Cooperative Ministry as a Road to Redevelopment

by Stewart Lanier on March 17, 2005 06:13PM (EST)
Cooperative Ministry as a Road to Redevelopment

Some congregations discover a way to revitalization through working with other congregations which have shared interests or needs. Cooperative ministries can take a variety of forms, from simply joining with one or more other congregations to conduct a single ministry or program (for example a mission trip) to highly structured, formal partnerships which may involve shared staffing and combined administrative structure.

When exploring Cooperative Ministry congregations begin by building trust through sharing in fellowship and low-risk common ministries, then move to discussing more formal arrangements expressed in a shared statement of mission and identity. Sharing with others in ministry may trigger renewed energy, inspiration and provide "economy of scale" solutions to problems such as providing a quality youth program, more diverse adult education opportunities and more effective local mission efforts.

To explore Cooperative Ministry see the following resources:
Partnersteps, "Developing Cooperative Ministries Today" Kail and Wallace, Discipleship Resources
http://www.cokesbury.com/bookstore.aspx?strategicPartner=M&pagestart=40&pid=0881773573

Cooperating Congregations: "Portraits of Mission Strategies" No. AL216, by Gilson A. C. Waldkoenig and William O. Avery
http://www.alban.org/BookDetails.asp?ID=935

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P Stewart Lanier
978-772-0225
Stewart@Net1Plus.com