The competition for the 2000 General Conference was expanded to include lay leaders from the central conferences. As Nibbelink emphasized the importance of lay and clergy partnership, he noted that a team approach is essential in forming a motivating, vital vision for the ministry of the congregation and for effectively performing the work of the Gospel. Dictates from the pulpit or pew must pass away, and a renewed, cooperative spirit must be encouraged to take root. For too long, autocratic pastors have hampered congregations, and unwilling, contentious congregations have stifled willing and committed pastors, he said. Partners work together, and together, with the help of God's spirit, the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts, and barriers seen as insurmountable are reduced or eliminated.
Partners support and draw energy from each other.
The synergy resulting from a thriving partnership makes more room for the Spirit of God to enter the partnership because each person is committed to find and fulfill the dreams and visions that come from God's Spirit, rather than to chasing personal rainbows. A partnership between the pastor and the lay leader can provide each with a perspective of the congregation, its needs and strengths, and of the surrounding community, he said. Different viewpoints are necessary and essential to forming ministry of the congregation that is vital and motivational. While one person cannot adequately assess needs, leaders of the laity and pastors have access to a network of ideas, training, support services, resources and people. A partnership provides both with the opportunity to do what they do best in a mutually supportive way and not in isolation, he stated.