By: Pastor David Derrick
Each October rostered leaders (pastors, associates in ministry, diaconal ministers, deaconesses) from around the Virginia Synod gather for an annual event called the Gathering of the Ministerium. The word ministerium itself has roots dating back to the colonial church in North America and is used to describe ministry done in collaboration and partnership. In an effort to build and maintain collegial relationship and to foster collaboration and partnership this gathering takes place as one part of connecting rostered leaders with one another but also churches with one another. So for three days in October in Virginia Beach pastors and rostered leaders are reminded that we need one another to most faithfully serve in our particular contexts.
While acknowledging that partnership, collaboration, and collegial relationship are important you may be asking the question – “But what do you do?”. Several components are a part of the gathering every year.
Pastor Terrie Sternberg from Trinity, Pulaski went horseback riding during her free time at the Gathering of the Ministerium
- We worship. We confess, we sing, we hear God’s Word, we are fed by the sacrament.
- We talk theology and practice; how is God active not only in congregations but in the whole church.
- We exchange resources and ideas. Some of the very best ideas and ministry is already being done somewhere else.
- We share our joys and concerns. Often times someone with similar experiences is able to empathize more fully.
- We play. For some it means a horseback ride on the beach or a game of cornhole, for others it is a brisk walk along the boardwalk, for others it is a round of golf, for others it is a nap.
- We renew our covenant with one another. The Virginia Synod has a ministerium covenant that holds us together as pastors and rostered leaders. If you are interested in seeing what the covenant says please check it out at https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0_YHGMqW0QCc1I0SnliTGRZdHM/edit?usp=sharing
Roanoke College President, Michael Maxey, was our presenter and discussion facilitator at the 2014 Gathering of the Ministerium
At this year’s Gathering of the Ministerium we particularly focused on Knowing Our People. The presenter for the event was Dr. Michael Maxey, President of Roanoke College. President Maxey helped facilitate round table conversation encouraging us to consider or perhaps reconsider the ways we genuinely encounter the people of the congregation and people of the community.
He helped us revisit some strategies for active listening. He helped us to think about being intentional about providing time for nurturing relationships and knowing the community of faith. He led us in conversation about being healthy leaders even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
This is such an important event, encourage your leader(s) to be a part of the Gathering of the Ministerium October 12-14 next year.
