Stream 2 — How We Serve

MINISTRY AND VOCATION

Servant leadership, sustainable ministry, ethics, and the practical duties of belonging

Approximately 6 formation hours | 4 units | Stream quiz and Written Reflection A

What this stream is about

Stream 1 covered what the Mission is. This stream covers what it asks of the people who minister in its name. It begins with the theology of service and the refusal of clericalism, moves through the practical realities of unpaid bi-vocational ministry, addresses pastoral ethics and the power you carry whether you want it or not, and ends with the unglamorous but essential matters of money, records, and representation.

The written reflection at the end of this stream is the first piece of assessed writing in the course.

What you will learn

• Recognise clericalism in its characteristic forms, and explain why the Mission treats titles as descriptions of function.
• Explain the threefold ministry as three ways of serving rather than a ladder of promotion.
• Describe two genuine advantages of bi-vocational ministry, not merely its necessity.
• Identify the mechanism by which bi-vocational clergy burn out, and name realistic safeguards.
• Explain why a romantic relationship with a person under your pastoral care is always an abuse of power.
• State the Mission's position on confidentiality and the seal, and the rule that governs reporting.
• Apply the two-person principle in person and online.
• Handle money, records, and personal data in a way that would survive examination.
• Distinguish clearly when you are speaking personally and when you speak for the Mission.

Units in this stream

• Unit 2.1 — Servant Leadership and the Refusal of Clericalism: the tradition's besetting sin, the threefold ministry as service, the stole as a yoke, and vocation as response.
• Unit 2.2 — The Bi-vocational Life: the Pauline model, the particular danger of burnout, the Daily Office as structure, and the ordering of a life.
• Unit 2.3 — Pastoral Ethics, Power, and Boundaries: the power differential, spiritual abuse, confidentiality and why it is not absolute, and everyday boundaries.
• Unit 2.4 — Money, Records, and Representation: financial integrity, record-keeping and retention, data protection, and public representation.

A word before you begin

Unit 2.3 will differ from what you were taught in most other traditions. The Mission does not recognise an absolute seal of confession in safeguarding matters, and the rule is that you report unless the law where you minister forbids it. If that is a change from your previous formation, do not gloss over it. Note it, sit with it, and bring it to the reflection at the end of this stream.

Open Unit 2.1 and begin.