What is governance? What is ministry?

In our listening meetings, we have been asked to explain governance and ministry. In this 10 minute video, the author of the book we've been using describes the difference between governance and ministry as well as the overlap between them and how they work together. In a nutshell, governance serves to act on behalf of the mission of the church and empower those in ministry to take action to fulfill the church's mission. 

Listening Meeting Agenda

• Background
  
• Mandate from Elders
• Task Force Members' calling
• Share what about current structure has worked well and where there have been challenges. 
• Core ideas from Governance & Ministry by Hotchkiss
• Whose lives do we intend to change & why?
• Who owns the congregation?
• 6 Core Principles of Good Governance
• Questions and Listening
• Next steps/Timeline

Listening Sessions

In the interest of allowing time for prayerful consideration, we would like to share the questions thatlistening sessions.

we will be discussing at the

Think of the times you were involved in decision-making or planning processes with Manhattan Mennonite Church. These may have been congregational meetings, committee meetings, or a special task force of some kind. Reflect on these experiences.

1. Think about what worked well in these experiences. Was there something you found personally helpful? Maybe a certain process that felt inclusive, or structure that worked efficiently for example. Was there something in this experience that was fulfilling, or exemplifying of our congregational mission? This is an open time to discuss what, in general or personal terms, has worked well with our current governing structure.
2. Think back to your personal experiences and reflect on what did not work well. Was there something you found personally frustrating? Maybe a certain process that was confusing or burdensome, or maybe a structure that was not made clear. This is an open time to discuss