In a recent blog, writer Ben Schiller suggested that new technologies will change the kinds of
jobs people will have in coming years. He says, “Don't be surprised if one day
you've taken on the position of microbial balancer, corporate disorganizer, or
urban shepherd.”
This got me to thinking:
“What are some ministry roles that might emerge in the next decade that
will reflect not only changes in technology but the evolving needs of the
churches?” Here are some ideas. You might want to add your own.
1.
A “death
with dignity” pastor would help churches to die with dignity. Despite their best efforts to survive, some
churches need to receive permission to go out of operation. Christ promised that the “gates of Hades”
would not overcome his church (Matthew 16:18), but He was undoubtedly talking about
the universal church rather than its local expression. Churches are planted,
they flourish and grow, and then it may be time for them to die. A trained minister might provide “hospice
care” for a dying church, finding new homes for its members, guiding leaders to
make good recommendations about the disposition of its resources, and
celebrating its life and heritage.
2.
A missional networker would work with a group of
churches, perhaps from different denominations, helping each to discover the unique
mission that God has provided. This
would require assessing the gifts and assets of each congregation, discovering
appropriate partners, and preparing parishioners for service. The missional networker would become the de-facto
“minister of missions” for each of the congregations served.
3.
A spiritual community director would serve as
the abbot/abbess of an intentional spiritual community rooted in a specific
setting—urban, suburban, or rural. Young
adults are especially drawn to purposeful, intentional settings that will allow
them to grow spiritually, serve specific needs, and learn from those
experiences of service. They would
thrive in such a setting. Much like the
new monastic communities that are springing up today, these communities would
be made up of people from a number of Christian traditions, so the leader of
such a community must have a broad theological education, a faithful Christian
walk, the ability to be an administrator, and the gift to mentor others.
4.
The total life stewardship consultant would work
with churches not only to raise finances for buildings but to help them make choices
about the wise use of present and planned facilities. They would help churches to become
ecologically friendly and practice wise stewardship of all of their resources. They
might also lead a church to provide microloans to help people in their community
establish their own businesses, improving their finances and feelings of
self-worth.
5.
An itinerant theological educator would be a
trained scholar who taught in a number of settings—perhaps as an adjunct
professor for several theological institutions or colleges, teaching both onsite
and online courses. One of the roles
that this person might assume as part of his or her mixture of assignments
would be as theologian-in-residence in a local congregation. In this setting,
the educator would assist church members to have a deeper appreciation of the
Bible, Christian traditions, and their doctrinal commitments. He or she might also tutor staff ministers or
minister-in-training in theological disciplines.
6.
The Christian formation networker would provide
resources, training, and consulting for several congregations as they seek to nurture
members in discipleship. This person would not only be a practitioner but a
skilled teacher and mentor. Using the
Internet, they could provide training opportunities to several congregations at
one time and be available to church leaders and members even when they were not
on-site.
7.
The itinerant pastoral counselor would provide
therapy for clients in a number of settings—in shopping center meeting rooms,
office conference rooms, apartment complex common areas, church classrooms,
coffee shops, etc. They would go to the
people, setting appointments with clients where they live, work, and shop. They would be compensated for their time
through a mixture of client fees, grants from foundations, and contributions
from churches.
8.
The mentor/coach would provide personal,
professional and relational development for clergy and lay leaders. Every ministry leader needs a mentor at the
beginning of his or her ministry and can benefit from a coaching relationship
throughout their ministries. The
mentor/coach would visit with the clergy person in their place of ministry from
time to time but would most often meet with the protégé/client by Skype or
telephone, making themselves available not only at scheduled times but whenever
needed.
As you probably realize after reading this list, some of
these vocations already exist or are rapidly emerging as viable ministry
roles. As we wrestle with the challenge
of being the body of Christ in the 21st century, such roles may become
very important in the next decade.
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