Deepening Baptismal Ministry The Episcopal Diocese of Vermont Copyright © 2007

A Bit of Theology… Baptism gives us a part in the Church’s life and mission –restoring all people to unity with God and each other in Christ Baptism admits us to Christ’s priesthood Ministry, through baptism, is done in community by all members

“We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in his eternal priesthood…” Holy Baptism, Book of Common Prayer

“I will, with God’s help…” If we believe what we promise in the sacrament of baptism, then all of us stand as members of Christ’s priesthood, as ministers.

A Bit of History… Early Life in the church Everyone had a role in ministry In the Middle Ages Ministry and ordained priesthood are one Eventually, only the priest could minister Church members were recipients

And we’ve been this way for a long time… Church Members as Recipients Ordained Priest who ministers to

20 th Century Re-emergence of Baptismal Ministry Rural dioceses Small congregations Need for local ministries Rediscovery of Early Church ministries Grounded in mission 1979 Book of Common Prayer The National Church Cornerstone Project Syndicators, Harvesters, Living Stones

A New Model of Ministry (Re)Emerges From… Individuals gathered around a minister To.. Ministering Communities

From this model… Ordained priest Church Members as Recipients

To this model… A dynamic partnership of sharing gifts in community

Guiding Principles of Baptismal Ministry Baptismal Covenant is fundamental to all ministry Baptismal Covenant is fundamental to all ministry Local community is the context for formation, ministry, and mission Local community is the context for formation, ministry, and mission Every person is called to participate Every person is called to participate Each calling is of equal worth and essential for the fullness of mission— restoring people to unity with God and each other in Christ Each calling is of equal worth and essential for the fullness of mission— restoring people to unity with God and each other in Christ

Baptismal Ministry Every person Every person Every gift Every gift Every ministry Every ministry For mission For mission