04/30/2018
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING FOR AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:
Effective July 1, 2018 Bishop Tracy S. Malone will appoint both Rev. Dawan Buie and Pastor Greg Calko to not only Trinity and Richard Brown United Methodist Churches, but also to Centenary, Mahoning, and Lockwood United Methodist Churches—the new Youngstown Team Ministry.
This will be an adjustment for us, but it is an exciting adjustment. The pastoral team of Pastor Buie and Pastor Calko means that we have two pastors with passion, vision, experience, and connection with Youngstown to guide these 5 churches, all in a crucial time of transition, towards a sustainable and thriving United Methodist ministry in Youngstown to invite people to join Jesus in ministry. We will have a multiethnic and multigenerational pastoral team to help us reach the diverse population of Youngstown.
While both pastors will share certain basic pastoral roles such as preaching, teaching, and visitation, they each bring unique gifts. Pastor Buie will have primary leadership of the Wednesday evening Transform service and outreach ministries. Pastor Calko will have primary leadership of administration and developing a strategic plan. You undoubtedly have lots of questions about how two pastors will serve 5 churches. We have a handout (see below) which explains the general principles of a team ministry. We also have brochures introducing both pastors to you (see below). We will be setting up opportunities for you to meet Pastor Buie and Pastor Calko, and the other churches, in person soon. Please hold Centenary, Mahoning, and Lockwood UMCs in your prayers today as they are also learning about The Youngstown Team Ministry this morning.
Youngstown Team Appointment
Clergy Co-Pastors:
Rev. Dawan Buie—commissioned elder who has completed seminary. Emphasis on outreach efforts and
Transform.
Pastor Greg Calko—licensed local pastor who has completed the Course of Study. Emphasis on
administration and long-term strategic planning.
UM Churches:
Centenary
Lockwood
Mahoning
Richard Brown
Trinity
Bold and Courageous New Plan:
Appoint two pastors with passion, vision, experience, and connection with Youngstown to guide these 5
churches, all in a time of transition, towards a sustainable and thriving United Methodist ministry in
Youngstown to invite people to join Jesus
Why Now:
All of these churches are at a crucial transition time. None are able to support a full time appointment alone. The combined average weekly worship attendance of all five churches is 170. At the same time, the large number of clergy retiring provides new opportunities for clergy to step forward into new leadership roles as we realign churches for financial sustainability for ministry. Pastor Calko and Pastor Buie bring complementary gifts. Further, some see revitalization in parts of Youngstown.
How a Team Ministry Will Function:
Two pastors will work together to serve the basic pastoral needs of all five churches, as well as apply their gifts to discerning and leading into the future.
Worship:
Two pastors will each preach two services a Sunday for the first seven months (July-January). At that time we will evaluate whether that is still the best way to proceed moving forward. Churches will take turns combining services or worshipping at another location. The pastors will rotate pulpits. The schedule will be well-publicized.
Pastor Buie will be the primary preacher at the Transform service, as well as leading outreach efforts.
Visitation:
The pastors will have assigned visitation days and will visit whomever is in the hospital from any of the churches on those days. Laity will be expected to join the pastoral visitation team in a similar fashion.
Bible Study:
A team approach to Bible study means that one pastor might lead a daytime group at one location and an evening group at another location. All the church members will be invited to either. Meanwhile, the other pastor will be focused on another aspect of ministry. Of course, laity are always welcome to lead study, prayer, or other small groups!
Administration:
The pastors will develop a new schedule of committee meetings at each church, as well as a joint all-church strategy team. Some committees and teams will meet without the pastors.Pastor Calko will lead the churches in efforts to share resources for wise stewardship of resources.
What does the future hold?
Only God knows. It is possible that within a few years, we will have one Youngstown United Methodist Church, in one handicap-accessible, air-conditioned building with adequate parking and a strong vision to reach the community. It is also possible that we will have a Youngstown United Methodist Church Team Ministry, with multiple neighborhood locations. We trust that God and the United Methodist Church have not given up on Youngstown. This new team appointment is part of the journey to the next chapter.
