Objectives
By the end of the module you will be able to :
- articulate the difference between ministries and mission
- identify the ministries present in the New Testament writings
- distinguish between the ministerial and the common (baptismal) priesthood
- articulate a theology of ministries
- name and describe the variety of ministries in the contemporary church
Introduction to Module 10
The title of this module is "ministries" in the plural, not the singular "ministry". This is because when one uses the term "ministry" one is inclined to think of the ordained ministry, holy orders, or what is now referred to as the ministerial priesthood. On the other hand we have many other ministries in the church these days, often referred to as "lay ministries", such as catechist, Eucharistic minister, music ministry, preacher, hospitality ministry, adult education, pastoral assistant, RCIA sponsor, deacon, etc.
Now all of these ministries can be placed together in the church since they are all inspired by the Spirit and expressed in service in the church and in the world for the gospel. They are all meant to bring people closer to God through Jesus Christ. Hence the term "ministries". If the singular "ministry" is used, the impression might be given that only the ordained ministry is relevant and no one else is called to minister.
Introduction to Reading 10.1
"Ministry" in Ecclesia: A Theological Encyclopedia of the Church, ed. C.O’Donnell, (Collegeville: The Liturgical Press, 1996), 299-303.
This reading is from an encyclopedia on the church and hence the article is succinct. It gives a good overview of the concept of ministries in the New Testament and then jumps forward to Vatican II, some postconciliar documents, and Canon Law.
Note that the article uses the abbreviation "C.E.". This needs explaining. We usually use the abbreviations B.C. ("Before Christ") and A.D. ("in the year of Our Lord") to indicate the year. However, as not everyone acknowledges Christ, some people today prefer "B.C.E." ("before the common era") and "C.E." ("of the common era").
It is most important to get a grasp of the biblical data on ministries as it lays the foundation for understanding Christian ministries in general in whatever church, as well as understanding the changes in the Catholic Church today. I suggest you look up the many biblical references given as that will familiarize you with the exact references. Note how "service" is a fundamental Christian approach to ministry, not "power"or "authority". Note the problems in trying to define ministry and the definition given.
Exercise 10.1
10.1.1 Describe the different ministries in the church before 100 CE.
10.1.2 What changes occurred after 100 CE.?
10.1.3 What changes did the apostolic letter, Ministeria Quaedam, bring about in ministries?
10.1.4 What are the extremes in defining ministries and what definition of ministry does O’Meara give?
10.1.5 What is the difference between "mission" and "ministry" according to this reading?
Introduction to Reading 10.2
WCC, "Ministry", in Baptism, Eucharist, Ministry, (Geneva: WCC, 1982), 20-33.
Like the first reading, this reading is also fairly succinct but its context is quite unique. It is part of an ecumenical text that was worked on over many months and finally agreed upon by over one hundred Christian churches across the spectrum from Pentecostals to Orthodox. Thus the style and language is distinctive. The layout is also noteworthy. The first column gives the agreed statement and the second column those issues not decided or areas needing further consideration.
The focus of this reading is mainly on the ordained ministry but , like the Vatican II document, Lumen Gentium, it starts with with the wide vision of the call of the whole people of God. Note there is some repetition between this reading and one regarding New Testament data on charism and the laying on of hands.
Exercise 10.2
10.2.1 Summarize # 1 to 6. Note # 5 on gifts in particular.
10.2.2 Write definitions for charism, ministry and ordained ministry.
10.2.3 Do you agree with Commentary (11)?
10.2.4 Briefly summarize the role of the ordained minister (#8-14).
10.2.5 What does the document say about ‘apostolic succession’?
10.2.6 What is the NT evidence for ordination?
10.2.7 What is the act of ordination?
Introduction to Reading 10.3
J.Coleman, "A Theology of Ministry", The Way, 25, no.1 (January 1985), 7-18.
This reading is of great importance because it outlines the theology behind ministries. If this is not understood people will never fully understand why they are being asked to participate in ministries. Unfortunately few Christians seem to have grasped it well.
Note while you are reading this article what the scriptural basis for ministry is and how baptism is seen as the foundational sacrament for all ministries. In a former theology that focused on the ordained ministry only, the sacrament of Holy Orders was seen as the foundation for ministry.
Exercise 10.3
10.3.1 How does Coleman describe the ordained, non-ordained relationship?
10.3.2 Make notes on each element in the definition of ministry.
10.3.3 Which scriptural texts are cited by Coleman for ministries? Look them up in your Bible. Are they the same as those cited in Reading 10.1?
Introduction to Reading 10.4
Sofield, L & C. Juliano, "Obstacles to Collaborative Ministry", Chapter Two in Collaborative Ministry: Skills and Guidelines, (Notre Dame: Ave Maria Press, 1987), 25-46.
This is a very practical reading and deals with skills in ministry as is clear from the subtitle of the book. In ministry, knowing the theology is one thing, but unless it can be translated into action which is reasonably successful, it remains an intellectual acquisition only.
All parishes and church communities need people in the field who have the skills to work with other people. In general ministry done by one person is no longer appropriate; anyone who wants to be involved in ministries needs the skills for collaborative work. For those used to working by themselves this is a very painful transition, and many ministers and priests have been used to working by themselves it must be acknowledged. Today however, working in teams, or working among many people with different gifts, it is imperative to know how to cooperate and collaborate. Hence the choice of this reading which only begins to open up the area by recognizing the obstacles. Obviously other skills like leadership skills, handling conflict, developing a spirituality for ministries also need attention. We can only note them for the moment.
Having read this reading attempt to answer the following questions.
Exercise 10.4
10.4.1 List the obstacles to collaborative ministry.
10.4.2 Write a paragraph on each summarizing why each is an obstacle.
10.4.3 Consider a parish that you know, mention one or two obstacles to the exercise of collaborative ministry that you have noticed and suggest ways of overcoming them.
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