Area Ministryin the Diocese of California

Area Ministry in DiocalWhat exactly IS “Area Ministry”?

Area Ministry ::ancient :: modern

Area Ministry ::ancient / modern

Recalls the ancient catholic understanding of “parish” as a geographical designation

A contemporary mission strategy that envisions an area as a consortium of congregations, institutions, people and the earth itself

A future-oriented mission strategy that will create fresh expressions of church, invigorate existing ministries, and reflect the rich diversity of the Bay Area

Area Ministry ::primarily but not exclusively geographic

Area Ministry ::primarily but not exclusively geographic

could include urban/suburban partnerships

could involve cultural or language-specific ministries in several areas of diocal

edges of the area can be porous :: possible collaborations with other areas or other churches or institutions

Area Ministry ::ministry of all

Area Ministry ::ministry of all

The baptismal covenant as the basis for ministry

A partnership of Bishop, priests, deacons and laity

A collaborative approach to ministry that frees us from parochial isolation and competitiveness

A movement from scarcity to abundance

Area Ministry ::the ingredients

Area Ministry ::the ingredients

Willing partners

Diocesan oversight and support

Commitment to cooperative planning and ministry

Desire for growth and fresh expressions of church

Desire for becoming as diverse as the area

Commitment to spiritual growth and transformation

Creativity, risk-taking, and a sense of adventure

Area Ministry ::how it works

Area Ministry ::how it works

Areas are identified

Congregations and others are invited into area ministry

Area ministry partners create a steering committee to work with diocesan leaders in planning and oversight

Team agrees on formative “Rule of Life”

Needs are identified; formation and training commence

One or more opportunities for “fresh expressions” of church are identified for the area ministry

Area Ministry ::how it works

Planning and implementation of shared ministries

Continual evaluation and analysis

Continued growth and fresh expressions

Area Ministry ::resources

Area Ministry ::resources

Partnership with CDSP in the Living Stones coalition

Ministry development resources (including LifeCycles and EFM)

Community organizing training

Specialized training

Community resources

Area Ministry ::other information

Area Ministry ::where does it start?

When there is widespread transition in clergy leadership in the churches of an area

Where considerable population growth is occurring

Where there are existing cooperative ministries

Where there are other factors supportive of area ministry

Area Ministry ::initial areas

East Contra Costa County

Berkeley/Albany/Richmond/Pinole

North of Market, San Francisco

South of Market, San Francisco

Oakland

Area Ministry in DiocalThe aim of Area Ministry ::

New, Renewed and Reimagined Mission and Ministryin the Diocese of California

Area Ministryin the Diocese of California ::Q and A

Area Ministry

for more information, contact

the Rev. Canon Michael Barlowemichaelb @ diocal. org