Position Description for Ordained Minister for an
Ecumenical Shared Ministry between the
Parish of Digby, The Anglican Church of Canada
and Rivers of Grace Pastoral Charge, The United Church of Canada
Position Summary: This is a full-time position with time shared with and equally supported by the two denominations. It is expected that there will be overlap and cooperation between the two denominations. The minister will provide leadership within each congregation and the community as we continue forward with this relationship.
The minister will work with the Official Board of the United Church and the Parish Council of the Anglican Church to carry out the duties specified below in each congregation. It is expected that some activities may be joint between congregations.
Worship:
The minister will be responsible for two services each Sunday – one in the Anglican Church and one in the United Church. While there are many elements of the service that can be used in both services, there is a desire to maintain distinct expressions of worship, liturgical forms, and experience of the sacraments in each denomination. There will be other services held throughout the year for special occasions and high holidays. These will be coordinated with the minister through a joint worship team. During the summer, each denomination has a history of conducting services in Sandy Cove. The minister maintains communication with the joint worship team arranging coverage for worship leadership in those churches.
Pastoral Care:
The minister will be expected to work with Pastoral Care teams in each congregation to provide spiritual support and pastoral counselling for those in need, especially those with health issues; those unable to attend church; those who request pastoral care; as well as those who have been absent from the church. Pastoral Care will also include planning funerals and offering grief care. The minister will be expected to provide care to those in times of crisis.
Mission/Outreach:
The minister will be expected to actively support community outreach programs and encourage ecumenical partnerships within the community on common issues.
Leadership:
The minister will be expected to demonstrate strong leadership skills in building relationships and consensus. The minister will share leadership appropriately with congregational members who demonstrate skills in certain areas of the work in each congregation. The minister will be expected to provide guidance to each denomination’s governance structure working on visioning and discernment.
Faith Formation:
The minister will be expected to assist the congregation to grow in their faith through events such as, but not limited to, Bible Study, Christian education and events for children, as specified by each congregation. The minister will be responsible for providing marriage preparation sessions for anyone being married in either church.
Administration and Denominational Obligations:
The minister will be expected to participate in the required committees of each congregation and to act in a consultative capacity for committees where the minister’s presence is not required. Requirements for participation in denominational activities may be delegated as agreed to by each congregation and denominational body. The minister will be responsible for preparing the Sunday Order of Service in collaboration with a joint worship team and music leadership. There is strong lay leadership in both congregations. The minister will also be responsible for contributing to a shared calendar used to keep track of events for both congregations.
Self-care:
The minister will be encouraged to set goals for ongoing self-care by maintaining a healthy balance of their own physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being to include rest, recreation and professional development.
Stewardship:
The minister will be encouraged to help each congregation use their resources wisely and support individual or joint fundraisers. The minister will help encourage and engage the talents and gifts of members so as to involve them in the mission and life of each church.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Ordained minister of either the Anglican or United Church
- Knowledge of the doctrine of each denomination (Anglican and United) see next page for details
- Strong public speaker
- Flexible in ideas, relevant to current events
- Committed to inclusivity
- Appreciation of music and its role in the worship service
- Compassionate; an active listener
- Passionate commitment to local and global events and social justice
- Police Records Check, including vulnerable sector
Approximate priorities for the position:
- 40% Worship
- 30% Pastoral Care and Mission/Outreach
- 10% Leadership and Administration
- 10% Faith Formation
- 5% Self-care
- 5% Stewardship
In the event that a United Church of Canada Minister is hired, to facilitate their understanding and knowledge of the Anglican Faith and to acquire a License from the Diocese the following will be required :
- There will be a period of three to six months of study and/or mentoring in Anglican theology and worship There is a course available at Atlantic School of Theology (AST), called Sacramental Action: Anglican. It is offered in hybrid format (in person and online).It may be taken as a directed study.
- Once the above education/mentoring is complete, The Bishop will license a United Church Minister to preside at an Anglican service of Holy Communion/Eucharist using Anglican worship resources.
In the event that an Anglican Minister is hired, to facilitate their understanding and knowledge of the United Church of Canada:
- The Region (Bermuda-Nova Scotia) will be responsible to direct the study/preparation of that person to serve in the United Church.
- There will be little impediment to full service from day one, but there will be engagement to develop greater familiarity with the United Church over The degree of engagement will depend on the previous experience of the minister.
Note:
The Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax,NS offers a course in United Church worship. It is also offered in a hybrid format and may be available as a directed study.