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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodist News |
April 2001 |
Extension Ministries:
Building bridges beyond the local church
By Marilyn Anderson
Special to the Hoosier UM News
The sanctuary of the Crestmont United Church of Christ was quiet, but the air was filled with anticipation. Suddenly, sounds unfamiliar to most engulfed this hallowed space -- the roar of thunder sprang from the Kweng-gar-ri, the wind whistled through the Jing, and the rhythm of raindrops danced off the Chang-go as the Korean Drumming Troupe ushered in participants for the worship service.
Hearts pounded with each beat of these exotic percussion instruments as the distinguished pulpit guests processed up the aisle and took their places. It was clear, those in attendance were about to witness a ceremony of great significance and were in the midst of a powerful holy presence. As Dr. Philip Amerson was inaugurated as the fifth president of UM-related Claremont Seminary in Claremont, Calif. last month, he became yet another visible expression of Extension Ministry -- bridging the sacred and the secular. Amerson is a clergy member of the South Indiana Annual Conference and former senior pastor of First UMC in Bloomington, Ind.
Formerly known as Appointments beyond the Local Church (ABLOCs), Extension Ministries, according to Rev. Michael Anderson, Bloomington District Superintendent, "allow persons to live out their call with faithfulness and integrity, in light of the gifts that God has given them. They affirm that God can call people to ministries other than pastoral ministry."
Paul Chilcote Professor of Wesleyan Studies at Asbury Seminary in Orlando, Fla. and a member of the North Indiana Conference, has noticed a rise in the number of persons in Extension Ministry appointments in the past 10 years. "The 1980's saw a large exodus of clergy partially because of the Vietnam War. Extension ministries, along with the new Order of Deacon have allowed people to rediscover new venues for ministry," he said.
Broadening the reach
Extension ministry appointments are as varied as the persons serving in them. "They broaden the reach of the Church, extending the work of the congregation and conference in places where specialized work is needed" according to Phil Amerson, who is beginning his fourth extension ministry appointment. "For example in areas of education, heath care, evangelism, mission, chaplaincy, justice and charity efforts, it is often an extension ministry that completes, compliments or challenges the work of the church."
At Wesley Manor, a United Methodist community in Frankfort, Ind., residents come from a variety of faith backgrounds. Director of Pastoral Care, Gary Allan, often finds himself serving as minister to residents and their families, and also to staff. Trained as a marriage and family therapist and a registered nurse, Allan provides an important bridge between residents and their home church and pastor. For residents maintaining their church membership, his presence allows pastors to keep abreast of their members and to know that their spiritual needs are being met.
While some extension ministry appointments provide direct support, others provide support through administration and training. As executive director of the Bishop Reuben Job Center for Leadership Development, Doug Anderson is engaged in ministry that provides seminars, training opportunities, workshops and consultant services to local congregations and annual conferences. By encouraging, nurturing and training leaders, Anderson sees his role as that of a resource for local congregations. The center is located in Mitchell, S.D., however Anderson is based in Muncie, Ind. where he maintains his home and a strong relationship with his local congregation. Because the appointment is 800 miles from home, Anderson spends about 150 nights away. By creatively using technology, he performs his duties in S.D. while maintaining his home base.
Anderson served as a superintendent in the Muncie District from 1993-98, making this his second extension ministry appointment. In addition to the time away from home, the biggest challenge is for family members trying to explain exactly what he does, and how it is done cross-country.
Challenges not withstanding, Doug Anderson and others are doing exactly what they feel called to do.
Remaining accountable
Persons in appointments extending the ministry of the local UMC remain in the clergy connection and accountable to the annual conference. Because extension ministers are not a weekly presence in a local church, it can be easy to forget that those serving in appointments beyond the local church are extending the ministry of the church.
Phil Amerson reminds us that, persons in extension ministries have not "left the ministry" to work in these areas of different calling.
Those in Extension Ministries take seriously the Great Commission to "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (RSV)