Sometimes, the day-to-day complexities of working in mission around the world can be all-consuming: there’s always a crisis, pain or joy, places in transition. So part of the work of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) World Mission in recent months has been to hold a series of consultations, first with key global partners and then with domestic constituencies, to ask these broader questions: What is our calling in mission today? What does it mean to be partners in mission? As part of that process, World Mission leaders have held four international consultations beginning in late 2018 with global partners in Africa, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Europe, and Latin America and the Caribbean. That’s being followed by a series of consultations in the U.S. with representation from mission networks, advocacy groups and congregations and mid councils that are involved in international mission work. “It’s designed to be a collaborative process,” said Philip Woods, World … [Read more...]
“This is community” — Writing new stories at Seattle’s Recovery Café
SEATTLE – What does it mean to be church? For some, it’s gathering in pews in a sanctified space on Sunday mornings. For the Recovery Café community in Seattle, it’s offering connection, accountability, support and hope for a new day. “We believe with all our hearts that being church is being in recovery,” said Killian Noe, the founding director of Recovery Café, a recovery support program in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood. “Recovering from all kinds of things. … Most of us are recovering from an exaggerated need for control,” for approval, for security, for something to numb life’s pain. Those forces “make us hold on to more things than we need, rather than letting them flow through us to create a more just world.” Recovery Café helps those struggling with addiction to drugs and alcohol — some of whom have mental health challenges or are also troubled with isolation and loneliness. “We get to see them stabilize and build lives they are excited about living,” Noe said. … [Read more...]
In God’s hand: A successful pastoral transition from beginning to end
The following is an oral history of a successful pastoral transition at Hampton Presbyterian Church in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania. You’ll hear from a variety of voices – the leaving pastor, the head pastor at the church, a youth member of the associate pastor nominating committee, the new pastor and his wife – as they share their experiences of going through this time of transition. The story is not always happy. There is a lot of anxiety. But in the end, the presence and providence of God’s fingerprints are all over this time and season. Cast of characters: Ted Martin: Senior pastor, Hampton Presbyterian Church Brian Wallace: Former associate pastor, Hampton Presbyterian Church Ryan Pixton: New associate pastor, Hampton Presbyterian Church Debbie Pixton: Ryan’s spouse Kerri Savastano: Youth member of the APNC, Hampton Presbyterian Church Act I: The transition begins May 1, 2016 Ted Martin: The associate pastor entered my office and stated, “Ted, I need to share some news … [Read more...]
A changing benefits structure for a changing church
It has become clear to us at the Board of Pensions that a one-size-fits-all benefits plan may have had a certain appeal to an egalitarian sentiment, but in reality such a plan meets the needs of some but excludes many more. For the last four years, the Board has been engaged with the denomination at all levels to find out what is needed and then worked to structure support within our legal and financial constraints. The Board has dramatically expanded its flexibility and has succeeded in increasing the number of active members in the Benefits Plan by nearly 25% over the last two years. For the first time, the plan serves more employees who are not ministers than ministers themselves. This is healthy growth. However, this article concerns the unique needs of, and support for, ministers and others who are leading congregations. Presbyterian ministers serving traditional congregations The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is disappearing, emerging and thriving — all at the same time. Our … [Read more...]
Mission studies and open eyes
I can feel the mood of the room shift without even looking into the eyes of those gathered there. If I did look into their eyes, I’d see anxiety, sorrow and a hint of anger. What did I just do? I explained to the church’s newly-elected pastor nominating committee (PNC) that a significant part of their process is the completion of a mission study. Too often, the mission study feels like a burdensome bureaucracy imposed from on high (well, at least as “high” as the presbytery gets in its authority). For an energized, enthusiastic group of people who are excited to start finding their church’s next pastor, the mission study appears to be a force counter to all that is good. For these PNCs, time is often of the essence. There’s already brewing insecurity about the health of the church without an installed pastor. No matter how recently the PNC has been formed, someone has already asked, “So, how long is this going to take?” They not only feel, but live, these relational pressures … [Read more...]
The in-between time: Interim ministry as sacred space
The tension in the congregation is high after the pastor announces a change in call. Questions abound: Can’t we just elect a pastor nominating committee and start searching for our next pastor? Why do we need an interim pastor anyway? Isn’t an interim pastor just a space holder? This is when I take a deep breath, count to 10, and begin the hard – but important – explanation of interim ministry. In the Presbytery of Scioto Valley (serving parts of Ohio), the Committee on Ministry is divided into two commissions: the Commission for Church Professionals and the Commission for Congregational Life. I serve as the chair of the Commission for Congregational Life, which provides support for the congregations in the presbytery — including assisting churches in transition. This season of transition is the in-between time. It is a sacred space and one of our tasks is to guide and support congregations as they discern what God has in store for them next. I have walked with congregations many … [Read more...]
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