Shared Ministry in Southwest Missouri

Shared Ministry is a great way for churches to engage in good stewardship of the gifts and resources that God has given to a congregation. It’s also quite adaptable, as there are a variety of ways that churches can engage in shared ministry with one another. In Southwest Missouri, the congregations of Zion Lutheran Church in Bolivar and Our Savior Lutheran Church in Buffalo walk together in shared ministry.

Rev. Jeff Sippy is serving a pastoral call at Zion and Our Savior, which functions as one ministry with two geographic locations. Originally from Seattle, Washington, Pastor Sippy has served in Missouri for many years, including as a vacancy pastor at Our Savior when he got the call to serve in this shared ministry. Pastor Sippy notes, though, he didn’t author this shared ministry idea, “Two congregations said, ‘what would it look like if you were serving us’. I didn’t author or develop it. I just think if you see something or someone in need, what solution do you bring to the table?” The shared ministry conversation started from congregational leaders from Zion and Our Savior early in 2023. Pastor Sippy was looped in November 2023, and officially installed in spring 2024. He serves both congregations, together.

It’s a great relationship, with members from both churches invited to studies and events at the other congregation. Each church has a Sunday service. Pastor Sippy starts Sundays with an earlier service in one location, then drives 25 minutes to the next church and has a later morning service. Both congregations are visited by Pastor Sippy every day of the week, and he does visitations, Bible studies, and helps at fellowship and servant events.

It’s a beautiful ministry and a great example of how walking together in ministry with other congregations is an excellent way to share resources and help spread the Gospel.