Ministry Studies

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The Action Plan

 

As indicated in the Learning Agreement, you are to develop an Action Plan in consultation with your Teaching Pastor, your Lay Committee, and the Director of Field Education and Church Relations. The formal Action Plan is not due until the fall quarter, but it is wise to discuss the Action Plan with your Teaching Pastor when you complete the Learning Agreement the previous spring. In the Action Plan, you describe a set of concrete goals for the year, in each of the seven areas listed in the Learning Agreement. Below is a SAMPLE Action Plan-you need to have some specific goals in each area, but do not feel bound by the particular objectives listed here.

I. Preaching
A. Will preach at least twice each quarter during the main Sunday service
B. Will preach for one special service (e.g. Maundy Thursday)
C. Will seek response and criticism on my sermons from my Teaching Pastor and Lay Committee

II. Worship
A. Will plan the liturgy for the services at which I preach
B. Will help lead worship on a regular basis, typically three Sundays each month; responsibilities may include: call to worship, pastoral prayers, invitation to communion, children's sermon, etc.
C. Will meet with the worship committee each month

III. Pastoral Care
A. Will make hospital visits with the Teaching Pastor during the fall and winter quarters
B. Will make hospital visits on my own in the spring quarter
C. Will visit with bereaved members of the congregation with the Teaching Pastor, as occasion arises
D. Will observe and discuss pastoral care situations with my Teaching Pastor

IV. Church Administration
A. Will attend weekly meetings of the church staff; will chair the meeting once each quarter
B. Will attend monthly meetings of the church council
C. Will learn the organizational and financial structure of the church

V. Religious Education
A. Will team-teach confirmation classes with the pastor in the fall and winter quarters
B. Will help plan and lead youth retreats in the fall and spring
C. Will teach an adult education class in the spring
D. Will attend quarterly meetings of the Christian Education committee

VI. Denominational and Ecumenical Relations
A. Will begin the process of becoming a candidate for ordination in the denomination
B. Will attend at least one meeting of a higher governing body or church-wide organization each quarter
C. Will participate in events sponsored by the local Interfaith Council

VII. Social Ministry
A. Will become a member of the committee on ministry and mission
B. Will discuss with the pastor ways in which concern for social action is incorporated in other elements of pastoral leadership, e.g., preaching, worship, pastoral care, and religious education.

Approved by: Student, Teaching Pastor, Lay Committee liaison, and the Director of Field Education and Church Relations