Discerning and using our gifts
Shared Ministry is wholistic, inclusive;
completing the Personal Gift Journey is first step
by Diane Nimmer
November 21, 2010
The Shared Ministry Team has been designed to support and encourage the talents, gifts and passions of the disciples who are Central Lutheran Church. The team focuses on a system that is based on the principle that God calls all people to ministry. This system is a wholistic and inclusive approach and a way to discern our gifts and our call as we work together at Central, and as we use our gifts in the world. While every person has a unique package of gifts and interests, it is also very comforting and powerful to know that these gifts and ministries are shared and supported and can grow in the service and mission of what God has created us to do.
The system of Shared Ministry includes, planning, discovering gifts, designing, recruiting, matching, supervising, and supporting individuals and teams. It also includes evaluating and managing data. It generates a dynamic partnership with lay ministers and staff ministers as we share in the mission and decision making.
As a starting point last year, the Shared Ministry Team introduced position descriptions for all teams, and the Personal Gift Journey, a survey about individual gifts, talents and passions, was distributed to our community. To date 135 persons have returned the survey and the information has been entered into the database system. Staff and lay leaders have access to the system—showing gifts and interests—when looking for new people to serve in ministries. This information is a way to connect the needs of the ministry teams with the gifts of the community. Already the information has been used to successfully recruit a number of new volunteers.
The concept and system of Shared Ministry was introduced at special training sessions, and an event took place to recognize and acknowledge the gifts and service at Central. A program to connect and integrate new members was implemented as well. A lot was introduced in our first year.
In the next few months various team members will be providing updates on projects around the Shared Ministry system, which have been developed to increase our awareness and growth for our personal journeys, our team structures, and to strengthen our partnership with God in our mission to the church and the world.
Shared Ministry is wholistic, inclusive;
completing the Personal Gift Journey is first step
by Diane Nimmer
November 21, 2010
The Shared Ministry Team has been designed to support and encourage the talents, gifts and passions of the disciples who are Central Lutheran Church. The team focuses on a system that is based on the principle that God calls all people to ministry. This system is a wholistic and inclusive approach and a way to discern our gifts and our call as we work together at Central, and as we use our gifts in the world. While every person has a unique package of gifts and interests, it is also very comforting and powerful to know that these gifts and ministries are shared and supported and can grow in the service and mission of what God has created us to do.
The system of Shared Ministry includes, planning, discovering gifts, designing, recruiting, matching, supervising, and supporting individuals and teams. It also includes evaluating and managing data. It generates a dynamic partnership with lay ministers and staff ministers as we share in the mission and decision making.
As a starting point last year, the Shared Ministry Team introduced position descriptions for all teams, and the Personal Gift Journey, a survey about individual gifts, talents and passions, was distributed to our community. To date 135 persons have returned the survey and the information has been entered into the database system. Staff and lay leaders have access to the system—showing gifts and interests—when looking for new people to serve in ministries. This information is a way to connect the needs of the ministry teams with the gifts of the community. Already the information has been used to successfully recruit a number of new volunteers.
The concept and system of Shared Ministry was introduced at special training sessions, and an event took place to recognize and acknowledge the gifts and service at Central. A program to connect and integrate new members was implemented as well. A lot was introduced in our first year.
In the next few months various team members will be providing updates on projects around the Shared Ministry system, which have been developed to increase our awareness and growth for our personal journeys, our team structures, and to strengthen our partnership with God in our mission to the church and the world.
Take the Personal Gift Journey as a first step in sharing your gifts, talents and passions here!
Diane Nimmer is chair of the Shared Ministry Team
333 South Twelfth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-870-4416