Called to Serve
By Virtue of our Baptism, Episcopalians believe all Christian persons are called to ministry. While some are ordained, the most important ministers in the Church are the laity!
“In all services, the entire Christian assembly participates in such a way that the members of each order within the Church, lay persons, bishops, priests, and deacons, fulfill the functions proper to their respective orders, as set forth in the rubrical directions for each service.” - Book of Common Prayer, Page 13.
Our Ministry Covenant
The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist
(Updated July, 2026)
The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist is the church that serves! We welcome and serve all God’s people with love, compassion, and kindness. Our Book of Common Prayer teaches that all persons are called to ministry in the Church of God. Following Jesus’s example, we “come not to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45). Faithful stewardship is offered through the joyful offering of time, talent, and treasure. It is not done out of obligation or for reward, but rather out of gratitude. As God told Abraham, God blesses us and we “will be a blessing” (Genesis 12:2). Each Christian at St. John’s is encouraged to participate in ministries. As we do so, we abide by this ministry covenant and hold one another accountable in love.
· By virtue of my baptism, I am a minister who is called to serve. Our Book of Common Prayer tells us, “the ministry of lay persons is to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be; and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ's work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church” (BCP P. 855).
· I acknowledge the duty of all ministers, lay and ordained, is “to follow Christ; to come together week by week for corporate worship; and to work, pray, and give for the spread of the kingdom of God” (BCP P. 856).
· I will participate in regular corporate worship at my church and receive the sacraments frequently. I will encourage others to do likewise.
· I will practice and encourage a healthy theology of stewardship, offering financial support within my means to my faith community joyfully.
· I will support and uphold other ministers, always uplifting the Body of Christ.
· I will practice open communication and conflict resolution. When necessary, I will work for reconciliation.
· I understand that it is the duty of every Christian person to spend time in prayer and discernment. I will pray often and continue to discern my calling.
· I will be self-reflective, welcoming feedback and coaching from clergy and ministry leaders.