The church isn’t a building, right? The church is people. And aren’t these people your pastor and your church’s paid staff members? Many congregations would say, “yes.” Many pastors would agree. And therein lies the imbalance concerning the ownership of ministry. Author Ann Michel presents a more inclusive, collaborative understanding of ministry, affirming the gifts and calling of both clergy and lay servants. Using the concept of “synergy,” Michel provides practical advice on the day-to-day skills of a mutually responsible ministry, showing you how to engage others, build teams, and manage effectively.
"Synergy is both a practical and deeply spiritual resource that helps provide a more collaborative way of thinking about ministry shared between clergy and laity. Ann has captured the challenges that can present themselves as laity serve in ministry not only from her research but also from her personal experience as a lay person and respected Seminary theologian, and she offers practical ways to equip laity to fully live in this call of lay servants and lay staff members. As a lay person who has served on a church staff for more than 23 years, understanding this synergistic energy articulated so well in Ann’s writing has reignited my passion and affirmed my call." - Debi Williams Nixon, Managing Executive Director, The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection