What are Ministry Teams (MT’s):  MT’s are action teams.  They have two specific features.  People on ministry team neither attend meetings nor submit written reports about that particular ministry.  Imagine that:  no meetings and no reports.

What is the difference between MT’s and Committees?  Committees are made up of about 6 (maximum) people.  Committees have two responsibilities. They are to offer leadership in a particular area of ministry AND invite others to be involved in ministry through MT’s.

So MT’s can only be started by Committee members, right?  Well, yes and no.  Committee members may choose set up a MT for a specific task.  The life of that MT is the life of the task for which it was set up. After the task is done, that MT’s work is done and is dissolved.  MT’s are the main vehicle through which committees invite others to be involved in ministry.

How else can MT’s be started?  MT’s can be started by anyone who sees a need and wants to take the leadership and initiative in meeting that need.  All that is required for that person of initiative to find two or three like-minded people to join the MT.  They can then approach the Pastor who will then point them in the direction of the appropriate committee with which to work.  A committee member will be assigned to that MT for support and accountability.  This liaison will keep the committee informed as to what and how the MT is doing.

How many MT’s can a person serve?  You can serve on as many MT’s as you want.  If you prefer doing rather than planning and discussing, MT’s are for you.  Remember, the life of the MT is the life of the task.   Someone has to plan and discuss and there are those who are really good at that.  We need them to serve on committees. There are many gifts, all given by the same Spirit.   The beauty of MT’s is that they are very flexible and allow everyone to participate in some kind of ministry no matter their time constraints.

How are MT’s funded?  MT’s are funded by the committees to which they are attached.  If that committee does not have funds, a written request can be submitted to the Missions Committee for consideration.

Sounds like a potentially chaotic environment, right?  Not exactly.  Remember, each MT is attached to a committee and through a liaison, is in touch with that committee.  These committees each have a Session representative who has a fair idea of the mission of our church.  So each MT will be assessed on whether or not it contributes to the mission of our church.

How can a person know about MT opportunities?  Through bulletin inserts, announcements at worship and in the church newsletter, invitation by committee members to get involved, etc.  Better yet, become aware of your passion and interests and explore how you may engage these interests and passions through ministry at Pitt Pres.  Start your own MT.  You only need to identify a need or area of ministry, locate a few other like-minded people to join you (2 or 3), connect with a committee person or the Pastor and go for it.  No meetings or written reports needed.  You minister at your own pace, set you own schedule and do what satisfies your sense of call and contributes to our church’s mission.  That’s it.

What if I can’t find anyone to join me on a MT? Well, then you have to decide if you can single handedly deliver on the mission or ministry.  Talk to the Pastor or a committee person about your ideas. They may know others who might be interested in working with you.  If turns out you don’t need others on the team, that is okay too.  Just be sure you are attached to a committee so someone knows what ministry you are doing and can help keep Session informed about our various ministries.

Do MT’s have to serve our congregation or can they branch out and serve the larger community?  MT’s can serve our community of faith.  They may also serve the larger community, churched or unchurched.  MT’s can be great witnesses for the love of God in our community.  Please be sure your MT is attached to a committee and that you have a committee liaison for accountability and support.