"The Reverend ..."

[jimkenney12]

I do not Call out anyone for stepping into another class of ministry's territory in terms of ministry so long as they are not disrespecting another person serving in that territory already The reality of congregational ministry is that most clergy, ordained, diaconal or designated, need to take some responsibility for Word, Sacrament, Education, Service and Pastoral Care in the congregations they serve. Another reality is that there are many aspects of ministry beyond those five including administration, evangelism and stewardship along with transitioning. I was not calling out diaconal ministers for taking on Word and Sacrament, just recognizing that is what many or most of them do. Ordained clergy have almost always had a role in education and most also in service, mostly in terms of mission.

 

[revsdd]

. . . Ordained clergy have almost always had a role in education and most also in service, mostly in terms of mission.

In fact, I would argue that the "Word" in "Word, Sacrament and Pastoral Care" is more than just preaching - there's an aspect of teaching the Word involved in that as well. The responsibilities overlap and, like Jim, I don't worry about the overlap. I do know that there are diaconal ministers who feel their particular calling is undervalued because I think the pereception is that "ordained" is the senior part of the unholy trinity (ordained-diaconal-designated) that is ordered ministry in the United Church.

 

[GeoFee]

I very much enjoy sharing my insights orally. I no longer use the pulpit because of its historic symbolic elevation of clergy. I also do not prefer the title reverend because of its suggestion of being revered. Something I do not see in the communication style of Jesus. I do value the term pastor as it connects with the notion of being a shepherd who cares for the sheep.

Here are the thoughts of a plain person for this Sunday: