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Conversations and considerations when forming a shared ministry

The Shared Ministry Program offers a benefits subsidy for pastors when two or more congregations desire to work together to call full-time pastoral leadership. Forming this relationship requires the presbytery and congregations to have intentional conversations about the relationships involved.

As each context for shared ministry varies, it is important that key leaders from each involved congregation have honest and open conversations about how the relationship will work and develop clear expectations of the pastor, as well as each congregation.

This is not a yoked situation. Each congregation maintains its own identity, building, and budget, and the sessions meet separately.

Questions and issues to consider when forming a shared ministry

Geography and compatibility

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  • Do the congregations want to work together?
  • Are they compatible?
  • Are the congregations geographically located to allow the sharing of a pastor?
  • Do they have history that would impact the success of a shared ministry?
  • If one congregation already has a pastor and the other congregation is vacant, does the pastor want to serve an additional congregation?
  • How will the congregation that does not have a pastor decide if they want the pastor serving in the other congregation to be their pastor as well?

Logistics

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  • Will worship times need to be adjusted to accommodate the shared ministry?
  • Does each congregation have the same expectations of the pastor?
  • Will separate job descriptions need to be written?
  • How many hours are expected of the pastor at each congregation?
  • Will pastoral responsibilities be split 50-50, 60-40, etc.?
  • Has a start date been set?

Finances

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  • What can each congregation afford?
  • Does each congregation have the finances to create a sustainable situation?
  • Which congregation will be responsible for submitting salary and benefits information in Benefits Connect?
  • How will the dues invoices from the Board of Pensions be managed?

Search and installation

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  • How will the congregations search for a pastor?
  • Will the congregations form a joint pastor nominating committee or will each congregation have their own committee?
  • What guidance does the presbytery provide?
  • Will the position be posted?
  • Will the pastor be installed at both congregations, installed at one congregation and contracted by the other, or contracted at both?
  • Will the pastor be temporary pastor at each congregation on individual contracts?

Session and presbytery

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  • Have the sessions of both congregations agreed to the terms of call?
  • Does the arrangement meet the presbytery’s minimum terms of call?
  • Has the Committee on Ministry approved the shared ministry arrangement?

Resources and next steps

Your Church Consultant is available to answer any outstanding questions about forming a shared ministry. They should also be contacted when both congregations are prepared to enter a covenant to this shared ministry and are ready to complete and submit a covenant and registration form.

Resources