by Steve Padgitt
Professor and extension sociologist
Iowa State University Extension to Communities
Throughout rural America churches have beenÑand remainÑcornerstone social institutions. In addition to the purely religious experiences and ceremonial functions they provide for their members, they serve the general community by providing a wide range of support and human services. Usually these are voluntary. Frequently they are taken for granted and often go unnoticed.
As communities were forming, denominational identity was of little consequenceÑeither because early settlers were alike, or there was only a single choice for worship. But as communities grew, new residents brought with them different religious heritages, and denominational entrepreneurers (a sociological term for evangelists) helped establish a wide range of denominational affiliations with local congregations. And, in their search for "truth and salvation," otherwise like-minded parishioners sometimes splintered and established separate congregations. Thus, it became common for small communities to have several churches, often including some bearing the same denominational name.
Today, many rural communities are finding their populations shrinking. And, just as it is difficult for all main street businesses to thrive, a number of rural and small community churches are finding their membership rolls, attendance, and financial resources slipping. In some instances, they may no longer be able to fully support clergy, carry out desired mission programs, and maintain needed upkeep on building and equipment, or perhaps attract a large enough attendance for meaningful worship services. Sometimes these situations are accompanied with despair. That need not be the case.
An option some congregations have found workable is a form of shared ministry. Generally, shared ministry is regarded as different from shared "minister" where on a shared or part time arrangement a minister serves congregations in different communities. The shared minister arrangement has been around since early circuit riding days. Today, this is sometimes referred to as "yoked parish," and may involve more than one denomination. It has been a successful solution. But it is not always available, nor is it the only solution.
Other arrangements include the federated congregation, a united or merged congregation, shared facilities, or some other combination. Under the federated arrangement, two or more churches come together to operate as a single congregation, but persons continue to hold membership in their respective denominations. The union or united congregation is similar to federated, but only one membership role is kept. Shared facilities is where two or more congregations of different denominations share and coordinate use of the same building and equipment, but they keep their worship, fellowship and programming separate.
In some instances, especially where membership is low and resources are stretched, shared ministry may be a survival strategy. But just as viable are instances where historic denominational distinctions are no longer important and can be replaced by shared commitment to new ministries in which the communities are united, resources are pooled and duplication is reduced in carrying out a common mission.
The appeal of shared ministry has varied geographically around the United States as well as among denominations. Seemingly, denominations with similar beliefs, liturgy, and organizational patterns would be more compatible. But, that is not necessarily the case. Local interest, situational needs and community norms are also important, and "unlikely" alliances can be successful.
As with many collaborative arrangements, or marriages for that matter, a lot of good will is important. But entering into a relationship with knowledge from the experiences of other congregations can help build a strong foundation. If the "pinch points" are identified and discussed, and understood prior to embarking upon the shared ministry arrangement, a stormy relationship might be avoided. Among the kinds of things congregations need to consider are relationships to denominations, parish/congregational governance, maintaining/ownership of building and facilities, meeting denominational financial expectations, frequency and method of ritual and ceremony, doctrine, stewardship, worship style and patterns, and pastoral section process.
Ecumenical Ministries of Iowa, a federation of 10 denominations, has been studying shared ministry arrangements and assessing the potential expanded shared ministries arrangements may have in rural Iowa. A conference is planned for November. Information may be obtained from Dr. James R. Ryan, executive director, phone (515) 255-5905.
Contacts:
Terry L. Besser, ISU
Extension Sociology, (515) 294-6508
Del Marks, ISU Extension
Communication Systems, (515) 294-9807
