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December 2013 NEWSLETTER

Ministry and Priesthood(From the World Conference presentation to the Quorum of High Priests on April 17, 2013)

By Becky L. Savage, First Presidency

The First Presidency Report for the World Conference summarizes activities by the Priesthood Faithful-ness Team since the 2010 World Conference Report. One of the most significant outcomes is Discipleship, Ministry, and Priesthood in Commu-nity of Christ (January 2, 2013, DRAFT). This First Presidency writing provides a theological foundation for those who will write and teach about ministry and priesthood.

To better understand ministry and priesthood, we first need to explore more deeply God’s nature and redemp-tive activity in creation. Our Basic Beliefs statement of God provides such a foundation.

We believe in one living God who meets us in the testimony of Israel, is revealed in Jesus Christ, and moves through all creation as the Holy Spirit. We affirm the Trinity—God who is a community of three persons…

—Sharing in Community of Christ: Exploring Identity, Mission, Message, and Beliefs, 3rd ed.

This statement is foundational to our understandings of disciple and priesthood ministry. At baptism we commit to serve as disciple-ministers of Jesus Christ. Effective servant-ministers are offered to communities, congregations, and the world by disciples, following Jesus’ example of relationship-building. Ministry is about relationships.

High priests are called to model genuine rela-tionships and ministries with other priesthood.

All members are responsible for the discipleship com-mitment made in the waters of baptism. Yet, effective min-

istry does not require ordination. All disciple-members are first and foremost ministers in relationship with God-Jesus Christ-Holy Spirit. The priesthood theology paper explains the essential relationship we follow with this example.

One way to illustrate God’s nature comes from Christian teachings originated by Greggory of Nyssa (335–396 CE). Think and then speak a loving thought. The “thought” is like God the source of all that is. The “spoken word” is like Jesus Christ, the word made tangible. The “breath” that carries the word out into the world is like the Holy Spirit. How-ever, we must not stop at this point. We must also understand that the source, the word, and the breath are one God.

—Discipleship, Ministry, and Priesthood in Community of Christ,

January 2, 2013, DRAFT

Priesthood offices and callings are gifts from God to the church for the sake of the church’s life and mission. Priesthood ministry is a covenant relationship with God and the church community. It involves committing one’s life to bring blessing to others through sacraments. All disciples and priesthood members need to re-present Jesus Christ in the world. Priesthood members are called to be a team of servants, who make Christ real and believable. Our Enduring Principles describe priesthood this way.

Some disciples are called and ordained to particular priesthood responsibilities and ministries for the sake of the community, the congregation, and the world.

—Sharing in Community of Christ: Exploring Identity, Mission, Message, and Beliefs, 3rd ed.

Passionate ministry is a partnership between priesthood members and the church. Faithful priesthood members are trustworthy, accountable, and capable ministers. Faithful priesthood members bless people, households and fami-lies, and congregations and communities through sensitive,

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competent, creative ministries modeled after the ministries of Jesus Christ.

An essential calling of high priests is as mentors and teachers. High priests are ideal coaches, walking side-by-side while modeling faithful partnership with other priesthood members.

Because God calls priesthood members through the church for the sake of the church’s mission, the church is called to nurture, equip, and support priesthood members for effective and faithful ministry. This takes many forms. Church leaders will:• Provide support and resources for spiritual formation

and growth in discipleship.• Offer education about priesthood calling and ministry in

church life.• Provide clear processes for discerning and approving

priesthood calls.• Highlight and uphold priesthood expectations and ac-

countabilities.• Provide pre-ordination discernment, spiritual formation,

mentoring, and education.• Offer and manage priesthood status categories to re-

spond to changing life circumstances.• Offer meaningful opportunities to reaffirm and deepen

commitment to priesthood ministry.A brochure titled Ministry and Priesthood illustrates how

Mission Initiatives, ministry, priesthood, and covenant prin-ciples work together to achieve effective servant-focused mission.

The Covenant Principles for Faithful Priesthood Ministry help new and existing priesthood members better under-stand their responsibilities. The principles arise from our best understanding of what contributes to faithful, covenant, priesthood ministry. Consistent application of these principles creates the maximum opportunity for experiencing fulfilling, effective, joyous, missionally focused priesthood ministry.

Covenant Principles for Faithful Priesthood MinistryFor all priesthood members and ordinands

Priesthood faithfulness begins with faithful discipleship. Faithful discipleship emerges from ongoing faith and spiritual formation. The constant call is to follow the Living Christ and to abide in increasing measure in God’s love and vision for creation. Being comes before doing.

The following expectations will help me serve as a faith-ful priesthood member. In response to God’s sacred call and priesthood authority granted by Community of Christ, I covenant to…• Engage in ongoing faith and spiritual practices to deepen

my relationship with God and others through study and spiritual formation.

• Affirm and promote Christ’s mission of invitation, com-passionate ministries, and justice and peacemaking; help prepare others for Christ’s mission and partner with other priesthood in leading congregations in Christ’s mission.

• Provide ministry consistent with the church’s identity, mission, message, and beliefs as expressed in Sharing in Community of Christ: Exploring Identity, Mission, Message, and Beliefs, 3rd ed. (www.CofChrist.org/ourfaith/Sharing CofChrist-3ed.pdf) and other current official documents.

• Model an ethical, moral, and holistic lifestyle.• Model generosity as a regular contributor to local and

worldwide mission tithes, according to my true capacity.• Protect the safety and well-being of children and youth,

including, where applicable, being a Registered Children and Youth Worker.

• Actively participate in congregational life or similar church expressions when congregational life is not avail-able.

• Participate annually in educational or spiritual-formation experiences offered by my congregation, mission center, apostolic mission field, or World Church.

• Develop and implement a plan for ministry that uses my gifts to advance Christ’s mission.Over the next three years, church leaders will share in

more depth the call for all disciples to serve together to fulfill

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Christ’s mission. We will share the expanded definitions and callings of the offices of member-disciple and priesthood. Each office has individual responsibilities and shared ministries with the other offices of disciple and priesthood. Seven areas shape the future ministries for disciples and priesthood mem-bers. A chart called Serving Together to Fulfill Christ’s Mission illustrates how disciples and priesthood serve together in the seven focus areas:• Represent Christ primarily as ministers…• Especially proclaim and promote…• Particularly minister with…• Support sacramental ministries by…• Promote community by…• Promote justice and peacemaking by…

• Create ministry partnerships with…The First Presidency looks forward to sharing with high

priests the joy and empowerment that come through new understandings and expanded partnerships of Ministry and Priesthood in Community of Christ.

Three resources from World Conference were shared with the Quorum of High Priests:1. The First Presidency Report to the World Conference (in

the Reports Booklet, pages 12–13)2. H-9 2013 World Conference Priesthood Faithfulness Team

Report (in the Monday Bulletin, pages 70–71)3. Ministry and Priesthood brochure (distributed for the

Monday, April 15, 2013 Priesthood Faithfulness Report to the delegates during the Legislative Session).

Ministerio y Sacerdocio(De la presentación en la Conferencia Mundial al Quórum de Sumo Sacerdotes el 17 de abril, 2013)

Por Becky L. Savage, Primera Presidencia

El Informe de la Primera Presidencia proporcionado por la Conferencia Mundial provee un re-sumen de actividades por el equipo Fidelidad del Sacerdocio desde el Reporte de la Conferencia Mundial 2010. Uno de los resultados más significativos es el Discipulado, Ministerio y Sacerdocio en Co-munidad de Cristo (Enero 2, 2013 BORRADOR). El escrito de la Primera Presidencia provee un fundamento teológico para aquellos que escribirán y enseñarán sobre el ministerio y el sacerdocio.

Para entender mejor el ministerio y sacerdocio, necesita-mos primero explorar, más profundamente, la naturaleza y ac-tividad redentora de Dios en la creación. Nuestra declaración Creencias Básicas de Dios provee dicho fundamento.

Creemos en un Dios vivo quien nos encuentra en el testimonio de Israel, es revelado en Jesús Cristo, y se mueve a través de toda la creación como el Espíritu Santo. Afirmamos la Trinidad—Dios quién es una comunidad de tres personas…

—Compartiendo en Comunidad de Cristo: Explorando Identidad, Misión, Mensaje, y Creencias, 3era, ed.

Esta declaración de Creencia Básica es fundamental a nuestros entendimientos del discípulo y ministerio del sacer-docio. En el bautismo nos comprometemos a servir como

discípulo—ministros de Jesús Cristo. Ministros siervos eficaces son enviados a las comunidades, congregaciones, y el mundo por discípulos siguiendo el ejemplo de Jesús de fomentar—re-laciones. El ministerio es sobre las relaciones.

Los Sumos Sacerdotes son llamados a ejem-plificar relaciones genuinas y ministerios con otro sacerdocio.

Todos los miembros son responsables por el compro-miso del discipulado llevado a cabo en las aguas del bautismo. No obstante, el ministerio eficaz no requiere ordenación. To-dos los discípulos—miembros son primero y ante todo mi-nistros en relación con Dios—Jesús Cristo—Espíritu Santo. El documento teología del sacerdocio explica la relación esencial que seguimos con este ejemplo.

Una forma de ilustrar la naturaleza de Dios surge de las enseñanzas Cristianas originadas por Gregorio de Nisa (335—396 DC). Piensa y luego expresa un pensamiento amoroso. El “pensamiento” es como Dios, fuente de todo lo que existe. La “palabra dicha” es como Jesús Cristo, la palabra se hizo tangible. El “aliento” que lleva la palabra al mundo es como el Espíritu Santo. Sin embargo, no debemos pausar en este punto. También debemos entender que la fuente, la palabra y el aliento son un Dios.

—Discipulado, Ministerio y Sacerdocio en Comunidad de Cristo (Enero 2, 2013 BORRADOR)

Los oficios del sacerdocio y llamamientos son dones de Dios para la iglesia, por el bien de la vida y misión de la iglesia. El ministerio del sacerdocio es una relación de pacto con Dios y la comunidad de la iglesia. Se trata de involucrar nuestra vida para llevar bendición a los demás a través de los sacramen-tos. Todos los discípulos y miembros del sacerdocio necesitan representar a Jesús Cristo en el mundo. Los miembros del


sacerdocio son llamados a ser un equipo de siervos, quienes hacen a Cristo real y creíble. Nuestro Principios Duraderos describen al sacerdocio de esta manera:

Algunos discípulos son llamados y ordenados a re-sponsabilidades específicas del sacerdocio y ministe-rios para el bien de la comunidad, la congregación, y el mundo.

—Compartiendo en Comunidad de Cristo: Explorando Identidad, Misión, Mensaje y Creencias, 3era, Ed.

El ministerio apasionado es un compañerismo entre miembros del sacerdocio y la iglesia. Miembros fieles del sa-cerdocio son ministros de confianza, responsables y capaces. Miembros fieles del sacerdocio bendicen a las personas, ho-gares y familias, congregaciones y comunidades a través de los ministerios sensibles, competentes y creativos siguiendo el ejemplo de los ministerios de Jesús Cristo.

Un llamado esencial de Sumos Sacerdotes es ser men-tores y maestros. Los Sumos Sacerdotes son entrenadores ideales; caminando lado a lado mientras ejemplifican el com-pañerismo fiel con los demás miembros del sacerdocio.

Debido a que Dios llama a miembros del sacerdocio por medio de la iglesia, para el bien de la misión de la iglesia, la iglesia es llamada a educar, equipar y apoyar a miembros del sacerdocio para el ministerio efectivo y fiel. Equipar y apoyar al sacerdocio para el ministerio efectivo toma muchas formas. Líderes de la iglesia proveerán: • Apoyo y recursos para la formación y el crecimiento

espiritual en el discipulado• Educación sobre el llamado al sacerdocio y ministerio en

la vida de la iglesia• Procesos claros para el discernimiento y aprobación de

llamados al sacerdocio• Resaltar y defender las expectativas y responsabilidades

del sacerdocio• Discernimiento de pre-ordenación, formación espiritual,

mentor y educación• Ofrecer y administrar categorías de estado del sacerdo-

cio para responder a las circunstancias cambiantes de la vida.

• Ofrecer oportunidades significativas para reafirmar y profundizar el compromiso con el ministerio del sacer-docioUn folleto titulado Ministerio y Sacerdocio ilustra como

las iniciativas de misión, ministerio, sacerdocio y principios de pacto trabajan juntos para lograr siervos efectivos—enfocados en la misión.

Los Principios de Pacto para el Ministerio Fiel del Sacerdocio ayudan a nuevos y existentes miembros del sacerdocio a en-tender mejor sus responsabilidades. Los principios surgen de

nuestro mejor entendimiento de lo que contribuye al minis-terio del sacerdocio fiel y de pacto. La aplicación constante de estos principios crea la oportunidad máxima para experimen-tar el ministerio de sacerdocio satisfactorio, efectivo, gozoso, enfocado en las misiones.

Pacto para el Ministerio Fiel del SacerdocioPara todos los miembros del sacerdocio y ordenandos

La fidelidad en el ministerio del sacerdocio inicia con la fi-delidad como discípulo de Jesucristo. La fidelidad proviene de una fe constante y desarrollo espiritual. El llamado es a seguir al Cristo Vivo y continuar buscando el amor y visión de Dios para la creación.

Las siguientes expectativas me ayudarán a servir como miembro del sacerdocio. En respuesta al llamado de Dios y a mis responsabilidades bajo la autoridad del sacerdocio de la Comunidad de Cristo, prometo:• Involucrarme en prácticas religiosas y espirituales con-

tinuas para profundizar mi relación con Dios y otros a través del estudio y oportunidades educativas.

• Promover la misión de Jesucristo de invitar a todas las personas, y establecer la compasión, justicia y paz; y trabajar estrechamente con otros miembros del sacer-docio guiando a las congregaciones hacia la misión de Cristo.

• Proveer el tipo de ministerios que están descritos en la


identidad, misión, mensaje y creencias de la iglesia que se encuentran en Compartiendo en la Comunidad de Cristo, y otros documentos oficiales actuales.

• Mostrar un estilo de vida ético, moral y saludable.

• Demostrar como la generosidad ayuda a otros como contribuyente regular a los diezmos para la l misión (lo-cal, centro de misión, y ministerios de la iglesia mundial) de acuerdo con mi verdadera capacidad.

• Proteger la seguridad y el bienestar de niños y jóvenes, incluyendo, donde sea aplicable, el registro como Tra-bajador Autorizado de Jóvenes y Niños.

• Involucrarse en la vida congregacional o expresiones similares de iglesia cuando la vida congregacional no esté disponible.

• Participar anualmente en experiencias educativas ofre-cidas por mi congregación, centro de misión, campo apostólico de misión, o la Iglesia Mundial.

• Desarrollar y llevar a cabo un plan para el ministerio que use mis talentos para promover la misión de Jesu-cristo.

Durante los próximos tres años, líderes de la iglesia com-partirán con más detalle el llamado para todos los discípulos a servir juntos para cumplir la misión de Cristo. Compartire-mos las definiciones expandidas y llamamientos de los oficios de discípulo-miembro y el sacerdocio. Cada oficio tiene res-ponsabilidades individuales y ministerios compartidos con los demás oficios del discípulo y sacerdocio. Las siete áreas dan

forma a los futuros ministerios para los discípulos y miembros del sacerdocio. Una tabla llamada “Sirviendo Juntos para Cum-plir la Misión de Cristo” ilustra como los discípulos y miembros del sacerdocio trabajan juntos para ayudar en las siete áreas de enfoque.

• Representar principalmente a Cristo como ministros…

• Especialmente proclamar y promover…

• Ministro especialmente con…

• Ministerios de apoyo sacramental mediante…

• Promover comunidad mediante…

• Promover la justicia y establecer la paz mediante…

• Crear ministerios de compañerismos con…

La Primera Presidencia anhela compartir con los Sumos Sacerdotes los gozos y el empoderamiento que surge medi-ante nuevos entendimientos y compañerismo expandido del Ministerio y Sacerdocio en Comunidad de Cristo.

Tres recursos de la Conferencia Mundial fueron com-partidos con el Quórum Sumo Sacerdote: 1. El Informe de la Primera Presidencia a la Conferencia

Mundial (se encuentra en el Libro de Informes páginas 12-13).

2. H-9 2013 Informe del Equipo Fidelidad del Sacerdocio Conferencia Mundial (se encuentra en las Minutas del Lunes páginas 70-71).

3. Folleto Ministerio y Sacerdocio (distribuido para el Lunes 15 de Abril del 2013 Informe Fidelidad del Sacerdocio a los delegados durante la Sesión Legislativa).

Ministère et Prêtrise(Extrait de la présentation de la Conférence Mondiale au Quorum des Grands Prêtres le 13 avril 2013)

Par Becky L. Savage, Première Présidence

Le rapport de la Première Présidence présenté à la Confé-rence Mondiale offre un résumé des activités de l’équipe de la Fidélité de la Prêtrise depuis le rapport de la Conférence Mondiale de 2010. Un des résultats les plus importants est Vie de Disciple, Ministère et Prêtrise dans la Communauté du Christ (2 janvier 2013 BROUILLON). Cette dis-sertation de la Première Présidence donne un fondement théologique pour ceux qui écriront et enseigneront sur le sujet du ministère et de la prêtrise.

Pour mieux comprendre le ministère et la prêtrise, nous devons tout d’abord explorer plus en profondeur la nature et l’activité de rédemption de Dieu dans la création. Le docu-ment Nos Croyances Fondamentales sur Dieu nous donne une fondation.

Nous croyons en un Dieu vivant qui vient à notre rencontre dans le témoignage d’Israël, révélé en Jésus-Christ et qui agit à travers toute la création en tant que Saint-Esprit. Nous affirmons la Trinité - Dieu qui est une communauté de trois entités….

–Partager dans la Communauté du Christ : Exploration de l’identité, la mission, le message

et les croyances, 3è éd.

Ce passage des Croyances Fondamentales est fonda-mental pour notre compréhension du disciple et du ministère de la prêtrise. Au baptême, nous nous engageons à servir en tant que disciples-ministres de Jésus-Christ. Des ministres serviteurs efficaces sont offerts aux communautés, congréga-


tions et au monde par des disciples qui suivent de l’exemple de Jésus qui bâtissait des relations. Le ministère s’agit de relations.

Les grands-prêtres sont appelés à montrer l’exemple de relations et de ministères authen-tiques avec les autres membres de la prêtrise.

Tous les membres sont responsables de l’engagement à la vie de disciple passé dans les eaux du baptême. Pourtant, un ministère efficace ne demande pas une ordination. Tous les disciples-membres sont avant des ministres dans une re-lation avec Dieu-Jésus-Christ-Saint-Esprit. La dissertation sur la théologie de la prêtrise explique la relation essentielle que nous suivons avec cet exemple.

Une manière d’illustrer la nature de Dieu provient d’enseignements chrétiens donnés par Grégoire de Nyssa (335-396 ap. J-C.). Pensez puis donnez voix à une pensée pleine d’amour. La « pensée » est comme Dieu, la source de tout ce qui existe. La « parole » est comme Jésus-Christ, la parole rendue concrète. Le « souffle » qui permet d’apporter la parole au monde est comme le Saint-Esprit. Cela dit, nous ne pouvons pas nous arrêter à cela. Nous devons également comprendre que la source, la parole et le souffle sont un Dieu.

—Vie de disciple, ministère et prêtrise dans la Commu-nauté du Christ (2 janvier 2013 BROUILLON)

Les offices de la prêtrise et les appels sont des dons de Dieu à l’Eglise pour le bien de la vie et de la mission de l’Eglise. Le ministère de la prêtrise est une relation d’alliance avec Dieu et la communauté de l’Eglise. Cela signifie donner sa vie pour apporter des bénédictions aux autres à travers les sacrements. Tous les disciples et membres de la prê-trise doivent re-présenter Jésus-Christ dans le monde. Les membres de la prêtrise sont appelés à être une équipe de serviteurs qui rendent le Christ réel et crédible. Nos Prin-cipes Permanents décrivent la prêtrise de la manière suivante.

Certains disciples sont appelés à des responsabilités sacerdotales particulières et à des ministères spéci-fiques pour le bien de la communauté, de la congré-gation et du monde.

–Partager dans la Communauté du Christ: explorer l’identité, la mission,

le message et les croyances, 3è éd.

Le ministère passionné est un partenariat entre les membres de la prêtrise et l’Eglise. Les membres fidèles de la prêtrise sont des ministres dignes de confiance, responsables et compétents. Les membres fidèles de la prêtrise bénissent

les personnes, les foyers et les familles, les congrégations et les communautés à travers des ministères sensibles, compé-tents et créatifs qui prennent exemple sur les ministères de Jésus-Christ.

Un appel essentiel du grand prêtre est celui de mentor et enseignant. Les grands prêtres sont les entraineurs idéaux ; marchant côte à côte tout en montrant l’exemple d’un parte-nariat fidèle avec d’autres membres de la prêtrise.

Comme Dieu appelle les membres de la prêtrise à travers l’Eglise pour le bien de la mission de l’Eglise, l’Eglise est appelée à sustenter, équiper et soutenir les membres de la prêtrise pour un ministère efficace et fidèle. Equiper et soutenir la prêtrise pour un ministère efficace et fidèle revêt plusieurs formes. Les dirigeants de l’Eglise donneront• Soutien et ressources pour la formation spirituelle et la

croissance dans la vie de disciple• Education sur l’appel à la prêtrise et le ministère dans la

vie de l’Eglise• Processus clairs pour discerner et approuver les appels

à la prêtrise• Attentes et responsabilités soulignées et honorées pour

la prêtrise• Discernement avant l’ordination, formation spirituelle,

mentorat et éducation• Des catégories de statut de prêtrise offertes et gérées

pour répondre aux circonstances changeantes de la vie• Opportunités importantes pour réaffirmer et approfon-

dir l’engagement envers le ministère de la prêtrise.


Une brochure intitulée Ministère et Prêtrise illustre com-ment les initiatives de mission, le ministère, la prêtrise et les principes de l’alliance œuvrent de concert pour une mission efficace concentrée sur le service.

Les Principes d’Alliance pour le Ministère Fidèle de la Prêtrise aident les membres de la prêtrise, nouveaux et existants, à mieux comprendre leurs responsabilités. Les principes émanent de notre meilleure compréhension de ce qui contribue à un ministère fidèle et d’alliance de la prêtrise. L’application cohérente de ces principes crée l’opportunité optimale de vivre un ministère de la prêtrise qui soit efficace, joyeux et concentré sur la mission.

Principes d’alliance pour le ministère fidèle de la prêtrisePour tous les membres et candidats de la prêtrise

La fidélité de la prêtrise commence par une vie de disciple fidèle. La vie de disciple fidèle émerge d’une foi continue et de la formation spirituelle. L’appel constant est de suivre le Christ Vivant et de trouver le réconfort dans l’amour et la vision de Dieu pour la création. Etre précède le faire.

Les attentes suivantes m’aideront à servir en tant que membre fidèle de la prêtrise. En réponse à l’appel sacré de Dieu et à l’autorité de la prêtrise qui m’est conférée par la Communauté du Christ, je passe l’alliance de …

• M’engager dans la foi continue et les pratiques spiri-tuelles qui approfondissent ma relation avec Dieu et avec les autres à travers l’étude et la formation spirituelle

• Affirmer et promouvoir la mission du Christ d’invitation, de ministères de compassion, de justice et de paix ; aider à préparer mes prochains à la mission du Christ; et m’associer avec d’autres membres de la prêtrise pour mener les congrégations dans la mission du Christ.

• Offrir un ministère cohérent avec l’identité, la mission, le message et les croyances de l’Eglise

• tels qu’exprimés dans « Partager dans la Communauté du Christ: exploration de l’identité, de la mission, du mes-sage et des croyances, 3è éd. (www.CofChrist.org/ourfaith/SharingCofChrist-3ed.pdf) et dans d’autres documents officiels.

• Exemplifier un style de vie éthique, morale et holistique.

• Exemplifier la générosité en tant que contributeur régu-lier à la dîme de la mission (locale, centre de mission, et ministère mondiaux), selon ma capacité véritable.

• Protéger la sécurité et le bien-être des enfants et de jeunes, également, là où c’est possible, être un Travail-

leur Homologué pour la jeunesse.

• Participer activement à la vie de ma congrégation ou autres expressions similaires de l’Eglise lorsqu’il n’y a pas de congrégation.

• Participer annuellement à des évènements pédago-giques ou spirituels organisés par ma congrégation, mon centre de mission, mon champ de mission ou par l’Eglise Mondiale.

• Développer et mettre en place un plan de ministère qui utilise mes dons pour faire avancer la mission du Christ

Au cours des trois années à venir, les dirigeants de l’Eglise parleront plus en profondeur de l’appel pour tous les disciples à servir ensemble pour accomplir la mission du Christ. Nous présenterons les définitions magnifiées et ap-pels aux offices du membre-disciple et de la prêtrise. Chaque office comporte des responsabilités individuelles et des ministères partagés avec les autres offices de disciple et de la prêtrise. Sept domaines façonnent les ministères futurs pour les disciples et les membres de la prêtrise. Un diagramme in-titulé « Servir ensemble pour accomplir la mission du Christ » illustre comment les disciples et la prêtrise servent ensemble dans les sept domaines de concentration.

• Représente le Christ principalement comme des mi-nistres …

• Proclame et promeut particulièrement …

• Offre un ministère particulièrement à …

• Soutient les ministères sacramentels en …

• Promeut la communauté en …

• Promeut la justice et la paix en …

• Crée des partenariats de ministère avec …

La Première Présidence est impatiente de partager avec les Grands Prêtres les joies et les capacités nouvelles prove-nant de nouvelles compréhensions et de partenariats élargis du Ministère et la Prêtrise dans la Communauté du Christ.

Trois ressources de la Conférence Mondiale ont été présentées au Quorum des Grands Prêtres:

1. Rapport de la Première Présidence à la Conférence Mon-diale (livret des Rapport pages 12-13)

2. H-9 Rapport de l’Equipe de Fidélité de la Prêtrise à la Conférence Mondiale de 2013 (Bulletin du lundi pages 70-71)

3. Brochure sur le Ministère et la Prêtrise (distribuée le lundi 15 avril 2013 Rapport de la Fidélité de la Prêtrise présenté aux délégués pendant la Session Législative).


Serving Together to Fulfill Christ’s Mission

High PriestRepresent Christ primarily as ministers…of vision who model servant leader-ship and mentor and develop leaders in congregations, mission centers, and communities.

Especially proclaim and promote…the peace of Jesus Christ in congrega-tions and groups of congregations, mis-sion centers, and communities.

Particularly minister with…congregations, mission centers, apos-tolic fields, and communities in discov-ering God’s call.

Support sacramental ministers by…fostering spiritual growth and whole-ness in congregations and preparing them for sacramental experiences. Pre-side at sacramental services and per-form most sacraments.

Promote community by…building bridges between people, con-gregations, mission centers, apostolic fields, and ecumenical settings to pro-mote a sense of the broader faith com-munity.

Promote justice and peacemaking by…bridging economic, cultural, social, and theological differences in and among individuals, congregations, mission cen-ters, and communities.

Create ministry partners with…apostles, evangelists, mission center leaders, pastors, elders, and ecumeni-cal associations.

Servir ensemble pour accomplir la mission du Christ

Grand-PrêtreReprésente le Christ principalement en tant que ministre…de vision qui conseille et forme des diri-geants dans les congrégations, centres de mission et communautés.

Proclame et promeut avant tout…la paix de Jésus-Christ dans les congré-gations et groupes de congrégations, les centres de mission et les communautés.

Apporte un ministère particulièrement aux...congrégations, centres de mission, champs apostoliques et communautés dans la découverte de l’appel de Dieu.

Soutient les ministères sacramentels en...encourageant la croissance spirituelle et la plénitude dans les congrégations, en les préparant aux expériences sacramen-telles. Préside aux services de sacrements et administre la plupart des sacrements.

Promeut la communauté en...construisant des ponts entre les per-sonnes, les congrégations, les centres de mission, les champs apostoliques et les contextes œcuméniques, pour promou-voir un sens plus large de la communauté de foi.

Promeut la justice et la paix en...réconciliant les différences économiques, culturelles et sociales dans et parmi les personnes, les congrégations, les centres de mission et les communautés.

Crée des partenaires ministériels avec...des apôtres, des évangélistes, des diri-geants de centre de mission, des pas-teurs, des anciens et des associations œcuméniques.

Servir juntos para cumplir con la misión de Cristo

Sumos SacerdotesRepresentan a Cristo principalmente como ministros…de visión que ejemplifican el lideraz-go-siervo y enseñan y desarrollan lí-deres en congregaciones, centros de misión y comunidades.

Proclamar y promover especialmente…la paz de Jesucristo en congregaciones y grupos de congregaciones, centros de misión y comunidades.

Particularmente ministrar a…congregaciones, centros de misión, campos apostólicos y comunidades en el descubrimiento del llamado de Dios.

Apoyar los ministerios sacramentales por medio de…fomentar el crecimiento espiritual y la integridad de las congregaciones y prepararlos para las experiencias sa-cramentales. Presidir en los servicios sacramentales y realizar la mayoría de los sacramentos.

Promover la comunidad por medio de…tender puentes entre personas, con-gregaciones, centros de misión, cam-pos apostólicos y escenarios ecumé-nicos para promover un sentido de la comunidad de fe más amplia.

Promover la justicia y la paz por medio de…zanjar las diferencias económicas, cul-turales, sociales y teológicas entre los individuos, las congregaciones, centros de misión y comunidades.

Crear asociaciones de ministerio con…apóstoles, evangelistas, líderes de cen-tro de misión, pastores, ancianos y aso-ciaciones ecuménicas.


LCM

High Priests Provide Support to Leading Congregations in MissionBy Ron Harmon, Council of Twelve Apostles

The ministry of the high priest continues to provide support to pastor leadership teams engaged in Leading Congregations in Mission (LCM).

LCM is an ongoing process of spiritual formation, discovery, and experimentation with new forms of ministry and mission. It was designed to provide congregational leaders in Western nations with the navigational tools to discern and lead mission in a changing world. Eighty congre-gations are participating across the USA. Australia and the British Isles will introduce LCM approaches contextualized for their unique challenges and opportunities in early 2014.

High priests are serving in various capacities, including pastor-leadership team participants, mission center presi-dents, and congregation-support ministers. The ministry of the high priest is particularly relevant to the challenges con-gregations face today as they explore how to incarnate the gospel in relevant and tangible ways.

The six areas of emphasis for the high priest are very important to the work of LCM specifically and congregational revitalization in general:

Honoring the Past, Visioning the Future: In LCM we recognize Christ’s mission is a long journey in the same direction. This mission is about God’s activity in human history to bring reconciliation and wholeness to all dimen-sions of life in Christ. It is about our willingness to be faithful to Christ’s vision of the peaceable kingdom of God on Earth (Doctrine and Covenants 163:3b). Congregations and other expressions of the church are called to be totally shaped and sent by a clear and compelling understanding of God’s mis-sion in Christ locally and globally.

We are part of God’s unfolding story in the world today. We are not searching for a programmatic or flavor-of-the-month approach to congregational life. In LCM we first recognize that others have traveled this path before, and we will discover our future as we remember the essential ele-

ments of our story that have led us to this point. We honor our past not by living in it but through it as its principles guide our steps into the future.

This bridging ministry of the high priest is so important because it helps connect us with who we are as a people. We are a people with a story, and this story is being written as God invites us to discern and embrace the full meaning of our identity as Community of Christ.

This continuity between past, present, and future is an important aspect of LCM and our journey as a people of faith. High priests provide important ministry as they help people make the linkages between where we have been and where God is calling us to go. This requires ministry grounded in our sacred story and our identity, message, mis-sion, and beliefs. The most effective high priests are comfort-able making connections between where we have been and where we are going.

Enhancing Leadership Effectiveness: Our Western corporate understandings often make leadership seemingly inaccessible to the average person. Scripture conveys some-thing drastically different. It illustrates how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. God’s people catch a vision of God’s future and then journey together to live in that future.

It often is messy and not without struggle. The gifts of ordinary men and women are utilized to accomplish divine purposes.

Leadership in Community of Christ is about more than the giftedness of one (i.e., the pastor). Rather, it is about collective giftedness of those who answer yes to the call to serve. When we combine our giftedness, we discover ways we can discern and live Christ’s mission, unique to the col-lective giftedness of our congregations.

LCM places particular attention on the pastor-leadership team and how it discerns, discusses, disagrees, and develops consensus. This is not about a pastor and his or her advis-

When we combine our giftedness, we discover ways we can discern and live Christ’s mission, unique to the collective giftedness of our congregations.


ers. This is about diverse leaders learning to function as a cohesive team that shares the joys, burdens, and decisions of leadership.

If Christ’s mission is relational, then our leadership is most effective when expressed in relationship with others. The focal point of providing leadership shifts from the individ-ual to the group. The emphasis shifts from individual persua-sion to cultivating group discovery. Integrity and authenticity become critical leadership skills for developing a climate of trust that leads to discovery and renewed purpose.

tual suffering as we risk new relationships, listen to stories, and allow the Spirit to disrupt us with a vision of what could be.

In LCM high priests now are most helpful as they commit to journey with those who are beginning to risk new relationships of hospitality and healing. The ministry of encouragement and support is critically important as individu-als and congregations take initial steps.

Bridging Cultures and People: From Doctrine and Covenants 162:2e:

Again you are reminded that this community was di-vinely called into being. The spirit of the Restoration is not locked in one moment of time, but is instead the call to every generation to witness to essential truths in its own language and form. Let the Spirit breathe.

This revelation reminds us of the essential call to tangibly express timeless truths in ways that speak anew to a popu-lation that increasingly is unfamiliar with Jesus, the church, religious language, or ritual. In many ways we (i.e. Christians) speak a foreign language.

The ministry of the high priest is central to helping individuals and congregations explore and experiment with a new universal language (i.e. what we convey) and form (i.e. how and even where we convey it) that can open new understandings for 80 percent of a very diverse population that does not attend church.

This includes new ways to come together as sacred community that honors our heritage of community build-ing while not being locked into any particular expression of congregational life.

In addition to the content of the message, we are shaped by the concerns and passion of Christ (i.e. mission) in our neighborhoods and world. In other words, we desire to follow the deepest yearnings of God that lead us is into the heart of mission as expressed in our Mission Initiatives. The ministry of the high priest as Minister of Vision is important in creating safe space to risk new understandings and even new forms of ministry.

This ministry requires humility, openness, and a spirit of adventure as new insights and opportunities for ministry disrupt our hearts and minds.

In LCM high priests are not providing answers but in many cases helping to frame essential questions. For exam-ple, congregations facing decline may focus on “How do we get people from the neighborhood to attend our congrega-tion?”

This sounds like a reasonable question. But what if the question God is prompting us to ask is more fundamental:

The high priest’s ministry is essential in helping re-vision leadership through a Community of Christ relational lens. High priests are engaged with pastor leadership teams in helping people come together to lead as loving communities of support and vision. Their ministry is best characterized as cultivating the gifts of others and helping leadership teams see how their gifts can offer blessing to their congregations and neighborhoods.

Standing for Peace and Justice: The question be-fore the church, as expressed in the 2005 World Conference sermon by President Stephen M. Veazey, is how we passion-ately pursue Christ’s mission in a suffering world as ones who have been transformed by “something not fully explainable but utterly transforming.”

We pursue Christ’s mission because God first pursued us in Christ. This has changed everything. We no longer view ourselves and others from the same perspective (Doctrine and Covenants 164:5). We can’t help but respond out of the overflow of God’s incredible love and grace in our lives!

Jesus put it in simple terms to his disciples:

As the Father has sent me, so I send you.

—John 20:21 NRSV

Mission is about sending. God sent Jesus to be the embodiment of God’s love. God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit (in sacred community) send us, the church, to pursue Christ’s mission through the five Mission Initiatives that lead us into the heart of God’s vision for the church and our world.

In LCM high priests are helping cultivate environments of encounter and discovery. We encounter physical and spiri-

In addition to the content of the message, we are shaped by the concerns and passion of Christ (i.e., mission) in our neighborhoods and world.


“How do we engage in a meaningful relationship with our neighbors?” This question leads to a very different place. It calls us to consider how we risk new relationships outside the four walls of our sanctuaries. It calls us to consider new forms and even new places of gathering where relationships of substance, meaning, and connection can form in the midst of the questions and struggles of life in our neighborhoods.

High priests are being called in the changing terrain of mission to help discern the essential questions that lead us to discoveries and new forms of ministry.

Fostering Spiritual Growth and Wholeness: In LCM we affirm that mission begins with encounter. We all have a story of how we first came to understand there was something significant and meaning-ful beyond ourselves. It is this “something” that brought meaning and connection to our lives and continues to draw us closer to one another and God.

In LCM we encounter God and God’s mission in Christ through mis-sional practices, in our relationships in community (congre-gations, small groups, and neighborhoods), in ministry with others, and in situations and places that don’t yet reflect Christ’s vision of the peaceable kingdom of God on Earth. It is in our ongoing encounter with the Living Christ that we increasingly see ourselves and others from a changed perspective (Doctrine and Covenants 164:5).

The ministry of the high priest is most impactful when it comes from daily practices that lead us into relationship with God and others. Our practices are a commitment to new behaviors that over time become a natural extension of who we are. They awaken us to God’s movement around us and draw us into relationship with others. They are the founda-tion of LCM and our experience as disciples.

This is frankly an area where we have struggled in LCM and ministry in general in the church. The call to go deeper

is not a call to accomplish more. It’s a call to establish deep roots in the rich soil of meaningful relationships and practices that lead to a new awareness of daily opportunities to con-nect with people from all walks of life. There is no way to work around or shortcut the process of spiritual formation that is so critical to mission.

In LCM specifically and congregations in general we rely on high priests and evangelists to model the way toward deeper relationships and awareness of God and one another.

Building Support Systems: LCM is a field-based pilot. Each field apostle, in consultation

with mission center presidents, has deter-mined the number of retreat locations,

retreat facilitators, and ways to support LCM congregations. The majority of mis-sion center presidents in the USA and Canada have been involved in LCM, beginning with the initial training for congregation-support ministers.

The process depends on col-laboration between LCM support

staff in the Council of Twelve, field staff, mission center staff including congregation-support ministers, and pastor-leader-ship teams in congregations. Many of our congregation-support ministers are high priests. Their understanding of administrative and mission support resources are critical to the success of LCM.

LCM, like congregational life in general, is much more

effective when good collabora-tion and communication take place

between the support levels. The role of the high priest is particularly helpful

as one who is aware of resources and how to best access them to support the congregation in mission.

High priests are helping lead the way as congrega-tions seek to discern and lead mission in a changing world. We look forward to the insights we will gain as we journey together to embody and live the concerns and passion of Christ in a hurting world.

Where to Find HelpResources and tools for Leading Congregations in

Mission are available at www.missionalleaders.org.

LCM


Heeding the Call of GodBy Martha Owaga, Nairobi, Kenya

The call to high priest came when I felt I was not worthy to receive any call. How could I serve when I was not sure of my strength? So I decided to wait patiently, seek God’s guidance, listen more, and question even more. I wanted to learn.

When Mary Adie was having her training, I was invited to attend. What I heard still did not convince me. Who would listen to me? Who would take me seriously? Would I have enough vision for the church?

I listened carefully and tried to picture myself as a high priest. Maybe I needed a glow about me so that wherever I went and people would recognize that there goes a high priest. Maybe I needed to dress in long clothes.

During the training, the World Service Corps Africa version also was going on. The next day I left to visit with congregations alongside the volunteers, Pastors Hakumona and Musendeka from Democratic Republic of Congo.

Testimony

We went from home to home, laying hands on the sick and at times just enjoying fellowship. At one home we met Joshua, 12, who lived with his mother and elder brother. The joy on his face as he welcomed us to his home was priceless. As we ministered I realized I wasn’t alone, and that as a high priest I would not have to function as a sole unit, but as part of a whole body.

A couple of months went by, and it was time for Min-isterial Education and Discipleship Studies training in Kenya. Again I was actively involved, and again it dawned on me that I was part of a whole, whether in the church or in the com-munity at-large.

The place where we stayed was amazing, and I enjoyed how staff members were willing to serve and make us as comfortable as possible. They anticipated our needs and re-acted quickly. They were visionaries, if I may say so. I learned it was not vision for only the future, but even for the present.

As I saw the last group off to airport, God’s Spirit spoke to me, and I agreed I was ready. It was quiet, and in the si-lence I said yes. It was time to respond to the will of God and praise God for marvelous work in the lives of people.

I know I will not be serving alone but as part of an entire community bound by the Spirit of God. I will be a bridge for the past, present, and future, able to run fast with the young at heart and walk patiently with those who are older.

I would like all pastors in the Kenya Mission Centre to know that, like me, they are not alone in this journey of faith. Bring the children, the youth, and everyone together to wor-ship at the feet of Jesus, where all are chosen and called his children.

I listened carefully and tried to picture myself as a high priest. Maybe I needed a glow about me so that wherever I went and people would recognize that there goes a high priest. Maybe I needed to dress in long clothes.


Matt Frizzell

Getting to Know…Matt FrizzellBy Matt Frizzell, Graceland University campus minister

“For I am convinced…”

For me, these are the most overlooked—and impor-tant—words of Paul’s famous passage, Romans 8:38–39 NRSV. When I was at a young age and in a dark time, this passage spoke to me and changed my life.

Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Nothing. But, Paul doesn’t give proof. He doesn’t speak for God in a divine revelation. He simply shares his profound testimony and best thinking. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Nothing. He is convinced.

Today, these words set the standard for discipleship and ministry for me. God’s love came into the world and into my life. I want to be as convinced as Paul. We all are called to be just as convinced.

I grew up in the USA, in Michigan. I was a typical American kid of the 1980s. My parents divorced, and I was caught between homes. I felt lost and had a lot of teenage freedom. The congregation in which I grew up loved me and took me in. But spiritual experiences at Senior High camp changed my life. There, in the ministry of ordinary people like you and me, I heard God call my name. I experienced God’s kingdom. It transformed me and my outlook. Everything changed.

I went to Graceland and took advantage of every op-portunity to grow in the church. I met my future wife, Margo Flowers. I graduated, got married, and began working for Community of Christ in Kansas City, Missouri. I entered seminary for the first time and had two beautiful girls: Katy and Kenzlee.

In 2003, my family and I left everything we knew and moved to Chicago. Leaving full-time ministry, I became a stay-at-home dad and spent eight years at Chicago Theo-logical Seminary working on a PhD in theology and ethics. Margo taught for Chicago Public Schools. Those years galva-nized us as a family. The diversity, intensity of education, and miraculous experiences walking with others strengthened our love for God, our church, and God’s mission within it. I’d do it all again.

I currently live with my family in Lamoni, Iowa. I serve as a campus minister at Graceland. Margo teaches and advises

at Graceland. I’ve been honored to serve as a congregational parliamentarian, full-time youth minister, pastor, mission cen-ter president, and educator. My prayer is to continue to grow as a dad, disciple, teacher, and minister.

I am convinced nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus that gives these roles their meaning and mission.


David Waring

Getting to Know… David WaringBy David Waring, apostolic assistant

The words of Jesus in the Gospel of John have always been important in my life. He said:

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

—John 8:12 NRSV

On reaching the age of 15, bringing light into the world became important to me. I decided to be baptized and become a dis-ciple. I also left school and became an indentured apprentice with an exterior-lighting company.

The next 15 years were a time of learning. I became involved in congregational life as youth leader, Sunday school teacher, and counselor to the pastor. I sensed strongly calls to serve in the priesthood as a deacon, priest, and then elder. In my employment I learned my trade through attending college, working in the design and internal-sales offices, and qualifying as a lighting engineer. During this time Karen and I met at youth camps, and our relationship grew until we were married in 1978. We have been blessed with three chil-dren—Marc, Lucy, and Katie—and now a grandson, Fin. We

just do not see enough of him because we live in the USA, and he lives in the United Kingdom.

In 1985 I was offered a new position with my company as an external-sales/lighting engineer. Karen and I prayed because it meant relocating our family.

The decision to accept came easily, for we sensed the call of God. The call began to make sense after we moved to Manchester, England. In a short time I became pastor of the Denton Congregation and accepted a call to the office of seventy.

My testimony is that I have been blessed as I have tried faithfully to respond to God’s call. I spent several years as marketing manager for my company. Then I sensed a call for church employment as a missionary minister. My experiences had prepared me. Since then I have served as British Isles Mission Centre president and currently am apostolic assistant for the Africa and Haiti Mission Field. In accepting both roles, I again sensed God’s call to discipleship.

On the day that I received Jane Gardner’s call to “come and visit” I sensed it was not the kind of invitation that I previ-ously had received as we met to talk about trips to Africa. I sensed more that she wanted to share something. By the time we met I immediately was able to say yes to serve as counselor to the president of Quorum of High Priests. The Holy Spirit again had prepared me for new ministry.

So, who is David Waring? I am someone still with a strong sense of call to bring light to those I meet within the church and those who are lost and searching.

Apostle Bunda Chibwe (center) and David Waring (right) talk with John Miako Macopolo a member of the Mtopanga Congregation in Mombasa, Kenya.

Photo by Paul Davis


Greetings from the President of the Quorum

Friends,Looking back, 2013 has been filled with excitement,

purpose and mission! I am especially thankful for the pres-ence of the Holy Spirit during the World Conference and, particularly, our Quorum meetings. We were blessed to be together and listen to the voices of many high priests.

I was privileged to travel to Haiti this summer and teach classes on scripture-based worship and preaching. It was a joy to worship with sisters and brothers and share songs from Community of Christ Sings. We sang from the Core Repertoire, learning songs from around the globe. What a joyful noise!

Meeting with over 1,000 church members and leaders for the Peace Colloquy in October was amazing. Beginning with the first moment of worship on Friday morning, the gathering was Spirit-filled. We started a process of articulat-ing the message, identity, beliefs and mission of the church through singing that will continue into the days, months, and years ahead.

As my wish for you, consider these words from Com-munity of Christ Sings (430) and the pen of retired Presiding Evangelist Danny Belrose. Blessings on your gatherings and ministry throughout this season.

When the Present Holds No PromiseWords: © 2005 Danny A. Belrose; used with permission

When the present holds no promiseand the path is sown with strifeand bleak darkness swirls around youand deep thunder crowds your life,have no fear of murky shadows;give no thought to failing light.In a stable wrapped in starlight,joy and hope are burning bright.

Should you pause to peer behind you,viewing valleys of the pastwhere your dreams and fears collidedand your faith was fading fast,you will see where seas divided,where fear’s walls came tumbling down.In a stable wrapped in starlight,peace and courage can be found.

When the future looms before youposing questions and demands,and the bright plans you projectedfade like footprints in the sand,live the promise you are tasting,fan the flames of faith within.In a stable wrapped in starlight,you will find the way again.

Though the path may not be easy,new horizons capture youand the truths that you discoverdraw your maps of God anew.Do not weary of the journey;boldly venture with each stride.In a stable wrapped in starlight,joy, hope, love, and peace abide.

Jane M. Gardner President, High Priest Quorum

Jane Gardner leads a class in Haiti.

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDIndependence, MO

PERMIT NO. 96

Quorum of High PriestsInternational Headquarters 1001 W. Walnut St. Independence, MO 64050

Recent Ordinations

Ron Benedict Evangelist USADwight Carver Evangelist USASusan Gregory Evangelist USAAntonio Bardales Amaya Evangelist HondurasMike Botts Evangelist USARon Harmon Sr. Evangelist USAWilliam Reid Evangelist USA

Charles Smith High Priest USAJeannie Strout High Priest USAGrant Bennington High Priest CanadaStacie Simmons Bates High Priest USABecky Turner High Priest USAJames Atkinson High Priest USA

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ContentsMinistry and Priesthood ................... 1Serving Together to

Fulfill Christ’s Mission .................. 8High Priests Provide Key Support

to Leading Congregations ............ 9Heeding the Call of God ................ 12Getting to Know…Matt Frizzell .... 13Getting to Know…David Waring ... 14Greetings from the

President of the Quorum ........... 15Recent Ordinations ........................ 16

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