Mutual Ministry Team

By now many of you have heard the term “Mutual Ministry Team,” but may not have a clear understanding of who we are and what our responsibilities entail.  The Mutual Ministry Team is made up of:

Rev. Bruce Arbor, who is the assigned pastor to the Belchertown United Methodist Church.  He is the Pastor of record for our church and oversees our Ministry Team.  His primary function is to train and oversee the workings of the Ministry Team.  He also is our link to the District and the Conference.

Kathy Kasten is the Mutual Ministry Team leader.

Kurt Pearson is the Worship and Planning leader

Kerry Brooke is the Worship and Music leader

Karin Clough and Jim Hume are the Membership Care leaders

Robin Howe is the Church School/Christian Education leader

Each of these Leaders has a team of people that work together to provide all aspects of worship and ministry that an assigned pastor would perform.  It in no way replaces the Administrative Council or the committees established by the Charge Conference.

Rev. John Dusenberry and Rev. Tom McKeown will also assist the Team as needed.  One of them will fill the pulpit on Communion Sundays.  They are also available to provide some pastoral care as requested by the Team when necessary.

The Mutual Ministry Team concept came about as a recommendation from the Viability Study Team that recently evaluated our church’s situation.  Those of us participating in the study found that there seems to be a cyclical nature to growth and decline in our church’s functioning.                            

The Ministry Team concept was suggested as a way of keeping our doors open and allowing us the opportunity to pay down our indebtedness while moving forward with the church’s mission to spread the Good News. 

I think it is fair to say that all of us on the Ministry Team have prayerfully looked at this new form of leadership and that each of us feels Spirit led into the process.  We ask for the prayers of the entire congregation as we move forward into new territory.  We would also welcome your input and ideas for moving our church forward into the community and the world.  After all, Jesus commanded the disciples to “Go ye into all the world.”

I hope this helps to clarify what the Mutual Ministry Team is all about and who we are.  Please feel free to speak to anyone of us about the Team.  One of our primary goals is to improve communication between all of us.  Your comments are most welcome.

                                                                                    Kathy Kasten 
                                                                                    Mutual Ministry Team Leader