In Leadership Academy was the acquiring of confidence, the building of self-esteem, a greater affirmation and understanding of their spiritual gifts, as well as a very strong commitment to use these gifts for the building up of the congregation. I still serve St. Mark's as a part-time pastor. This may be seen as a departure from the ideal traditional paradigm of a full-time pastor for each congregation. The part-time pastor model should be seen as a viable option for those congregations who are too small or economically challenged to meet pastoral salary package demands. The essence of faith is risk.
Faith is the essential element to success in any pastorate.
Without it one is grossly hindered in the ministry. It took great faith for Pastor Little and I to go to St. Mark's to invest our gifts, talents, and commitment in the hope that a new congregation could emerge from the remnant of a severe transition. The positive value of the part-time pastor has been to encourage more effective lay leadership. It is true that the Bishop and the congregation were both unsure if the congregation could survive all the change. Each encouraged the other and through faith they persevered together.