A
Job Description: 50%-50% or 200%!?
In
my conversation with various couples, it seems to me that there are two
distinctly different approaches to Shared Pastoral Ministry. Some approach this
work as an opportunity to, literally, split the work in half – each doing 50%
of the job description, and working half-time (whatever that is in ministry!)
Others of us approach shared ministry as an opportunity to split the job
description, but, essentially, double the work load for that half of the job.
In this approach, the couple seeks to provide twice the work that one person
can provide. Both approaches recognize the complementary contribution that a
couple can provide to one job description, and recognize that by either
definition, a couple will provide more than one FTE (full time equivalent) in
ministry.
Amy
and I have basically chosen the latter approach, and though her stated office
hours are 30 hours per week (compared to my 40 hours), she rarely is able to
maintain this schedule. With only six months of experience, we are obviously
still learning. This article shares the breakdown of our job description, in
the format we presented to the Search Committee that called us to Park Road
Baptist.
"...and
he sent them two by two..." Luke 10.1
You
will find below a working outline that delineates the life of the church into
six major categories (taken from Dr. William E. Hull of Samford
University). A pastor is expected to
lead in each of these areas. We would
divide these areas based on our personal strengths and weaknesses; however,
both of us would be available should any need arise. We would work in full consultation with the one another to
provide a unified vision and leadership for the church.
...God is spirit. We must worship in spirit and in
truth. John 4.24
Believing
in the power of the presence of God, worship is the expression and response of
the gathered people of God. Corporate
worship is central to the life of the church.
Planning
of worship: Russ will be the primary
contact. Preaching: In the early stage
of our ministry, we anticipate dividing the preaching 3/4 Russ and 1/4 Amy.
Baptism, Communion, Baby Dedications, Funerals, Weddings: We will perform together unless otherwise
requested, though Russ will take primary responsibility for planning these.
...Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law
of Christ. Galatians 6.2
In
the joys and sorrows of life, Christians must be present for one another. Only
as we continue to embody the love of God and share the peace of Christ will his
gospel truly be "good news" to all people.
Hospital
visitation, shut-in care, new member orientation and assimilation, births,
bereavement, weddings and counseling:
Amy will be "first call" for these needs.
....As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to
live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the
faith...abounding in thanksgiving.
Colossians 2.6-7
Faith
is a journey. Opportunities for
individual and corporate discipleship must be provided along the Way as
Christians grow together in the faith.
Wednesday
Nights: We anticipate a reciprocal
relationship between Sunday morning preaching and Wednesday night Bible study;
therefore, Amy would do 3/4 and Russ 1/4. Other Spiritual Development: Amy will direct retreats, Bible studies and
other special events to promote adult spiritual formation.
...But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to
give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that
you have. 1 Peter 3.15
The
church should reach out in witness and welcome that all people might know their
infinite worth as children of God.
Prospect
visitation, correspondence and development of programs to encourage church
growth would be lead by Russ.
...But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an
ever-flowing stream. Amos 5.24
The
church must call others into its fellowship, but it must not be
self-serving. The windows of the church
should be open to display a world in great need, and its doors should open outward,
allowing its members to spill into that world as "salt and light"
into the marketplace.
Missions
Committee: Amy would provide leadership
to encourage proactive church involvement, financially and hands-on, locally
and globally.
...For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the
members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. I
Corinthians 12.12
In
the world, the Body of Christ takes the necessary shape of an institution. If the institution is not managed with skill
and care, the priority of ministry will be lost to the business of running an
organization.
Personnel
Issues, Staff Supervision, Staff Meetings:
Russ would take ownership here relative to the Personnel Committee. Russ would not supervise Amy's work.
Administration Committee, Personnel Committee, Deacons: Matters of visionary leadership of the
church, articulating the church's needs and its direction, will be shared by
Russ and Amy. To avoid any confusion,
however, Russ will be the primary contact for these committees and the
Diaconate. Amy would be the point person for the Nominating Committee.
Russ
and Amy Jacks Dean, Pastors
Park
Road Baptist Church, Charlotte, NC
ajdean@parkroadbaptist.org, russdean@parkroadbaptist.org