The Minister’s Council is a support organization that seeks to deepen the spiritual journey and increase the effectiveness of each ordained, commissioned, and lay Christian leader within the American Baptist Churches of the Rocky Mountains.

This past year we’ve focused on several initiatives.

• Together In Ministry group formed in the southeast area of the region. The group just completed its first year and re-covenanted to meet for a second year. It meets on a monthly basis for dialogue on an agreed-upon book, sharing concerns, prayer, and lunch. We hope that another group of our colleagues will covenant as a TIM group for the coming year.

• Increase in Cabinet Size- We increased the size of our cabinet by two with the addition of two more at-large representatives. The cabinet now consists of seven officers, plus Steve Van Ostran and Mike Oldham from our Region staff. Having Steve and Mike there has been extremely valuable in striving for a partnership with the Region. We have also staggered the ending years of the officer’s terms to assure that there is continuity from year to year.

• Clarification on Certain Issues- We’ve spent a good deal of time this past year trying to more clearly define what our role as “advocate” means for our clergy colleagues. Mike Sayler did a lot of work on a document that defines this. Our role as advocate may come into play when there is a conflict between a pastor and his congregation, or there are certain personal issues that arise.

• Communications Technology and Networking- We have spent a good deal of time this past year planning for a “forum” on November 7 in such things as blogging, social networks such as Facebook and Twitter”, podcasting, and church administration software. We recognize the significant changes in ministry that the new communication systems have necessitated, and through this forum will seek to help a number of our colleagues.

It’s been my pleasure and privilege to have been president the past two years. I am especially thankful to the members of the Minister’s Council Cabinet for all the work, dialogue, and strategizing they have been a part of. It’s been good!

Sincerely,
Rev. Bill Wolfe

2008 Ministers Council Report