Does “Called to Common Mission” imply grades or levels of ministry?
No. In fact, “Called to Common Mission” counters the notion that the ordained ministry is on a higher grade than others among the priesthood of all believers. Specifically, “Called to Common Mission” declares, “We agree that ordained ministers are called and set apart for the one ministry of Word and Sacrament, and that they do not cease thereby to share in the priesthood of all believers. They fulfill their particular ministries within the community of the faithful and not apart from it” (paragraph 7). By saying that the ordained ministry exists to serve, all notions of hierarchy and power are eliminated. By emphasizing the “one” ministry of Word and Sacrament and the continued sharing in the priesthood of all believers, “Called to Common Mission” rejects any grades in ministry.
