MINISTERS COUNCIL COMMITTEE OBJECTIVES
COMMUNICATIONS: The object is to fulfill that part of our mission that declares us to be “women and men who advocate for and covenant with each other.” Covenant relationship and mutual advocacy imply the activity of effective communication within the Council and Senate, as well as on behalf of the Senate and Council. Such communication can be facilitated in a number of ways. For example: setting up a Senate meeting in a way that fosters open, clear communication during our meetings; to model use of recent technological and communication advances as potential tools for ministry; etc. Communications on behalf of the Ministers Council includes the publication of MINISTER magazine, designing and staffing a booth at biennial meetings, and creating brochures which clarify the function and work of the ministers council.
DENOMINATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS: The object is to fulfill that part of our mission that declares us to be a “professional...organization of...leaders within the ABC/USA,” by serving several networking and advocacy roles. Networking includes promoting various kinds of connectivity and resourcing among ministerial leaders within and across regions, and learning from other Baptist groups. Advocacy involves becoming proactive in identifying, hearing, and representing the concerns levels of official American Baptist Churches life.
MEMBERSHIP AND CONSTITUENCY: the object is to fulfill that part of our mission that declares us to be “an autonomous, professional, multi cultural organization of ordained, commissioned and lay Christian leaders with the ABC/USA.” This committee works toward full participation in the Ministers Council of all American Baptist ministerial leaders by creating an atmosphere and attitude of positive influence and vision. To do this we will:
1. Model that attitude and atmosphere at the Executive Committee, the Senate and at Regional levels.
2. Give proactive voice to member and local council concerns on the national Ministers Council and Senate levels.
3. Target two or three events/projects each year to recruit and sustain Ministers Council membership.
PROFESSIONAL EFFECTIVENESS: The object is to fulfill that part of our mission declaring us to be “professional” and to be “people who advocate for and covenant with each other...increasing our effectiveness as persons who are accepting the call of God and church for the advancement of the Gospel Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ.” Our objectives include:
1. To explore/discover what it means to be “professional.”
2. To identify and communicate characteristics of an effective ministerial leader.
3. To become more effective practitioners of the arts, skills, and gifts of professional church leadership.
SPIRITUAL AND PERSONAL WHOLENESS: The object is to facilitate Council members in fulfilling that part of their mission that declares them to be “individuals who advocate for and covenant with each other...to deepen their spiritual journey.” One is encouraged to reflect on the presence of God in his/her life and to acquire a fulfilled balance in meeting the professional demands, as well as personal and domestic responsibilities. One is also encouraged to develop a private prayer and devotional discipline, thus connecting one’s self emotionally, psychologically, physically, socially and spiritually.
Approved 2/96