What is a Ministry and Mission Cluster?

A Ministry and Mission Cluster is a communal conversation among churches in a limited geographical area that seeks to discern the movement of God that will lead to the strengthening of the individual church and collaborative ministry and mission.

What was an Area?

An Area was a structural entity where delegates from some churches in a larger geographical area met to discuss business that often had little to do with the health and vitality of churches and which presented little opportunity for enthusiastic and collaborative ministry.

What intentional shifts must take place in order to implement effective Ministry and Mission Clusters within the ABCRM?

We must shift

• from the emphasis on inconsequential business to intentional collaborative ministry and mission.
• from episodic change to constant change.
• from serving structure to an adaptive structure that serves us, thereby enabling ministry and mission.
• from "club" mentality to "kingdom building."
• from religiosity to spirituality.
• from accepting isolation as the norm to seeking a place to share and find community.

What are the functions of Ministry and Mission Coaches?

The functions of Ministry and Mission Coaches are

• to be an empathetic and provocative listeners.
• to help frame questions that will open ministry and mission possibilities
• to stimulate strategic thinking.
• to broker resources and networking opportunities.
• to help churches and individuals take advantage of change.
• to bring a non-anxious presence.
• to resist the temptation to be "fixers."
• to be vulnerable people who are coming to terms with their own brokenness as well as their talents and gifts.

Questions to be considered by Cluster Listening Groups:

Four categories of questions will be considered.

Discernment

What are your expectations as a member/participant of the American Baptist Churches of the Rocky Mountains?


Shifts

What cultural shifts have you encountered within the church and outside the church?


Vision and Opportunities

What do we as American Baptist have to uniquely offer our communities?

What ministry opportunities has your church been taking advantage of (or attempting to take advantage of)?

In what ministries could you imagine collaborating with other churches?


Challenges

What invisible signs hang over your church that discourage people from entering?

Can the spiritual seekers find God in your church?

What resources do you need to help you expand your ministry?