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Ecumenical Diaconal Ministry (EDM)

Links to Proposal for Ministerial Preparation

and Valerie Bannert's Dissertation "One Mission - One Ministry"

Frequently Asked Questions about EDM

What is EDM?

Basically it is about a new alternative approach to the method or way in which ministers are trained in the mainstream churches of the Christian traditions today.

    A founding principle of the alternative approach to ministerial preparation is based on a growing awareness of the human condition in this changing world. As James Conlon puts it: “We live in “in-between” times; like people on a trapeze we have to let go of one rope and hover over the net waiting for the next one to appear.” And as we find ourselves in this uncharted territory like one who is between ropes we may wonder - has the future arrived too soon only to find us without nerve to grab the rope that will whirl us into a whole new world? Or are we caught up in the prophecy of Diarmuid O’Murchu: “A new day is dawning over the spiritual landscape and new possibilities for spiritual pilgrimage open up on all sides.”? This proposal is but one step forward - one rope to grasp - a rope that will take us to a new awareness of who we are in relation to each other and to the whole of creation. In essence it advocates a different approach to ministerial preparation that is ecumenical in purpose and intent, diaconal in spirit and practice, and self regulated in structure and operation - in short it is post-denominational.

    Under one umbrella preparation and support is provided for people dedicated to a variety of ministries. It is an alternative approach to denominational clericalism. As such it is an intentional, professional ministry that is:
ECO - ECUMENICAL IN PURPOSE AND INTENT

    Ecumenical - oikoumene, oikos, home, habitat - is a term used here, not in the restricted sense of unity among the Christian churches, but in the original meaning which is “the whole inhabited earth.”Hence“eco”is used to emphasize the desire for unity/harmony of all living beings, matter, energy, bodies, and forces in relation to one another in the Creator. So it is that under one umbrella EDM envelopes all who feel called to pursue peace, justice, and an abundance of life in a better world - not only for humankind but for the entire created universe.

DIACONAL IN SPIRIT AND PRACTICE

    EDM is developed on a leadership model that advocates a non-authoritarian approach referred to as Diaconal Ministry from the Greek diakonos that indicates a communal function. “Diaconal” is not to be confused with the term “deacon” which refers to the ordained order. EDM is based on the belief that all is connected. The participants are in spirit and practice prepared to work in partnership with each other as well as with traditional religious structures and other secular and social ministries.

MINISTRY - SELF REGULATED IN STRUCTURE AND OPERATION

    EDM is structured for freedom and flexibility and as such requires a high degree of professionalism yet be independent of any one faith structure. Hence there is a need for a neutral framework such as one offered by a University. It is also structured to operate beyond the traditional areas thought of as “church matters” (theology, ethics, scripture etc.). EDM empowers the participants to reach out from a broader perspective that would include political sciences, ecology, peace and justice, health and welfare, and other professional fields. Everything is profoundly interrelated. All is connected.

    EDM depicts not a melting pot of sameness but rather a divine mosaic - a multifaceted diamond proclaiming that as human beings we all share a divine spark of a common Source that creates us, sustains us, and leads us forever on to higher levels of connectedness.

  Frequently Asked Questions about EDM

1. What are the characteristics of the Ecumenical Diaconal Ministry (EDM)?

    EDM is an alternative approach to denominational clericalism. As such it is: eco-ecumenical in purpose and intent, diaconal in spirit and practice, and self-regulated in structure and operation.

2. What are some ways that EDM differs from the ordained ministry?

    1) Generally the ordained minister is ordained for Word (preaching, teaching), Sacraments, and Pastoral Care. The EDM minister’s focus is on Education, Pastoral Care, and Community Building.

    2) The ordered minister usually functions within the framework of an institutional church. In most cases there is a major, basic attachment to a specific denomination. The EDM minister is professionally trained and educated according to her/his skills, abilities, and charisma independently of any one specific denomination or institutional church.

    3)   The ordered minister usually fits into the traditional ministries of her/his denomination and structure. The EDM minister operates out of a much broader field than that of the ordered minister. Some chosen ministries, for example, are in such areas as: ecology and environmental concerns, politics, family services, community building, youth programming. They are in a sense free-lancers and as such are equipped to work with or independent of an institutional church.

3. What are some ways that EDM may differ from lay ministry (priesthood of all believers)?

    EDM may differ from those who volunteer in various ministries by the fact that they are trained, educated, and intentionally committed to a particular ministry as a profession. The status of an EDM minister is that of a professional practitioner of spirituality and religion.

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