Diocese of North Carolina
In 1996, the Diocese of North Carolina began to research and develop cluster ministries, as a new way of helping small congregations to renew their sense of mission and ministry. Several clergy and laypersons sought out and attend conferences sponsored by other Diocese that had experience in helping to bring new life to struggling congregations. A decision was made to implement the cluster concept in our diocese.
What is a Cluster?
A Cluster consists of three or more churches in a region that agree to work together in a productive covenant. (Some dioceses use the words 'regional ministry' instead of 'cluster'.) Christ used the image of a vine to define his ministry, with Christ as the vine, a cluster can said to be a bundle of branches. Each church is a branch, which holds clusters of grapes. The grapes, it follows, are the members of each church, each with his or her own individual ministry. In a Cluster, each branch, or congregation, maintains its own identity, has its own budget, and sends its own delegates to Diocesan Convention. Each church member is not only a member of his or her own church, but also of the larger cluster.
What is different?
A cluster has a ministry of at least three persons, ordained and lay, and a council made up of two or three members of each church. The Council develops events and programs in fulfilling its mission and ministry. The cluster works in a close interdependent relationship with the diocesan staff in developing a new vision for the individual congregations, as well as a total vision for the cluster as a whole.
