EQUIP congregations for faithful ministry: Provide resources, training and support to equip Presbytery’s congregations for ministry, including a process by which the Presbytery will regularly involve sessions in conversations aimed at helping them share their own ministry and mission with the Presbytery. Faithful attention will be focused on the needs and status of smaller churches; working in partnership with those congregations, we will respond to each unique situation with sensitivity, compassion, and creativity.
Purpose:
The EQUIP Mission Team will be responsible for helping congregations discern new opportunities for mission and ministry, with particular attention and care extended to smaller churches. Training and/or educational opportunities will be provided to empower congregations in the area of identified need. The primary goals of this team will be:
- Create a regular (at least biennial) opportunity for dialogue with sessions
- Develop leadership training opportunities based on the expressed needs of congregations
- Link congregations in mission partnership, sharing resources, and fellowship
Members of the EQUIP Mission Team:
Leadership Council
- Nine nominated to the leadership council of this mission team by the Committee on Nominations as approved by the Presbytery; one half clergy and one half laity; three year terms; eligible for re-election; elect own moderator
- Four representatives from units of the Training Group (e.g. youth, young adult, older adult, Presbyterian Women)
- Associate Presbyter for Equipping Congregations, ex officio
- Members as co-opted by the Leadership Council of this mission team, in consultation with the Committee on Nominations.
Responsibilities:
- Develop a discernment tool(s) and procedures for doing listening with congregations, helping to determine what faithful ministry is in each situation
- Plan visits to all churches on a biennial basis, working with the congregation to discern the congregation’s vision for ministry, and report the Book of Order required visit (G-11.0502c) to the Committee on Ministry
- Provide leadership training and educational events that meet the needs of congregations
- Give special attention to the unique situation of small churches.
- Provide guidance and direction to the Presbytery’s Resource Center
- In collaboration with the SERVE and CONNECT Mission Teams, define areas of mission partnership and encourage congregations to share mission resources
- Advocate and determine appropriate strategies for new church development, congregational transformation, churches' new mission initiatives, etc.
- Administer grants and funding to support the ministries of the Equip Mission Team.