The mutual ministry committee:

• is mission-oriented.

• builds on a broad vision of ministry and a healthy practice of mutuality.

• makes use of a small group approach to develop mutuality.

• carries out the ministry tasks of scanning and response in support of mission.

From Pastor and People: Making Mutual Ministry Work by Richard J. Brueschoff (Kindle Locations 766-770).

Sample Meeting Agenda

1. Prayer (5 min)
2. Sharing (15 min)
   – click here for a list of sharing prompts, see page 6
3. Bible Study (15 min)
   – click here for a description of Kaleidoscope Bible study
4. Main agenda item (30 min)
5. Observer reflection (10 min)
6. Plan/prep next meeting (10 min)
7. Closing prayer (5 min)

Ground rules

• Meet once a month for 90 minutes
• For at least the first 6 months, don’t meet if anyone is unable to attend. After that, make your decision about meeting without someone on a case-by-case basis. Each member is as important as every other member!
• Meet in a comfortable environment where privacy and confidentiality of conversation is ensured.

Roles

Facilitator: the leader for a particular meeting.

Observer: pays special attention to the group process. Here are some questions to be aware of:

• Has someone talked too much or too little?
• What’s the feeling level among the group? If there was disagreement, how was it handled? Was it named and spoken?
• Is there tension evident among members? If so, how did it manifest itself?
• Do any smaller groups within the group seem to be forming? Are there any alliance?
• Have members listened carefully and responded appropriately?
• How is the group affecting each individual member?
• How is the group working together?

Bible study leader: chooses the scripture, prepares one question, then leads the study at the meeting.

Prayer leader: leads opening and closing prayers at the meeting.