Goals of Ministry
Most of my experience in church ministry has involved a reasonable amount of projects. At the Baptist church, the youth ministry was a huge programme, not that relational engagement was low on the agenda but with 250 under 18′s at it’s peek you need programmes. Programmes always bring goals and deadlines for preparation and activity.
There was a much higher emphasis on relational ministry at the Anglican church and a relatively low programme base alongside that. However, there always seemed also to be a project, or several, that we as the leadership team were working on.
Projects produce goals and goals are measurable. I had a conversation with David about measuring ministry and how, in a rural commuter town with many experienced active and retired managers, did he feel the church measured his ministry. We were at the time sitting out in the sun at a very nice place with coffee and cakes.
David’s thoughts were very interesting. He highlighted some areas where the congregation expected to see performance, administration, communication, conduct of services, the condition of the church building and pastoral care.
Most of these points are reasonably measurable and in most cases possible to improve on. The congregation expects a smooth running ship and not to be the victim of unprofessionalism. Interesting that these are seen as professional aspects of being a vicar in today’s world.
It is not unsurprising to see pastoral care on the list. If the people don’t feel cared for, then what is the vicar up to! Obviously this is particularly measurable at the points of crisis. If one family felt unsupported in a time of crisis then the news would soon spread and the vicar would likely be approached.
What is surprising about the list is what is missing. Discipleship, mission [local and global] and growth in numbers. Some of the things that would be towards the top of my list. Is this a difference in approach to ministry, different contexts, differing theology or perhaps emphases on calling?
For my part, I would feel I was side-stepping my calling and short-changing the parish if we were not growing, in love for God, in love for our neighbour and numerically in people entering the kingdom.