Collaborative Mosaic, photo by Jenn Blosser

Purpose

We are a religious community that is committed to the concept and practice of ministering to each other. The purpose of the Committee on Shared Ministry (COSM) is to understand, assess, support and advocate for robust and shared ministry throughout the context of congregational life. The role of the ordained minister is to guide, encourage and teach the congregation in its ministry and mission. We do not look to the minister as occupying the top spot of hierarchy. The minister and committee are asked to center, to balance, and to guide the congregation in conversation with the Board, lay leadership, members and friends.

Responsibilities

• Continually educate itself about ministry
• Seek and share formal and informal feedback about the ministries of the congregation
• Continually assess the congregation’s ministries for consistency with the Vision, Mission, and Behavioral Covenant.
• Develop and implement an assessment plan with reports to the Board and congregation. The purpose of the assessment or review is to provide reliable and valid feedback to the minister and lay leaders about how their work is going, so that they may strengthen the congregation’s ministries and mission.
• Model healthy and authentic relationships with the congregation and minister
• Actively support the minister in identifying areas for professional growth.
• Endorse the minister’s Professional Development plans in communications with the Board and congregation.

Membership

• COSM shall consist of four (4) to six (6) members of the congregation who have been active members for at least three (3) years
• Members shall serve staggered three-year terms
• Selected jointly by the Board and Minister