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 Transition Team Updates
May 25, 2010
In A Change of Pastors, Loren Mead writes: “Any congregation going through the complex issues that come when one pastor is leaving and as another one comes-any such congregation knows that such a time is scary, is challenging, and is full of potential.”
We live in an ever-changing world and transitions are inevitable. In this world, it is comforting to know that God doesn’t change. The love of God is constant. Once the apostle Paul was on a ship amid a fierce storm at sea. After he urged everyone to keep up their courage, they did two simple things. They let down four anchors, and they prayed for daylight (Acts 27).
Sometimes, the safest thing to do is to stand still. Find some quiet space, let down some anchors for a little stability, and just pray for daybreak. There, you may sense God’s calming voice amid the craziness, saying, “I am still God. I am still near. Be still.” God is busy in the midst of this change, growing our faith, and increasing our trust in him.
It is important for the Transition Team to be thorough in their work and for the congregation to be patient as that work is carried out as well as provide supportive responses when asked for input. This is an intentional process that, when carefully worked, will yield the best possible results. The Transition Team is gathering names of potential candidates, and is in the process of vetting these candidates, determining interest and whether there’s a potential fit with our congregation. Remember the Transition Team in your prayers as we search for an intentional interim pastor to minister with us. Remember also the staff as we are blessed with their service.
Dear God of all stillness, many things are changing. Give us open minds and hearts to embrace change and to be a positive force in our continuing ministry. Help us listen for your voice and experience your presence in our lives. Amen
Information Included on this Page:
Resolution: At the March 11, 2010 meeting of the St. John Congregation Council the following resolution was passed:
Be it resolved that the Congregation Council choose to be wise stewards of this unplanned interim time and gives approval to the Transition Team to actively seek a trained intentional interim until June 15, 2010, and, further
Be it resolved that if an intentional trained interim is not found by June 15, 2010, the Congregation Council gives approval to the Transition Team to seek a trained, intentional interim or an interim and an interim consultant.
When a pastor leaves……. Saying good-bye is never easy. After Pastor Steve leaves our congregation and in respect of his retirement, he will not be available to conduct or even participate in events such as funerals, weddings, hospital calls, emergency calls or any other functions normally carried out by a pastor in a congregation. Pastor Steve and JoAn will continue to maintain friendships, honor them by inviting them to come as a guest. Pastor Steve and JoAn have been a blessing to this church family for years, and we are thankful for their partnership with us in the gospel.
Intentional Interim Ministry......Answering God’s Call to the In-Between Time
Research into pastoral transitions reveals that it is hard for members to make a change between a beloved former pastor and the new pastor - even when they sincerely welcome a new pastor.
St. John Congregation Council has chosen to be intentional about our interim time. This will be an active time of ministry that is full of possibilities for bridging from the past into the future. Here is why we are looking for an intentional interim pastor:
• An intentional interim pastor will preach, teach and practice care
• An intentional interim pastor has been trained to help a congregation conduct a self-study for ministry in a new chapter of its history.
• An intentional interim pastor knows he/she is not eligible for a permanent call and does not try to be.
• We will have a chance to experience a new pastoral relationship with the intentional interim.
Your prayers will contribute to a healthy transition for St. John. Pray for the Intentional Interim Pastor whom God is raising up for us, pray for lay leaders, pray for our staff, and for your fellow members of St. John Lutheran Church.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Intentional Interim Pastor?
This experienced, ordained pastor will carry out senior pastor duties after Pastor Steve’s retirement, as well lead the congregation through the transition. The intentional interim pastor has been specifically called and trained to help churches through this chapter in their life. It usually means a one to two year, full-time interim with services and cost equivalent to the usual pastoral contract. This person helps the congregation examine key areas of church life that pertain to the interim period, as well as perform the duties of ministry: administering the sacraments, conducting weddings and funerals, giving pastoral care, and helping lead the church through the council and various other committees that exists.
When will the Intentional Interim Pastor be in place?
Work has begun towards making this call.
How will the Synod be involved in the selection of the Intentional Interim Pastor?
The Synod will support our transition process by providing names of potential candidates. This list of candidates will only be a start, and we will be soliciting suggestions from other sources.
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The MEANING of Intentional Transitional Ministry
A common frame of reference is essential.
• Intentional Interim Ministry: a long-term (6 to 12 months) holistic strategy for maximizing the opportunity of transition which includes guiding the congregation through recovering from the past, assessing current reality, refocusing the future and recruiting a new pastor. Help people to share their feelings, hopes and fears so that they can come together with a spirit of excitement about the future with a new minister.
• Intentional Interim Pastor: Intentional Interim Ministry may include the council securing the services of an intentional interim pastor who is trained to navigate the congregation through holistic transition with a strategic focus. This skilled leader is never considered as a candidate for the pastoral position, allowing him/her to maintain objectivity and to serve in a unique role.
The REALITY of Transitional Ministry
As a congregation in transition, it can be helpful if we understand the following:
• Transitions are a natural and unavoidable part of life.
• Healthy transitions do not happen automatically.
• Effective transitions take time and progress through stages.
• Pastoral transitions are complex and multi-dimensional, including:
• Spiritual Renewal
• Relational Renewal
• Missional Renewal
• Structural Renewal
The STAGES of Transitional Ministry
While an Intentional Interim Pastor ensures that the church continues to function, he/she guides it in the self-study consisting of five developmental tasks.
Five Developmental Tasks
• Rediscover our church history.
• Reconnect with denominational leadership.
• Examine leadership and organizational needs.
• Discuss issues of mission and vision.
• Prepare for the next chapter in ministry.
Let us keep you informed
Transition Team
Gayle Homiston 225-9105 homiston@msn.com
Marcy Decker 483-9526 45decm@state.nd.us
Tim Thiel 483-3747 tmthiel@ndsupernet.com
Brent Seaks 290-6973 bseaks@hotmail.com
Faith Simonieg 225-6747 fsimonieg@stjohnelc.org
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