Continuing in the Methodist tradition, we value the ministry of each member of the local church. The local church cannot accomplish its mission without faithful lay and pastoral leadership who continually look to the Holy Spirit for guidance in all matters.
Pastoral Leadership
The local church is also the primary site of ministry for pastoral leaders. In MCC churches, pastoral leaders are expected to:
- Maintain faithfulness to the doctrines and order of the MCC.
- Identify and equip lay leadership.
- Work with lay leadership to order the life of the church in worship, administration, mission, and ministry.
- Lead by example in following Christ in both personal and social holiness, including but not limited to personal spiritual disciplines, servant leadership in the wider community, and stewardship of personal financial resources.
Lay Leadership
While it is up to the local church to determine a model of leadership structure conducive to its context, each local church will elect from its membership lay leaders who work with the pastor to manage the administrative and missional life of the church in the areas of:
Also vital to the mission of the local church is each member fulfilling the vows of membership by praying, being present, stewarding personal financial resources in support of the church, serving where gifts and need align, and living a life that bears witness to the Risen Christ. Many will serve as teachers, mission volunteers, greeters, servers, and beyond. Each member and role is of equal significance in the work of the Kingdom.
- Human resources (Pastor Parish Relations or equivalent, with the authority to make employment decisions regarding pastoral leaders).
- Management of Property and Assets (Trustees).
- Financial Stewardship.
- Church Administrative Board (or equivalent).
Also vital to the mission of the local church is each member fulfilling the vows of membership by praying, being present, stewarding personal financial resources in support of the church, serving where gifts and need align, and living a life that bears witness to the Risen Christ. Many will serve as teachers, mission volunteers, greeters, servers, and beyond. Each member and role is of equal significance in the work of the Kingdom.