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EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR MINISTRY IN ONE PLACE

Mapping your ministry 
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Are you, as a ministry leader, growing?

God has always called people to serve Him and His people and to be His agents in the vital work of spiritual cultivation and growth.
We serve in a variety of contexts and locations. As Ministry Leaders, we are in essence a movement of ‘spiritual farmers’, cultivating environments where growth can take place. Central to the idea of nurturing and helping others to grow, is the need for each of us also to be nurtured and grow. In the past, as a church we have often sent workers out into the field with an unexpressed understanding that ‘if you don’t hear from us, all is well’. However, years of countless personal stories, research studies and honest reflection attest to the fact that ministry does not thrive in isolation.

Ministry is the highest privilege and the most fascinating adventure ever given to human kind.

Mapping your ministry at each location

Maps help us plan our way: Where are we going? What will we need to get to our destination? What problems could we face? Is there a better path? 

Mapping your ministry is an important step toward clarity in leadership—for you, your leadership team, and your Conference team. A well-defined map offers direction for your own personal development, the health and plans for each church, and the ministry initiatives you are working on. This allows you to make adjustments for greater effectiveness.
"Self care is not selfish. You can not serve from an empty vessel."

Personal Accountability

First point on the your map is yourself. A call to ministry is first a call to spirituality. This is a great privilege rather than a heavy responsibility.
Spirituality is personal. It must have a private dimension before it can have a public influence. MD supplies resources to support your relational health and wellbeing then map your future with an Auxano Plan.

Big Picture Health

Your map should promote conversations about the leadership journey with the local church leadership.
With MD you can regularly reflect with your elder's team on the health of your church/es, and progressively map out strategic plans and progress in a one-page view for each church.

Ministry Initiatives

True growth goes beyond the walls of a church building, your ministry initiatives need to cover the 5 Core Ministry Functions of Pastoral Ministry to be successful. MD will help guide you to build new relationships through outreach, nurture those in your church family, oversee Bible studies, Coordinate teaching and preaching, and Empower others for service.

Be empowered through the REAP Cycle

The acronym REAP stands for "REVIEW, EVALUATION, AUXANO PLAN AND PROGRESS"

Self-awareness provides a rich environment for personal growth so that your ministry can flourish. Greater self-awareness allows you to honestly recognise perceived strengths and challenges. An appreciative inquiry into these strengths and challenges can further affirm and empower you, the minister, to grow your ministry strengths.

Review

The first phase of REAP involves a Review, which allows you to gain quality feedback from those who serve alongside you. This Review is facilitated through an online form that is sent to those you have chosen to participate.
“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
PROVERBS 4:7 (NIV)

Evaluation

The Review report is discussed between you and your Administrator. This is a healthy opportunity for transparent and supportive affirmation and dialogue around growth opportunities currently relevant in your ministry. It allows your leader to affirm strength areas and identify any area/s of ministry that could be enriched.

Auxano Plan

Auxano means ‘to cause to grow’. This explains the next phase in your personal ministry development.
MD Online includes the Auxano Planning Tool that can help you tailor a growth plan to assist you in enhancing both challenge areas and further develop strength areas.
BOOKS READ - 74%
ONLINE COURSES - 96%
MENTOR MEETINGS - 69%
GOALS REACHED - 87%

Progress

The continual growth and progress
that emerges as you move through the Auxano Plan is then simply reported as part of a seasonal Ministry Report (MR). The submission of this report constitutes the final stage in the REAP cycle.

Pathways to Licensed Ministry

MD provides clear expectations and scaffolding in order to meet the necessary requirements each year for progression to the next stage and on to licensed ministry.

There are 3 pathways to Licensed Ministry:

Pathway 1 (P1): Have completed a recognised theological degree (or equivalent), and are employed in pastoral ministry. P1 consists of 2 stages, of which only one may be repeated.

 

Pathway 2 (P2): Are still completing a recognised theological degree (or equivalent), and are employed in pastoral ministry. P2 consists of 3 stages, of which only one may be repeated.

Pathway 3 (P3): Have compelling reasons why a recognised theological degree (or equivalent) cannot be completed, and are employed in pastoral ministry. For P3 an Individualised theological plan is created by collaboration across Division, Union, Conference and the individual. P3 consists of 3 stages, of which only one may be repeated.

Pathway to Ordination/ Commissioning

MD provides clear expectations and scaffolding in order to meet the necessary requirements for ordination or commissioning. Evaluation takes place each year to support the minister in developing strengths and challenge areas for seamless transition to Ordination/ Commissioning.

Connection in Retirement

At retirement, you can remain connected to Conference communications, participate in mentoring if asked, and support the wider team to meet ministry and preaching needs. You also retain access to the Auxano Library and can volunteer to be part of the Auxano Library moderation team.
"Christ will empower by His Spirit those He calls. Whomever Christ calls, He enables.”
ELLEN WHITE

GOSPEL WORKERS p. 113
Built on the work of so many who have gone before, this resource is brought to you by the AUC Ministerial Association for the glory of God and the expansion of the Kingdom. Image credits: Adobe Stock and iStockphoto.com
Built on the work of so many who have gone before, this resource is brought to you by the AUC Ministerial Association for the glory of God and the expansion of the Kingdom. Image credits: Adobe Stock and iStockphoto.com
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