United Methodists intentionally commit to the concept of the “priesthood of all believers” (1 Peter 2:5-9). Ministry, then, is a dynamic collaboration between the appointed pastors, the paid ministry support staff, and congregational leaders. At Trinity, we faithfully submit ourselves to the guidance of the Lord, and continually seek the power of the Holy Spirit to unite us and inspire us to do that which is often beyond our ability and awesomely attributed to God. This faithful approach to life in ministry together has established a very healthy ministry setting. Most of the time, people from all walks of life are able to serve together in mutual respect and dependence on one another. The overwhelming result is often not only meaningful ministry to others, but a closer connection themselves.
An important aspect of the overall ministry of Trinity is to help individuals discern their spiritual gifts and abilities, connect these with their passions for active service, and empower them as faithful leaders. There are a number of ways to get involved in serving, beginning with a conversation with a ministry-team leader or one of the pastors. We are also beginning to utilize the AccessACS member-information system to help people in discernment, and then to connect them with various existing ministry outlets.
As well, we strive to maintain an atmosphere of permissibility at Trinity. It is our hope that anyone with a new idea for ministry, supported by viable steps toward implementation, will be welcomed for consideration by the pastors and congregational leadership. Be advised, though, that it is expected that whoever seeks to implement a new ministry will lead in its development.
Our Pastors
The pastors lead the overall vision and mission of the church, beginning with the Senior Pastor, but supported and implemented by the other pastors and the whole congregation. As Ordained Elders, the Senior and Associate Pastors are responsible for leadership in preaching the Word, administering the Sacraments of baptism and communion, and establishing the Order of the church body in ministry. These pastors are itinerant in submission to the United Methodist Discipline, which means they are appointed by the Bishop, but may be moved as needed for service to the greater Florida Conference. Nevertheless, Trinity has long been blessed with Pastors of the highest caliber, typically in location for the better part of a decade.
As an Ordained Deacon, the Associate Pastor of Discipleship supplies more direct leadership in service, particularly in the discipleship of our members. Due to the stationary nature of the diaconal ministry, Trinity has been blessed with a constant leader for over 17 years. This has led to the establishment of a strong discipleship ministry from childhood to advanced age, yet flexible during its years and into the future to grow with the ever-changing world in which we live.
We invite you to meet our Pastors:
The Ministry Support staff
There is a fairly significant number of paid staff at Trinity, to support the ever-growing needs in ministry and service. Each individual has a distinct role and duties, which are supplied in the list to offer guidance to anyone seeking their assistance. Nevertheless, the staff all works together under a mutually developed Social Covenant. Under its biblical foundation, they strive not just to get along on a team, but to serve one another in support of the greater ministry of the church. The staff are available during their regular business hours by contacting the Church Office: (850)222-1120 or by way of e-mail, as supplied in the next page.
Please see our Staff Directory:
The Congregation Leaders
Congregation members make up the core of ministry leadership at Trinity and any United Methodist Church. Faithful members are willing to offer their time, talents, gifts and service to carry out the ministry of the church. Sometimes, people are called to serve out of necessity, but most often people are free and able to serve out of their passions.
There are three standing committees as set forth by the United Methodist discipline: Finance, Trustees, Staff-Pastor-Parish Relations and a Committee on Lay-Leadership. In laymen’s terms, these committees handle the overall operation & business of the church. It’s not necessarily the most glorious work, but due to their faithful efforts, Trinity is incredibly strong fiscally and in personnel. The other committees have been established over the years by members who typically have seen a need for ministry, either within the congregation or to those in our city and world, and have the desire to meet that need. There are over 25 ministry teams represented within Trinity. We encourage all who worship with us to consider serving with us in any one of these teams, or in creating your own ministry area.
Please connect with our congregational leaders and click here to view the Church Council and Ministry Teams Directory.
