Pastoral Transition
INTERIM PASTOR
Thank you to our interim search committee for again stepping forward to help us find a second interim pastor. They are: Holly Chapman (at-large representative); Mary May (Church Council representative); Jon Kukick (at-large representative); Peggy Newman (Staff Parish Relations representative); Jim Royston (at-large representative) and Anne Bond (Ecumenical Board Liaison).
NEW PASTOR
We now have our Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC): Bob Anderson, Carol Brautigam, Marcia Hall, Patty Kurz, Mary Royston, Kerrie Shahan, and Mike Overn. More information to come from this group.
While the PNC is doing its thing, we the congregation also have some tasks that we will corporately be doing. These are spelled out in the covenant agreement that was agreed to by Pastor Lamb and Council on behalf of the congregation.
As part of the covenant agreement, in addition to the normal pastoral duties, Pastor Lamb will:
Intentionally lead the congregation through the congregation’s Developmental Tasks (of):
A. Coming to terms with the congregation’s history,
B. Discerning the congregation’s purpose and identity,
C. Supporting leadership change and development,
D. Reaffirming and strengthening denominational links, and
E. Committing to new leadership and new ministry.
Our commitment as the congregation is to:
1. Commit to the process of self-study by working through the Developmental Tasks.
2. Seriously consider implementing programs suggested by the Interim Pastor.
3. Actively pursue the calling of a settled pastor.
4. Function as the “Body of Christ,” making visits to worship guests, members in hospitals
nursing facilities, homebound, and inactive members.
5. Maintain education, mission, music, and other ministries of the congregation.
6. Continue to provide staff support.
7. Support the involvement of the Interim Pastor in denominational activities, clergy
associations, and Interim Ministers’ Support Groups.
8. Provide resources for professional consultation with specialists, when needed, in order to
assist the Interim Pastor in accomplishing the goals of interim ministry.
9. Appoint the Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) to serve as a confidential support and
advisory group for the interim pastor, to monitor progress in accomplishing the developmental tasks and to act as a link between the pastor and the congregation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How will things be communicated to the congregation?
An accurate, timely, and complete free-flow of communication is essential. We will use a combination of bulletin inserts, all-church e-mails, the Web Site, home mailings, and monthly after church Q&A sessions to communicate with the congregation on what has and is transpiring at each step of the process. It is also important to remember that communication is a two-way street so please do not hesitate to ask questions or voice concerns -- one of the very worst things we can do during this process is the engage in parking lot discussions, gossip, letting factions develop, or spreading rumors.
Why are we having an Interim Pastor?
No matter why a pastor leaves a church, there are always a multitude of swirling emotions related to the departure. For some it may be “good riddance.” For others, there is the question of “what did we do wrong that he would want to leave us?” Whether pain and grief or relief or guilt, emotions must be dealt with. Since we do not know what will happen in the future, some may have feelings of anxiety and confusion. The sense of loss is like any loss, such as divorce or death. If we don't take time to deal with the feelings about the loss, it likely will interfere with the next pastorate. Churches can be like people who remarry hastily before resolving feelings and fears and end up marrying a person similar to the one they have lost rather than the best person for them. When the pastor leaves the church members are left with the joys and problems, the needs and concerns of the church with no pastoral leadership. Interim Pastors are ordained pastors with special training and experience to minister to the needs and challenges of this time between pastors. They fulfill the usual pastoral duties of preaching, teaching, calling and administering the sacraments. They also help the church explore and reclaim its past and sort out and understand feelings.
Why is it important for an Interim Pastor to have special education?
Basic Education in Interim Ministry helps pastors focus on three things: (1) the unique dynamics of a congregation in transition, (2) the kind of leadership needed to serve such congregations and (3) developing those leadership skills. This education will not make good interim pastors out of mediocre clergy, but it should equip each one to be a better interim pastor than he or she could have been without the training.
What is role of the Interim Pastor do?
The primary job of our Interim Pastor is to prepare us for our next permanent called pastor and the changes that come with him or her. This will include processes that build unity, heal hurts, encourage, promote reconciliation, and generate excitement. The Interim Pastor is much more than a preacher that fills the pulpit on Sundays. He or she is a seasoned pastor who understands the dynamics of congregational life. He or she has special insight into the moods, grief stages, and pastor search needs of a church. He or she will lead us in discovering our mission before we prepare a profile to use in the search process for a pastor. Without a doubt, our Interim Pastor will be more than a warm body who shows up just on Sunday morning!
What will the Interim Pastor do?
A great deal of the work will occur outside of Sunday worship as he or she leads us in deeper exploration of our mission and values before we prepare a profile to use in the search process for a pastor. He or she will provide an unbiased and objective view of whether we "walk our talk." In addition, he or she will provide for the worship life of our congregation, supply basic pastoral care and leadership, and helps guide us through the unique complexities, challenges and opportunities inherent in the interim time, by working to create an atmosphere that brings about and grows our congregational health while allowing time for the search and call process to unfold in a non-anxious and intentional manner.
Will the Interim Pastor change things?
In a world full of change many of us look to our church for stability and security. When a settled pastor leaves, that sense of sanctuary is disrupted as the changes that occur are felt in all aspects of church life. Interim pastors enter an environment where change has already occurred. They more frequently work to stabilize the situation that to change it. In fact, Interim Pastors are trained to be cautious about change, and have guidelines regarding when and when not to change. However, they cannot overlook opportunities to address issues which relate to the well-being of the church and its readiness for a new leader and a new ministry. The changes that might be indicated are not undertaken arbitrarily, but only with the support of the lay leadership of the church.
Will we grow while we have an Interim Pastor?
There is a temptation to go on hold during an interim time, but many congregations actually grow during the interim period. It is important to continue to offer membership classes and opportunities for integration into the church. The new members will understand they are joining a congregation of people, not joining a particular minister.
Will the Interim Pastor “stir things up?”
The departure of a pastor may be met with a variety of emotions–grief, anger, frustration, surprise, relief, hope. These emotions are a normal response to transition. The interim pastor can become the focus for this emotional energy. Some people may perceive the Interim Pastor as being the one to blame for needed but stressful adjustments of the congregation’s practices. In addition, unresolved issues sometimes re-emerge during the interim time. Addressing these issues is difficult but necessary for the long-term effectiveness and mission of the congregation.
What are some things that we will be doing?
- Dealing with our history in an honest way - talking through the disputes, strengths and challenges, and the positives and negatives of past pastorates.
- Broadening our leadership. During the interim, lay leadership often changes as leaders resign and opportunities open up to a wider pool of people. During the Interim Ministry, there's an opportunity to build on these internal shifts.
- Defining our identity. During the interim, the congregation uses tools, such as self study and demographics, to discern its own identity.
- Determining a new direction for ministry and mission. When the temptation to simply follow the pastor is gone, new ideas bubble up from the congregation. The window to the future is opened to allow the wind of the Spirit to challenge a congregation to answer the question, "what is God calling us to do, at this time and in this place?"
How will the Interim Pastor be picked?
An Interim Nominating Team has been formed and is responsible for three things: 1) Create a Interim Pastor Job Description, 2) Work with Council to determine the compensation package, 3) Collect and review potential candidate resumes reducing them down to a "short list" of candidates who meet our requirements, interview them, and make a recommendation to Council. Because the Interim Pastor is not "called" it is the decision of the Council to agree or disagree with the recommendation from the Interim Nominating Team.
Who is on Interim Nominating Team?
The Interim Nominating Team is chaired by Holly Chapman. Jim Royston and Jon Kukic are members at large representing the congregation. Mary May represents the Council and Peggy Newman represents the SPRC. Anne Bond is our liaison with Ecumenical Board.
How was the Interim Nominating Team picked?
The composition of the Interim Nominating Team was determined by Council with SPRC representation.
When will their work be completed?
The goal is to have a recommendation to Council by the end of Oct.
When will the Interim Pastor start?
Our goal is within one to two weeks following acceptance of the recommendation by Council.
What we will do in the meantime for worship and pastoral support?
Worship and pastor care / support will be provided by Rev. David Popham, Rev. Wendell Harford, Licensed Pastor Wayne Laws, and In-Care Candidate John Fiscus on a rotating basis. A schedule is posted above.
What denomination will the Interim Pastor be?
The Interim Pastor can come from any one of our three associated denominations: UCC, PC(USA), UMC.
How will the permanent Pastor be called?
Once the Interim Pastor has arrived a new Pastor Search Committee (PSC) will be formed. Five of the seven members of the PSC will be determined by a congregational vote. The Nominating Committee is currently in the process of developing a slate of proposed members that will provide a cross-representation of our congregation to the fullest extent possible (gender, sexual orientation, age, race, length of congregational membership, theological orientation, etc.). This slate will be presented to the congregation and nominations will also be taken from the floor for a vote by the congregation. In addition, Council and SPRC will each pick a person to represent them on the PSC.
How long will it take to call a permanent Pastor and why does it take this long?
The process will take from 12 to 18 months to complete.
Consider all that must be done to prepare us for a new pastorate: We need to reflect on our history and tradition, identity and vision. In order to know what strengths we want in our new pastor, we will need to consider where God is calling us to go. We must prepare a congregational profile. The Search Committee must then seek, get to know, and evaluate potential candidates. The committee needs to be able to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit without feeling rushed. This spiritual and organizational preparation is well worth the 12 to 18 months that is often required. Such a careful process will pay dividends well into our next pastorate.
What denomination will the permanent Pastor be?
The called Pastor may come from any one of our three associated denominations: UCC, PC(USA), UMC.
What can I do?
- PRAY!
- Communicate by asking questions, raising issues, avoid gossiping and spreading rumors, and offer your encouragement.
- Be supportive of other members, the search committees, the church leadership and our member-ministers.
- Speak kind and supportive words.
- Provide constructive and productive feedback when asked or when you have ideas or concerns.
- Look forward and anticipate a new and renewed energy for our congregation!
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