This thesis will illustrate the process First Presbyterian Church of Burlington went through in order to shift the deacons' role from one of the historical stewardship/maintenance leadership to one of pastoral care. Members of the church were led through a discernment process in order to identify and utilize their spiritual gifts. Shared pastoral care ministry can be positive for clergy, deacons and members. Delivering quality pastoral care for the whole church can be much better as a team effort. More information is needed than an understanding of how the church functions. Prayer and preaching are the foundation for both the preacher and the laity through the change process in the church.
Who might benefit from reading this paper?
- pastors who are attempting to do all the pastoral care on their own, or
- leaders of a church that is steeped in tradition or resistant to change.
