Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

We all know the struggles facing small congregations in today’s church and world. In this video, we hear about Cathie Caimano’s innovative vocation as a “free-range” priest in partnership with several parish communities. This carefully structured arrangement offers churches the option of sustainable part-time ministry while giving priests a viable new model for serving multiple congregations. Fundamentals include task-based contracts, intentional and ongoing support for lay ministers, digital and in-person ministry, and clear definitions of roles and responsibilities. Cathie argues that small changes in how we serve together can lessen the burdens for both clergy and lay ministers, opening up a hopeful new future in which everyone is free to focus on ministry.

The Rev. Catherine (‘Fr. Cathie’) Caimano is an Episcopal priest and the CEO of Free Range Priest, which empowers ministers to reimagine church in the digital age. She’s also the platform creator for Hearts on Fire Spiritual Practices, an online community for ministry innovators. She lives near Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband and adorable Great Dane. She gets all her best ideas while running.

Resources:

• Resources and Support for Small Churches by Susan Elliott, Vestry Papers, July 2017
• Equal Partners by Donald Romanik, Vestry Papers, July 2013
• Part Time ≠ Less Than by Cathie Caimano, Vestry Papers, May 2016
• Preparing for Lay Only Leadership by Heather Barta, May 2015