Mutual Ministry Review

The Mutual Ministry Review (MMR) is a requirement of the diocese following the first year of a Priest-in-Charge. Having a MMR is common practice in Episcopal Churches. I have done them in my previous parishes with Vestry for the benefit of our relational ministry. We are all eager to continue them yearly and provide a summary to the parish. At the August 2025 Vestry Meeting, The Rev. Kevin Newell came in to facilitate the MMR. We welcomed beginning this healthy practice at GHTC.

The MMR does not focus on the past or even planning for the future. It is a snapshot of Grace & Holy’s existing gifts and areas for growth. A summary of our conversation came using the following guiding questions as we reviewed some ministry areas: 

How do the ministries of Grace & Holy align with its goals (mission, values, and vision)? What are the results of these ministries? 

What are the gifts/strengths/challenges/opportunities in these ministries?

How well does leadership work together to serve the parish and community? How are leaders and groups supported? 

What are the ministry priorities for the coming year?

Worship

All aspects of worship are very much appreciated and admired at Grace & Holy Trinity. One member stated that the clergy “treasure” what they do, and “set a good stage.” The music ministry received special praise. We are grateful to the Hospitality Committee, observed as some of the hardest-working volunteers at GHTC. One area of growth raised was in the acolyte program. The leadership of the program was praised and grateful they are open to opportunities for improvement. We want this ministry to be more of a spiritual practice than a performative activity, “displaying” the parish’s children. We want increased formation for acolytes.

Education

Adult formation is admittedly weak at GHTC. We believe it is a result of poor communication, programming topics, and staff turnover resulting in a lack of church engagement. We trust that now with a full staff and growing stability our parishioners will re-engage. We believed intentional topics and organization should be focused on this area. The new staff and clergy joining us will help support communication and education. Children’s formation is more stable. We are grateful to the parishioners who stepped up to keep the programming going. Those efforts saved the program. With the stability of leadership, we are hoping for more ministry consistency and parent buy in and grace in this ministry area. The vestry is intentional about rebuilding our two formation areas of ministry. They are also very grateful that they have a priest who knows how to talk to children.

Mission

We are grateful that GHTC has been funding local organizations. The parish is again being seen as a community partner. Some parishioners enjoy the engagement in our mission ministries, yet there is a concern their efforts might be “spread too thin.” The result might be a lack of focus and difficulties in our communication. A hard look should be taken to increase our volunteer support. We believe this work is deeply spiritual. The Vestry is very grateful to the Outreach Committee for their ongoing, hard work.

Conclusion

Our discussion continued to speak of the gifts of the parish. Some examples shared are the physical plant with its beautiful windows and architecture, the beauty of our liturgy, and the generous spirit of parishioners when it comes to outreach, energy, curiosity, and goodness. Kevin noted that despite the fact that our parish has been wandering in the wilderness and tested. We still stand strong and are more spiritual than before. Our parish values service, a sense of curiosity, and their worship. We feel engaged by sermons and inspired by the music and beauty of our shared life.

Goals

Our goals are typical. They include a for stability as we rediscover “who we are” so we can be “loud and proud about it.” We recognize that they cannot be “all things to all people.” Clarity of identity will help us to focus more on our mission opportunities using the passion of volunteers and clergy to do the most with our gifts. We seek to welcome more people and seek to re-engage with parishioners who have fallen away from GHTC.

Kevin noted “I found in this representative cross section of the parishioners of Grace & Holy Trinity that, despite several years of adversity, they have shown a resilient spirit. They have come out on the other side of the wilderness with a genuinely positive outlook. Their leadership act with grace, humility, and strength. There was much gratitude shared for clergy, staff, and volunteers. I believe that Grace & Holy Trinity Church is in a solid place – with solid leadership – and that their focus is upon the mission of the Church.”

In Peace,

Father Brent