My Ministry

Herman Kauffman
Executive Minister
Northern Indiana District
Church of the Brethren

Personal Vision Statement

My vision as Executive Minister is to work at calling, resourcing, strenthening and encouraging pastors and congregations to be a strong presence of Christ in the communities throughout Northern Indiana District.

A high priority is to help congregations find, call, and support pastors who are deeply committed to Jesus Christ, to the church at large and to the Church of the Brethren; who are able preachers, caring pastors, visionary prophets; and who are adequately trained to lead the congregation in its ministry.

I will provide leadership to the district board as it seeks to equip our family of churches for service to build up the Body of Christ; will serve with other staff to provide assistance for and communication to congregational leadership throughout the district; and will nurture positive relationships within the district and between the district and the larger church.
FUNCTION: To be the executive staff person of the district, providing pastoral oversight, leadership and consultation in the following areas:
  • pastoral placement
  • pastor/congregation relationships
  • district and denominational relationships
  • visioning and strategic planning
  • pastoral care of pastors and families
  • conflict resolution
  • employment and supervision of staff

My Guiding Principles for Ministry

Call:

I am called by God and the Church to serve the Northern Indiana District as its Executive Minister. Though by all human measurements, it is an impossible calling; it becomes possible as God is at work within me.

Continuity:

This ministry is not mine, nor is it new; rather it is a continuation of the ministry begun by Jesus and continued by those who have served in years past.

Creativity:

I am created in the image of a creative God and I am called to reflect that creativity in all I do.

Christ:

Jesus is the Christ and is the central focus of, and model for, my life and ministry.
Committed: I am committed to serving Christ and the Church through ministry in the Church of the Brethren.
Church: All churches are the right size to be all God calls a church to be and deserve to be treated with respect, even as they are challenged to become all that God intends for them to be.
Caring: Congregations and pastors need to know that the district cares about them and will be there for them in times of need.
Connection: District ministry connects congregations with pastoral leadership; local congregations with one another; and the local with the global.