Leading Congregations in Mission - Community of Christ

Priesthood Faithfulness:
Continuing Steps
along Our Journey
By Tammy Lindle,
Independence, Missouri, USA
In her article, “Journeying toward Priesthood Faithfulness,”
President Becky Savage outlined steps taken since
1984 to provide spiritual guidance and practical tools to
develop and support faithful priesthood ministry (High Priests:
Ministers of Vision Newsletter March 2011).
Many of these insights are foundational to the work of
the current Priesthood Faithfulness Team. We owe our gratitude
to the teams that have gone before us and for inspired
leadership that has guided, and continues to guide, ministers
in Community of Christ.
The 2010 World Conference report of the Priesthood
Faithfulness Team provides scriptural principles for priesthood
ministry. These principles continue to guide our team’s work.
We are pleased to hear reports from around the church of
steps taken to support and encourage priesthood and to
enhance ministerial competence and opportunities for education.
During this inter-Conference period, team members
are developing the groundwork for new and continuing
priesthood expectations. Look for announcements of the
next stages of the Priesthood Faithfulness Team’s work at the
2013 World Conference. Full implementation will begin by
the 2016 World Conference. The team continues to refine
study materials, conduct pilot studies, and frame principles
for developing, supporting, and encouraging the ministry of
priesthood members worldwide.
Priesthood Records Update
An update of membership records for all priesthood
members serving in Australia, British Isles, Canada, and the
United States is under way. Updating contact and demographic
information ensures timely and effective communication
to priesthood ministers throughout the church.
Accurate demographic information helps communicate
church-wide announcements and invitations for educational
opportunities and worships. The update will help identify errors
and gaps in membership data. It also will help priesthood
High Priests Newsletter
Priesthood Faithfulness
8
work toward compliance with child protection policy and
youth worker registration requirements.
Expanded Understanding
for Active Status
The following guiding principles are currently not part
of the 2005 Church Administrator’s Handbook. The following
was developed by the Priesthood Faithfulness Team to help
describe the category of active priesthood:
Guiding Principles for
Active Priesthood Status
Priesthood faithfulness starts with faithful discipleship
focused on Christ’s mission. Priesthood is a sacred
covenant with God and the faith community. It involves
the total commitment of one’s life. Priesthood members
offer humble servant ministry.
In addition, active priesthood ministers:
1. Faithfully take part in the life of the congregation and
community.
2. Know about church life and priorities and serve in
response to needs and expectations.
3. Affirm in testimony and promote Christ’s mission
of evangelism, compassionate ministries, and justice
and peacemaking.
4. Serve in areas of giftedness within their office and
calling.
5. Model generosity and ideally give to local and world
mission tithes.
6. Prepare for faithful service through spiritual formation,
scriptural study, continuing education, and
ministerial experience.
7. Model an ethical, moral, and holistic lifestyle.
8. Hold registered youth worker certification (or
equivalent).
Theology of Priesthood Statement
The Theology Formation Team is working to develop a
“Theology of Priesthood Ministry” statement. The statement
will guide development of future preordination training materials
and help with a deeper understanding of the question,
“Why priesthood?” The theology statement will expand our
understanding of the role of priesthood members as servant
ministers.