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 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...]