the likeness of Christ. Although “gifts” are given through individuals, they are always given for the good of the whole body and to enable the church collectively to participate in God’s mission through acts of service.
4. Leadership is a Gift of God: Leadership is an expression of Christ’s Lordship and a gift to the church which enables the collective ministry of God’s people. Leadership could be defined using various terms including administration, influence, vision, organisation, coordination, teaching, wisdom, guidance, inspiration or management. Because the Spirit is active in each member of Christ’s Body, God could speak or lead through any individual at any time. One of the tasks of “stewards” or “administrators” is therefore to help members of the Church listen to one another, so that the authentic voice of God can be heard. A Local Shared Ministry Unit usually has “circular” or “collective” leadership to encourage mutuality and to discourage the tendency to focus on an individual multi-functional “leader”. Wes Frensdorf spoke of a church as a ministering community rather than a community gathered around a minister.
5. Eucharistic Presidency is one Expression of Leadership: Those who preside at the Eucharist are called to lead God’s people in a particular way; by helping the whole congregation to celebrate Holy Communion. Eucharistic presidency need not be associated with over-all leadership, and it would be quite appropriate for more than one individual to be set aside for this task in any one community. Local Shared Ministry Units function best if there are a number of “sacramental ministers” who are part of the leadership or ministry team. The provision of such ministry must come through a denominationally appropriate route.
6. The Local Church is Uniquely Equipped for Local Ministry: Local Christians are able to relate best to the communities within which they are set. Many would also affirm the belief that each church is given all the resources and gifts needed to fulfil the call that God places upon them. The Church is called to draw out the gifts given to local Christians and nurture them as disciples and ministers to those around them. This is why Local Shared Ministry emphasises local vision, discernment, training and authorisation. (See Roland Allen, Andrew Bowden, Stewart C Zabrinskie, etc…)
7. The Local Church needs Relational Oversight: Local Shared Ministry is not a congregational model; it is a recognition that the Wider Church is called to enable each Local Church to function and flourish. This calling is best expressed through the terms “Oversight” or “Supervision”. One possible model of supervision speaks about Management, Support, Training and Mediation – or Stewardship, Shepherding, Teaching and Priesthood. These roles are best fulfilled through human relationships and require clearly identified people to act as links between each Local Church and the wider networks within which that church is set. This is why it is so important to have a “Ministry Enabler” or some other individual who can exercise “supervision” on behalf of the Wider Church. (See Alan Wilson, Andrew Bowden, etc…)

This is only a brief statement of theology from one individual. The development of an ecumenical theology of Local Shared Ministry in Milton Keynes will require more thought-out language and more careful consideration of wider theological issues – beyond my capability – particularly in relation to the different ecclesiologies represented by different denominations.