Collaborative Ministry in Rural America

Bishop Murphy delivered this address on collaborative ministry in rural America at Loyola University’s Institute of Pastoral Studies in Chicago, IL. He shared his personal experiences and reflections on the challenges of creating and sustaining collaborative ministry in his own massive Diocese of Great Falls-Billings, MT. “The whole issue of collaborative ministry is complicated by the confusion of what collaborative ministry means,” said Bishop Murphy. “It does not mean an egalitarian approach to roles and responsibilities within the Church, but rather the recognition of the diverse gifts and charisms people are able to share with the Christian community according to their role and responsibility.”