Is Being a Worker - Priest a Good Alternative Ministry Path?

I would like to hear from all my brothers on this board regarding thier view of Worker-Priests.

Especially with so many older, smaller, lutheran churches... should they just be allowed to die? or should they be served by lay ministers/deacons? or should they be served by ordained pastors?

If your answer is that they should be served, rather than being allowed to die, and that they should be served by an ordained pastor. What can be done to help make this possible.

I hope that you will take the time to answer this questions, especially in light of the 25 candidates that did not receive calls, and the many men currently on CRM, and the many small congregations that cannot afford a full time pastor.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Steven Cook on May 18, 2010 at 5:21am

Hello to all on this posting list,

My name is Pastor Steven Cook, and I have been serving as a worker priest since Nov. 1998, for a congregation on an island in S. Puget Sound, while living in Tacoma, WA.

Although we do not see much growth - the membership and attendance have been pretty much consistent for that time frame. Since this provides the congregation with an ordained minister who can bring them Word and Sacrament ministry that fulfills their needs, I believe this is a viable program for many smaller congregations who could not afford a full time pastor. I have been blessed, in that my other employment allowed enough time off that I can take care of funerals that might arise (obviously not very frequently, as then there wouldn't be a parish left). Sometimes though, the requirements of the secular employment can get in the way of being able to actively participating in Winkels and conventions.

Permalink Reply by Rev. Randolph Schnack on May 27, 2010 at 9:29pm

Yes, I have found the same problems, and joys.

Randy

Permalink Reply by Rev. Randolph Schnack on May 27, 2010 at 9:31pm

I am not sure I understand. If it is a small congregation, how is it you are their assistant instead of thier pastor??

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