Metropolis of Boston Clergy-Laity Conference

October 1, 2011 “The Ministries of the Church: Archdiocese, Metropolis,

Parishes”

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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

Administration Report

Advancing Orthodoxy through the Ministries

Current Strategies

• National

• Local

Future Plans / Programs

National Ministries* † Religious Education † Parish Development † Youth and Young Adult Ministries † Marriage and Family † Stewardship † Outreach and Evangelism † Philanthropy † Greek Education † Communications † Hellenic College † Internet Ministries † GO Telecom † Orthodox Observer

*www.goarch.org (Departments & Ministries)

Advancing Orthodoxy through the Ministries • Establish National Ministries ‘communities’ using the Internet and GOarch website.

• Work with the Metropolises to identify parishes with successful ministry programs.

• Develop training materials and support to help parishes establish meaningful local ministry programs.

• Recommend a system for measuring Ministry effectiveness. Evaluating American Bible Society process using Global Scriptures Impact Group.

Ministries – Success factors

Content

Community

Communication

National Ministries: Centers of Excellence

www.goarch.org

Archdiocese Web Site

National Ministry ‘Communities’

National Ministries

Parishes

Parish Ministries: “Local” Centers of Excellence

Connection

National Ministry Community

Metropolis Organization

Local Ministries (examples)

•Special Needs

•Nursing

•Bereavement

•Philoxenia House

•Registry

•Catechism Training

•Marriage Enrichment

•Hellenic Dance Festival

•Byzantine Music Education

•Clergy Continuing Education

•Greek Education & Culture

•Oratorical Festival

Ministry ‘Communities’ Strategy

National Ministries - Measurement

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“The most basic task of the Church leader is to discern the spiritual gifts of all those under his authority, and to encourage those gifts to be used to the full for the benefit of all.”

~ Saint John Chrysostom ~

Ministry of the Parish Council

Ministry of the Parish Council

• Archbishop Demetrios’s video• Ministry of the Orthodox Church• GOAA Regulations• Ministry of the Parish• Ministry of the Parish Council• Next Steps

GATHER MY PEOPLE TO MYMY HOME - COME AND SEE

Parish Council Resources

GATHER MY PEOPLE TO MYMY HOME - COME AND SEE

Parish Council Resources

Parish Leadership Development Workshop • Objectives

- Develop Shared Ministry skills in Parish - Build Clergy-Laity Leadership - Provide Transformational experience

• Participants - Parish nominated by Metropolitan - Parish must “qualify” = meet eligibility criteria - Parish team (3-5 people max) - Priest, Parish Council President, Parish Ministry leaders (eg, Sunday School, Youth…

• Pursue a funding grant

Parish Leadership Development Workshop• Program / Content 5 days at Metropolis Retreat Center / Camp

-Team building- Skills building- Spiritual development- Discussion & interaction- Build local parish plan (written)- Take plan back to parish- Put plan on-line- Evaluation & follow up process

• Facilitators (Clergy & Laity)- Archdiocese Ministry leaders / Staff- Holy Cross / Hellenic College staff- Consultants / Specialty areas

National CLC – “new” model

• Four day program (vs 5 days).• Spiritual, Legislative & Education program.• Global Orthodoxy perspective.• Outside speakers.• Showcase the National Ministries.• Feature successful Parish Ministry programs. • Feedback from all sessions. • Strive to make it Financially Affordable.

CLC 2012 Considerations

•Evaluate 2010 feedback • Add Value modules to the program.• Strive to increase Parish and delegate participation.

• Continue to focus on Affordability.

•Examine 3 Year cycle for National CLC• Poll parishes that attended & those that did not.• Obtain feedback regarding program / location / cost / frequency

• Make National program recommendation

Advancing Orthodoxy through the Ministries

“ And as for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience.”

Luke 8:15