In this final post of a three-part series we discuss how ministries can have both a local component as well as shared leadership both by a ministry leader as well as the pastoral staff and the Session.
This diagram shows how the "local functions" listed in the site model have distinct teams, comprised of people from each site, and particular implementations, reflecting the unique characteristics of the site. A good example might be small groups: while the overall goal is to develop small groups of 10-15 individuals (singles and couples) who have regular fellowship, pray for and with one another, spur one another on to works of service, and generally walk through life together, there will be special cases where a particular site has a different-looking fellowship group, such as the singles' ministry, or a kingdom group with a particular purpose such as caring for the house parents at Joe's place. Another example might be worship, where the musicians available at a particular site, as well as the aesthetic sensibilities of people there, would perhaps dictate a particular song selection.
However, an important motivation for the merger is to establish a shared "ethos" for both sites under a single common leadership. Thus, each ministry area will have a leader who is responsible for communication between sites, scheduling of resources where needed, and ensuring that common values and vision are promoted. That ministry leader will work with a pastor (and in some cases an elder) who will shepherd and mentor them, and help them develop the vision for that area, and ensure that it is aligned with the church's overall mission and values.
Thus, there are both local ministries, but common leadership and connection back to the Session, ensuring that all parts work together as a whole.
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