Maintaining a healthy relationship with the other congregations in the diocese and with the diocese is important to the health of the local congregation. A Total Ministry congregation has typically become accustomed to decision-making by groups of people, for example, the ministry team. The challenge is to integrate this approach to decision-making with the structures of the diocese.
When the diocese elects a new bishop, the Total Ministry congregation has the challenge of establishing their relationship with the new bishop. This can be especially challenging when the new bishop doesn't have experience with Total Ministry. Prayer and education about Total Ministry can facilitate a smoother start to this relationship.