A thriving parish will have many more groups and activities than the rector can be involved in. But although the rector cannot and should not attend all groups, that does not mean that they should be ignored. The groups of parish life need tending and nourishing, just as individuals do. Here are some ways that priests can minister to groups.

1. Plan to drop in on a regular basis to encourage their ministry, hear their achievements, and find out their needs.

2. Recruit actively for members and leaders for the organization as you do your routine parish visiting.

3. Keep a scrapbook with the names of individuals who might be called on in the future to help.

4. Call group leaders together from time to time so they can see how they fit into the big picture.

5. Be present to honour leadership transitions, important achievements and anniversaries.

6. Express appreciation to those who are doing solid work.

7. Be a booster for the activities of the group during worship announcement time, or call upon group leaders to give announcements so their leadership activities can be known and appreciated.

8. Visit with the leaders privately so you can hear their trials and frustrations, and plan strategies with them about solutions.

9. Help people who want out of the group to do so graciously.

10. Seed the leaders and groups with ideas of worthwhile projects and goals that could re-energize their organization.

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©2005 Ronald C. Ferris