These disciples then come back into the church to receive encouragement and support and to grow in their faith, even as other new disciples are brought in, nurtured, and sent out into the world. It is a cyclic process through which continuous growth and improvement contribute to an ever-widening circle of Christian influence in the world. The pastor in this system has the primary leadership role in monitoring the church processes, striving for clarity, and listening to the community for ways the system might be more effective in achieving its mission. It is a daunting task, but one that has great potential for rich spiritual rewards. Human lives are transformed.
People discover meaning in their service to others.
A sense of community offers a strength that cannot be known in isolation. Ultimately, the work of Christ is advanced in the world. They function out of a ministry model that primarily includes spiritual formation, the articulation of vision, and clarity about the primary task. At one time, this spiritual leadership function was done for the congregational members by the ordained clergy. Today, effective pastoral spiritual leaders work with congregational leaders to create systems for effective mission and ministry.