Purpose of the Committee on Ministries             

The purpose of the Committee on Ministries is to attend to the Ministries of the Church by being the eyes, ears, and conscience of the Congregation toward fulfilling the Mission and Covenant.  The CoM observes and listens; it does not legislate or assert power or authority.  It exists to promote a healthy environment for lay leadership (and minister) in serving the congregation.  It seeks to understand, support, assess, and advocate for vigorous and wholesome Ministries within the Church community.

Notice that we use the plural, Ministries, to include the variety of Ministries in our Church –  from Worship and RE to Music, Membership, Caring, Social Justice, and more.  All that we do in this Church to support our Mission and Covenant is Ministry – leading services, raising funds, serving on the Board or  committees, planning events, singing in the choir, teaching our children,  painting the Sanctuary, scrubbing the bathrooms.

Principles and Commitments Re. Conflict

CoM follows guiding principles and commitments regarding conflict.

Why address conflict, you may ask, when our Church is experiencing a time of positive energy and growth.  This is precisely the best time so that we can be ready when issues arise in the future.

Conflict arises naturally in congregations and can be healthy and transformative when anticipated and managed effectively.  The CoM will take a holistic view of the specific issue, focusing on designing and facilitating a process that may lead to conflict resolution.

The CoM does not solve problems and does not take responsibility for resolving conflicts.  The CoM is mindful of the dangers of triangulation, meaning a situation in which a third party becomes the means of communication between the actual interested parties.

The CoM’s first and greatest priority is the health and well being of the congregation’s ministries as a whole, rather than any individual or group’s private agenda.

The CoM focuses on individuals rather than groups wherever possible so that the particular individuals involved in a conflict or other problem situation assume and retain responsibility for working toward their resolution.

Assessment of Ministries

The Committee on Ministries is responsible for many things, but it is…..

not responsible for Sunday services and music.  (Religious Services)

not responsible for recruiting and welcoming new members (Membership)

not responsible for the use and care of the property of the church. (Building and Grounds)

not responsible for religious education activity for our youth. (Religious Exploration)

not responsible for financial reviews and recommendations.  (Finance)

not responsible for social action initiatives.  (Social Justice)

not responsible for nominating officers and trustees (Nominating)

The Committee on Ministries is, however, charged with assessing all ministries.   Its specific purpose is to assess the alignment of the church’s ministries with the church’s mission statement.