In the first Reformation over 450 years ago, Martin Luther and the printing press took the the Word of God, the Bible, out of the control of the clergy and placed it into the hands of all people. They did this by translating the scriptures into everyday language and making copies which all could afford. This was a wonderful gift which changed the face of Christianity forever. 

Martin Luther and his colleagues also advocated the "priesthood of all believers;" which means that every Christians is called to be active in ministry to a lost and hurting world. However the church has been slow to embrace this thoroughly biblical teaching. In far too many modern congregations, the ordained pastor is expected to do almost all ministry. This severely limits the effectiveness and scope of the church's service in Jesus' name and raises the very significant question: Can the clergy do it all?

In the 21st century another powerful reformation is underway. This one is placing active ministry back into the hands of all God's people. The ordained clergy's primary role becomes that of coach and teacher for the rest of God's team. This is a vastly superior way of doing ministry both in terms of the amount of work for God's kingdom which can be accomplished, and in the spiritual growth it brings to the lives of individual Christians.  

This new reformation has effected virtually all we do at Holy Cross, but is perhaps most powerfully seen in the ministry of our Lay Pastors pictured on this page. These specially trained, caring Christians assist Pastor Duncan in nearly every aspect of pastoral care. They visit the sick, shut-ins and visitors, deliver home communions, mentor new Christians, lead evangelism programs, serve in prison ministry and pray regularly for their assigned flock. 

Our long-term goal is to have a lay pastor assigned to every member and regular visitor. Is God perhaps calling you to serve as a shepherd for his flock? If you think the answer to this question might be "yes," contact Pastor Duncan by telephone or by e-mail at pastorjohn@holycrosselca.org.