Ministry Development

The Diocese of South Dakota is developing a strategy for congregational development. Under the broad umbrella of Mutual Ministry, the diocese is committed to the ministry and vocation of all the baptized. 

What follows are some frequently asked questions:

• What is Mutual Ministry?

• Aren't we already doing that?

• Isn't this just for small churches?

What is Mutual Ministry?

The principles of Mutual Ministry are rooted in the New Testament and the church's teaching about baptism. These principles are:

      a) That each congregation is empowered through baptism to

• Gather around the Gospel

• Take the Baptismal Covenant seriously

• Discern what God is calling them to be and do

• Identify who the ministers will be in that place

       b) That each congregation takes responsibility for its own life, ministry and mission to include discernment, formation and training of its leaders and pastors;

       c) That ministry is exercised not only in the church, but in the workplace, community, home and school;

       d) That each congregation will be a ministering community rather than a community gathered around a minister;

       e) That each community is called to be a sacred circle of love, prayer and service gathered around the Gospel.

In Mutual Ministry the focus is on a "ministry team," which can include both lay and ordained leaders chosen by the congregation to exercise responsibility for the vision of mutual ministry in the congregation. The ministry team does not "do the ministry;" rather the team is trained to encourage the ministry of all members.

Aren't we already doing that?

Many congregations find the description of Mutual Ministry quite familiar. Mutual Ministry simply affirms and names what many congregations are already doing. However, just defining a congregation's approach as "Mutual Ministry" brings with it some benefits:

• Enthusiasm and energy for congregational ministry

• Less dependence on clergy support from outside the congregation

• More resources for outreach and pastoral care to the local community

are but a few of those benefits. Present and future leadership will be committed to working within the framework of encouraging everyone's ministry.

So, isn't this just for small churches?

Mutual Ministry can be found in many different forms. Small churches, each with their own ministry teams, can be clustered with others in a geographical area, facilitated by the ministry of a regional missioner.

However, parishes are also called to a deeper participation in baptismal life and ministry. In Mutual Ministry, the rector serves in similar ways as a missioner, helping members of his or her congregation become a ministering community gathered around the gospel of Jesus Christ. The congregation continues to discern ministry of all its members and can work in ministry teams within the congregation with a full-time resident priest as a congregational missioner.

In summary, the priority of the diocese is to equip lay and ordained leadership and form congregations of love, prayer and service gathered around the gospel. And it doesn't matter what size our congregation is, for all members are called to be ministers in the name of Jesus for the sake of God's world.

For more information, the Diocesan office,