Local Shared Ministry

‘Local Shared Ministry’ (LSM) is the term used to describe a particular theology and structure for being church within the Diocese of Auckland. The emphasis is on being a ‘ministering community’, rather than being a community gathered around a minister. An intention is to find ways to express  all the varied gifts of the people who are part of the community.

All the members of the congregation, led by a Ministry Support Team, share the responsibilities that are traditionally carried by a vicar.  Over the past two decades, in places where the traditional ‘vicar-led’ model was no longer sustainable, Local Shared Ministry has made it possible for Anglican ministry and mission to continue in those local areas.

Under the LSM structure, members of the Ministry Support Team are ‘called’ from within the congregation and have specific roles.  Typically these roles include coordinators of pastoral care, preaching, and worship, along with those called to be deacons and priests to ensure the provision of sacramental ministry. The coordinators work with dedicated teams in the various areas of ministry to facilitate the mission and ministry of the whole LSM unit, and the Ministry Support Team is licensed by the bishop.

Ministry Enablers are appointed by the bishop to ensure that there is ongoing training, support and supervision of members of the Ministry Support Team, as well as providing training and resources for all members of the congregation.

Instead of a parish Vestry, a church Council is elected by the congregation to be responsible for overseeing management of the LSM unit.

localsharedministry.com

For more information on Local Shared Ministry contact the Rev’d Chris Harris, Co-ordinating Enabler for LSM.

chrish@auckanglican.org.nz

Ph 09 302 7201