Shared Ministry Covenant
St. Alban’s is a community of faith that welcomes all God’s children whatever their origin, identity, or circumstance. The love shared by Jesus Christ shapes St. Alban’s resolve to love others and help in healing our social and natural worlds. The lessons and gospels of biblical scripture illuminate this outlook, and the Book of Common Prayer together with liturgies from across the worldwide Anglican Communion refresh the faith of the parish that is expressed in love and support for one another, sharing resources with the community, and in actions serving others. “We strive for peace and justice among all people and respect the dignity of every human being.”
Faith Lutheran Church is a community of the people of God called to minister to all and believes that the Gospel is God's gift to be shared unconditionally, especially with those who have been marginalized by the church and society. Faith Lutheran affirms with the apostle Paul, that "in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female. Christ has made us one." [Galatians 3: 28]. The members of Faith Lutheran strive to be agents of healing and to live as a reconciling people in congregational life and in outreach to the world. “The people of Faith Lutheran Church believe that God has placed us on the Eastern Shore to relay the message of Jesus that all people are welcomed in his house and to love them wherever they came from and however they got here.”
St. Alban’s and Faith Lutheran have partnered to search for new clergy. The Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) have been in full communion since 2000. Ordained ministers in both denominations may and do serve as clergy in either tradition. Given these challenges and opportunities, the faith-based ecumenical dimensions of both St. Alban’s and Faith Lutheran, the strategy of pursuing a single cleric to serve both churches has evident practical and financial advantages for both churches.
Efforts among the lay leadership of both churches to find solution to respective ministerial needs has been on-going for months. This covenant is the formal product of work that has included strategic collaboration, joint fellowship, and shared worship. These efforts have yielded in both congregations heightened enthusiasm, increased understanding of the commonalities between the Episcopal and Lutheran traditions, and determination to proceed with a shared ministry.
However, the two churches are not identical, and there is no intention of combining the two congregations. Each will maintain separate identity, liturgy, leadership, and finances, as well as specific goals and projects that may not be shared. For example, St, Alban’s has made a firm commitment to care of creation and environmental stewardship. Faith Lutheran has more of a focus on social justice. This covenant is intended to ensure that each church will be independent, able to maintain its unique identity, and pursue its chosen mission.
View the Shared Ministry Covenant