Mutual Ministry Reviews Encouraged for Congregational Leadership

As we begin a new year, Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley encourages congregational leadership to engage in mutual ministry reviews. To this end, the bishop and her staff have been implementing this process as well. With the help of the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, Bishop Ruth has been the first to undergo this important review. Rev. Jennings spent time talking with each member of the bishop's staff individually, as well as the Standing Committee, Diocesan Council and Trustees, to assess the areas of strength, as well as those needing attention or fine tuning within the bishop’s ministry and office. Bishop Ruth plans to conduct the next phase, implementing a mutual ministry review with each staff member. 

Every congregation in our diocese is expected to engage in the healthy process of ministry review on an annual basis. This expectation is ‘built in’ every Letter of Agreement (LOA) between the congregation and priest.  At a minimum, every three years this review should be with a trained consultant from outside the congregation.
 
What is Mutual Ministry Review, and why should our parish do it? Mutual Ministry Review is a way for every parish to ask, “How are we doing?”  It is a time to celebrate what has been done well and to understand what might be done better.  As Christian people we must always ask:  "What is God calling us to do and to accomplish here in this place?"  And then, "How can we best practice this ministry?"
 
Mutual Ministry Review is meant to help the entire leadership team better accomplish God’s mission.  What is being reviewed is the ministry of laity and clergy working together in the daily life of the community for the glory of God.
 
Mutual Ministry Review is intended to nurture environments where responsibilities are discussed and reviewed regularly and comfortably.  As a result, communities and individuals will understand what is expected of them. Roles will be clarified, and time and energy centered on what is important for the building up of the Body of Christ. Participants are encouraged to remember that the intent of the Mutual Ministry Review is to improve effective ministry. The emphasis is on celebrating the successes and resolving the challenges.  
 
Guidelines for Mutual Ministry Review are available from the Canon to the Ordinary, the Rev. Cn. Philip Linder.
 
What assistance is provided by the Bishop’s Office?
 
Bishop Ruth has asked the Rev. William Coyne ([email protected]) to be available to facilitate the MMR process in each congregation.  Other facilitators are being sought as well, and a congregation may choose to use other experienced facilitators from ‘outside’ the congregation’s ‘system’. Each congregation is expected to cover the cost and should be included in the annual budget.  Diocesan assistance will be made available if needed.