We have a shared ministry in which clergy and laity serve and lead together. We look on our church community as extended family, and we accept the responsibility and welcome the privilege of sharing our gifts, resources and lives with each other, our community and the world.
"There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit;
and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord...
to each is given the manifestation of the Spirit
for the common good."
1 Corinthians 12:4-7
St. Mark’s is a Total Common Ministry Congregation of the Diocese of Olympia, the Episcopal Church in Western Washington. Like most Episcopal churches, we're a family-sized congregation. However, unlike traditional Episcopal churches, our clergy are locally trained, side by side with other leaders called by the congregation to serve. In Total Common Ministry, we “unpack the one man band,” the hierarchical model of ministry. We believe that we are gathered to be a ministering community, rather than a community gathered around a minister. This transformative model, rooted in our Baptismal Covenant, stresses that every member of the body has been given gifts, and has been called to serve God and community in a particular way.
Of our regular preachers, two are members of the congregation who are not ordained but who have been licensed by the Bishop to serve in this way, one is a deacon and three are ordained priests. Having many preachers means that we have a rich variety of voices and perspectives in the pulpit. Having many clergy members is an outward and visible sign of the importance of the sacraments in our worship.
"Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least
who are members of my family, you did it to me."
Matthew 25:40
None of our members or clergy, lay or ordained, receives a salary from St. Mark’s, which means we have more resources to help in outreach to the larger community. Our outreach ministries cover a wide range of community needs. If you desire to serve, you will find many opportunities here.