Team Ministries in Anglican Parishes in the Maritime Provinces of Canada: Considerations for Formation and Development

Within the Canadian Maritime provinces, the Anglican Church is grappling with how best to exercise ministry in this evolving environment. One alternative parish model is a team ministry model. Team ministries are characterized by more than one person in the position of leadership carrying out ministry in overlapping roles in the same parish environment, functioning in a non-hierarchical manner. The goal of the research was to learn how team ministries may be better formed and maintained in the future. This thesis opens by identifying sources which can provide insight about how team ministries may be better formed and maintained. It looks at writings from the early Church (particularly parts of the New Testament), and practices of "team ministry" in other Anglican provinces. It also draws from the field of Occupational Psychology. The bulk of the research for this thesis was a grounded theory qualitative research study, undertaken among participants in team ministries in two Anglican dioceses. The research was distilled into five broad categories: Dispositions, Theological Perspectives and Traits; Ordination and Team Formation; Parishes; Social and Spiritual Disciplines; and Support Beyond the Parish. Key research results are that potential team ministers need to have reasonably compatible theological perspectives and dispositions, and reasonably good emotional intelligence. The research identifies some general traits which ought to be present among team ministers. The parish(es) and the team ministers need to prepare for this ministry (including long-term planning), with external support. The team ministry relationship needs on-going attention, particularly the process of communication. Particular attention also needs to be taken for the relationships which include Non-Stipendiary Ordained Ministers (N.S.O.M.), as these clergy are raised up from the local parish and generally serve there throughout their ministries.Doctor of Ministry (DMin