Worker Priest Forum

I created this group for several reasons. I am a worker-priest, and to be honest, though I am told there are others, I know of no other pastor who is serving in this same capacity. My goals for creating this group are as follows. Oh, by the way, for those who do not know... a worker-priest is a called pastor of a congregation who also works full or part time at a secular job.

I. There are unique challenges to serving in this capacity. Having the support of others would be helpful.

II. There are many who are opposed to Deacon Programs, SMS, and other programs which have been created, at least ostensibly, to fill the need of the many small churches who can not currently afford to pay a pastor. So are we to ignore their need? Have them served forever by vacancy and fill pastors? There is only two alternatives that i can see to such programs, one is an expanded use of multiple parishes (pastors serving more than one congregation) and worker-priests. A forum for the pros and cons of these alternatives I feel would be advantageous for the church at large.

III. The synods roster shows that there are many men out there who do fill work, here their and everywhere, but are unable to get a call. Wouldn't it be better, since they are having to work a different job anyway to keep their families fed, for them to be a called pastor to a small congregation, then to just be out there doing fill work, both for the health of the congregation who needs the authority of a pastor, and for the pastor who needs the authority of a congregation and a call to serve in the capacity of a pastor? This forum is thereby offered as a vehicle to help people who may be interested in this ministry, to ask questions and receive support as they pursue it..