When we speak of baptismal ministry we refer to our lifelong engagement as members of the
Church of Jesus Christ, living a life of love of God and love of our neighbor for God's sake in Christ.
Such living is based upon, but not limited to, the following principles:
~ the Church, the body of Christ, exists to carry out God's mission
~ ministry happens in all of life's endeavors
~ learning in ministry begins with preparation for baptism and continues until death; it is experiential and lifelong
~ the Gospel must be engaged afresh in every context, every time, and every place
~ every person has a unique configuration of gifts; no one is omnicompetent
~ no person is indispensable; every person is irreplaceable
~ the Spirit equips every congregation with what it needs to do what God is calling it to do
~ congregations are not problems to be solved; like individuals, each has a unique pattern of gifts and opportunities which shape its ministry; ministries are not slots to be filled
~ the local congregation or community of faith calls people to offices and specific ministries