Viewed as a ministry document, Immanuel’s constitution and by-laws allows the opportunity for a Mutual Ministry Committee. This six member committee is jointly appointed (3 members every other year for a 2 year term) by the council president and pastor. Committee members cannot serve on the church council and must be skillful at listening, speaking candidly with care, and valuing confidentiality.
To better understand the purpose of a mutual ministry committee, it’s helpful to begin with a definition of mutual ministry: The equipping and supporting of all baptized members to carry the gospel into the church and world. Baptized members (which includes the pastor and staff) are likened to earthen vessels that are filled and emptied . . . and filled and emptied again and again, thus requiring intentional care – that need to renew and refresh.
In a nutshell, the purpose of this committee is to affirm and strengthen the mission of the congregation and the ministry of the staff – to keep all earthen vessels renewed and refreshed for God’s work and glory. This is accomplished through listening and clarifying expectations, communicating frustrations and joys in ministering, and reflecting on successes and anticipating the future mission of the congregation.
We ask members of Immanuel to pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit as the mutual ministry committee appointments are being considered. We read in 2 Corinthians 4:7 – “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.”
In Gratitude, Deb Keaschall, Mutual Ministry Committee Chair