A Biblical and Theological Basis for Collaborative Ministry and Leadership

Abstract

"In a very short space of time, the language of Collaborative Ministry and Leadership has gained a very wide hold over the church of England. In some contexts, this may mean very little. Both clergy and laity are still content for the vicar to control what goes on; incumbents simply know that they are expected to use the terminology of collaborative ministry at interview or work reviews. Amongst many other clergy and congregations the change is real. Sometimes it has come through existing structures and offices, with PCCs, churchwardens and readers developing more of a genuine say in the direction of church life and ministry. In other congregations, the desire to work more collaboratively has seen the introduction of ministry or leadership teams (MLTs), Ordained Local Ministry (OLMs) and other new forms of authorised local ministry"