The story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well ends with the woman telling her neighbors about Jesus. Her story must have been compelling because the neighbors believed enough to seek out Jesus and to listen to him for themselves. After hearing Jesus, the neighbors say to the woman, “It is no longer because of your words that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.” (John 4:42)
For years I have advised congregations to expand their ministry profile to include the seven ways people learn: 1. math (logic), 2. verbal (spoken and written word), 3. spacial (relationship between objects), 4. interpersonal relationships (we learn from others), 5. introspection (paying attention to feelings), 6. music, and 7. physical activities. I advocated that all these learning styles be present in Sunday School classes, worship, and other ministry programs. In advocating for all these learning styles, I was like the neighbors who believed the Samaritan woman. From all my studies, I knew I was right.
Like the Samaritan woman’s neighbors, I have experienced first hand what I once believed because of others. My faith in using all seven learning styles is no longer because experts in parish administration, professional educators, or authors of church growth tell me to do so. This past year I have seen the power of all seven learning styles in a summer play, heard about a magnificent performance of the Gloria, and watched the joy on children’s faces as they told the Christmas story in a musical. I drove home last Sunday thinking about the diversity in which the faith is experienced at Epiphany. There is the spoken word for those who learn through sermons. There are the choirs that sing God’s praises for those who learn through music. There are theatrical productions for those who learn through physical action and feelings. There are liturgical enhancements such as Advent Wreaths, Christmas Trees, and different color paraments for those who learn by seeing.
The impetus for this Blog was the Children’s Musical last Saturday and Sunday. The actors were second through eighth graders who learned about the birth of Jesus through music and words. Preschoolers had their own song. Non-members of Epiphany heard the message and observed Christians having fun, laughing, and rejoicing in the gift God gives in Jesus. The director Kandis Wean, producer Amy Ulman, choreographer Erin Ulman, and music director Ian Benjamin did a marvelous job in guiding and inspiring our budding thespians and evangelists. Of course, I would be amiss if I did not mention the whole Drama Team which worked so hard behind the scenes.
Finally, my thanks to all the kids who participated in the Christmas Musical, to those who sang from their hearts in the Gloria, to those who prepared the church building with Christmas symbols, and to all who turned belief from someone said it is so to a life-changing experience in Jesus. In the words of Jesus, “Well done my good and faithful servants.”
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Theology of Competition
William Diehl was a top executive in a national steel company in the 1960s and 70s. He was a very well known and influential layman in the Lutheran Church In America. And, first and foremost, he was a Christian. Because of these credentials, Mr. Diehl was often invited to address synod conventions and clergy workshops. In one of his books he writes that he enjoyed baiting clergy with the question, “What is your theology of competition?” In these settings, most of the clergy did not answer Mr. Diehl’s question. I suspect there are several reason for the non-response. 1. The first time you are asked a question, the answer is not automatic. No matter what you answer the words feel awkward. 2. It is threatening to answer such a question in front of your colleagues who sometimes can be critical of theological answers.
While I don’t remember a great deal about Mr. Diehl; i.e., the name of his company or the exact year in which I read his book, I obviously remember his question. We live in a land and time that worships competition. We compete on every level of life. We competed, consciously or subconsciously, with our siblings when we were young. We competed in school for good grades or to make an athletic team. We compete at our work for a raise or promotion. We argue, rightly so, that competition pushes us to be the best that we can be. Competition forces creativity, hard work, and an excited feeling when we win. In our culture, competition is everywhere. Mr. Diehl’s question is very appropriate.
After asking his question, Mr. Diehl pointed out that the Bible does not have a theology of competition. In fact, Paul denounces competition. Instead, Paul offers a theology of cooperation and teamwork. Paul argues that we are at our very best when we work together to achieve a common goal. We are at our very best when we push each other so that we all might succeed. We are at our very best when we celebrate each other’s contributions to our combined effort. Perhaps the best text for this theology is in Paul’s metaphor of the human body, 1 Corinthians 12:14-26. Every part of the body needs every other part of the body.
I thought of Mr. Diehl’s baiting question and his answer about competition when I wished the staff a very merry Christmas on behalf of the Church Council and the disciples at Epiphany. I thought about how the staff works in cooperation with each other to make every ministry program the very best it can be. I thought of the way information is shared, of side meetings that help each of us work more efficiently. We end each staff meeting with prayer requests. We list names of those who need prayer from our personal lives. It is also common that staff members add ministry programs such as the Stewardship Committee and its annual campaign, the Drama Team as it prepares for the Children’s musical, the planning for an up-coming youth program, and the Adopt-a-Family Christmas program. I thought of the staff’s theology (spoken or unspoken) that when one “wins” we all win.
At times I have been accused of being extremely competitive. I do not like to lose or to do a sloppy job. But when all is said and done, a theology of cooperation beats a theology of competition every time. What do you think?
Pastor Pete
While I don’t remember a great deal about Mr. Diehl; i.e., the name of his company or the exact year in which I read his book, I obviously remember his question. We live in a land and time that worships competition. We compete on every level of life. We competed, consciously or subconsciously, with our siblings when we were young. We competed in school for good grades or to make an athletic team. We compete at our work for a raise or promotion. We argue, rightly so, that competition pushes us to be the best that we can be. Competition forces creativity, hard work, and an excited feeling when we win. In our culture, competition is everywhere. Mr. Diehl’s question is very appropriate.
After asking his question, Mr. Diehl pointed out that the Bible does not have a theology of competition. In fact, Paul denounces competition. Instead, Paul offers a theology of cooperation and teamwork. Paul argues that we are at our very best when we work together to achieve a common goal. We are at our very best when we push each other so that we all might succeed. We are at our very best when we celebrate each other’s contributions to our combined effort. Perhaps the best text for this theology is in Paul’s metaphor of the human body, 1 Corinthians 12:14-26. Every part of the body needs every other part of the body.
I thought of Mr. Diehl’s baiting question and his answer about competition when I wished the staff a very merry Christmas on behalf of the Church Council and the disciples at Epiphany. I thought about how the staff works in cooperation with each other to make every ministry program the very best it can be. I thought of the way information is shared, of side meetings that help each of us work more efficiently. We end each staff meeting with prayer requests. We list names of those who need prayer from our personal lives. It is also common that staff members add ministry programs such as the Stewardship Committee and its annual campaign, the Drama Team as it prepares for the Children’s musical, the planning for an up-coming youth program, and the Adopt-a-Family Christmas program. I thought of the staff’s theology (spoken or unspoken) that when one “wins” we all win.
At times I have been accused of being extremely competitive. I do not like to lose or to do a sloppy job. But when all is said and done, a theology of cooperation beats a theology of competition every time. What do you think?
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Its All In The Verbs
Over the years, I learned to listen very closely to the language used by an individual who sought me out for counseling. In particular, I listened for the tense of the verbs the individual used when describing an incident that had caused him or her a great deal of pain. When the individual used past tense verbs, I knew that individual was stuck in the past. For example, if the individual continually said, “I should have done ...,” or “I should have said ...” I knew that individual was locked into what had happen. The pain and the anger of the past was as intense today as it was when the incident occurred. On the other hand, if the individual used future tense verbs, I knew that healing was occurring and that individual was moving beyond the painful incident. For example, if the individual said, “The next time I will do ....” or “The next time I will say...”, I knew the pain and hurt of the past was being or would be replaced by a new and healthy future. The tense of the verbs an individual used was key in understanding where that individual stood in dealing with hurt and pain in the past.
Congregations are large corporate individuals. Each congregations has its own unique personality and temperament. Like individuals, congregational language indicates where that congregation is in its faith journey. Therefore, I listen carefully to the language congregational members use to describe their congregation’s present state of mind and soul. Following is an example of the verb tense used by the disciples at Epiphany to describe our congregation this Thanksgiving season.
On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Joyce worshiped at Epiphany and then enjoyed a piece of pecan pie at Piefest. She has been to Epiphany several times over the last year and has gotten to recognize many faces and learn some names. Epiphany’s members have been very gracious in welcoming my wife. Each time she has come to Epiphany, many have thanked her for letting me share and be a partner in Epiphany’s ministry. The comments of Epiphany’s disciples are a heartfelt expression of gratitude.
On Thanksgiving Day, Joyce and I talked about the worship service, the sermon, Piefest, and the conversations she had with many of our members. In those conversation she said, “There was a difference in last night’s welcoming and appreciation. Every conversation that had a thank you in it talked about the last year with past tense verbs. For example, ‘We were in bad shape’ or ‘We needed help’.” When present tense verbs were used, they always referred to “how good things are at Epiphany.” When future tense verbs were used, they always referred to what we are going to do.
One of my great joys is that Epiphany is not stuck in the past. Oh, I’m sure some hurtful memories will raise their ugly heads now and then but I am also sure that the present and future tense verbs indicate that we are going to grow, we are going to be faithful when we love Jesus by serving others, and that we will follow wherever the Spirit leads indicating the positive spiritual state of Epiphany. This was a good Thanksgiving not only for the worship, Piefest, and the turkey on Thanksgiving Day. It was an especially good Thanksgiving for the gift of future tense verbs used as we describe where Epiphany is on its faith journey as it loves Jesus by serving others.
Pastor Pete
Congregations are large corporate individuals. Each congregations has its own unique personality and temperament. Like individuals, congregational language indicates where that congregation is in its faith journey. Therefore, I listen carefully to the language congregational members use to describe their congregation’s present state of mind and soul. Following is an example of the verb tense used by the disciples at Epiphany to describe our congregation this Thanksgiving season.
On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Joyce worshiped at Epiphany and then enjoyed a piece of pecan pie at Piefest. She has been to Epiphany several times over the last year and has gotten to recognize many faces and learn some names. Epiphany’s members have been very gracious in welcoming my wife. Each time she has come to Epiphany, many have thanked her for letting me share and be a partner in Epiphany’s ministry. The comments of Epiphany’s disciples are a heartfelt expression of gratitude.
On Thanksgiving Day, Joyce and I talked about the worship service, the sermon, Piefest, and the conversations she had with many of our members. In those conversation she said, “There was a difference in last night’s welcoming and appreciation. Every conversation that had a thank you in it talked about the last year with past tense verbs. For example, ‘We were in bad shape’ or ‘We needed help’.” When present tense verbs were used, they always referred to “how good things are at Epiphany.” When future tense verbs were used, they always referred to what we are going to do.
One of my great joys is that Epiphany is not stuck in the past. Oh, I’m sure some hurtful memories will raise their ugly heads now and then but I am also sure that the present and future tense verbs indicate that we are going to grow, we are going to be faithful when we love Jesus by serving others, and that we will follow wherever the Spirit leads indicating the positive spiritual state of Epiphany. This was a good Thanksgiving not only for the worship, Piefest, and the turkey on Thanksgiving Day. It was an especially good Thanksgiving for the gift of future tense verbs used as we describe where Epiphany is on its faith journey as it loves Jesus by serving others.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Just For Fun
Normally, my blogs have been serious. Through them I have shared my thoughts about Epiphany. I explained the theory behind my strategies, pointed out current and future challenges, and described the issues in calling a new senior pastor. My blogs have the purpose to inform and to create conversation between you and me. In contrast, this blog is JUST FOR FUN.
I read in the Cincinnati Enquirer that Cincinnati’s Symphony Orchestra now has a tweeting section for those who want to tweet during an evening’s concert. Tweeters communicate their impressions of the musicians and comment on the conductor’s style. According to the Enquirer, tweeters of all ages are attending the symphony.
After reading the article, I said to Joyce, “Joyce, what would you think if we had a tweeting section at Epiphany during worship?” I thought the Epistle side of the sanctuary (the right side facing the altar) in the far back on the riser could be the tweeting section. The rules are; 1. tweets needed to be mostly positive, 2. tweets are sent to family or friends in the same section so the tweeter can make sure the receivers heard the sermon comment the sender wanted them to hear, 3. tweets are sent to friends not at church but should hear this sermon.
The same set-up would apply to the contemporary service with the same rules. Playing along with this idea, imagine the fun the assisting ministers and praise band members could have sitting through the sermon the second time tweeting warnings that the sermon’s punch line is coming next. We could even set up tweets between the preacher and the congregation to create an interactive sermon. (By the way, some churches already have interactive sermons using tweet technology.)
To continue JUST FOR FUN, I had a conversation with my son just before the stewardship campaign started. We talked about fund raising in the church. I joked that the radio broadcasts of the Bengals have numerous paying sponsors for different parts of the game. For example, there is the Heinz (catsup) red zone when the Bengals are 20 or less yards from their opponent’s goal line. My son and I mused what it would be like to have sponsors for various parts of the worship service. For example, The Confession is brought to you by Kleenex, The Sermon by Verizon (can you hear me now?), The Prayer Of The Church by Fidelity’s green line to keep you on track, and Communion by Panera Bread. I wonder what we would charge each of these sponsors to be mentioned each week? (By the way, many experts believe the church needs to have many income streams if it hopes to survive financially in the 21st century.)
On a serious note, I suspect that the music purists grumble at the idea of a tweeting section and religious traditionalists think I am sacrilegious when talking about sponsors for each part of the worship service. But, I applaud the Cincinnati Symphony for not sitting on its hands saying, “Poor us, no one is coming.” Rather, the Symphony is trying to connect its magnificent music to a world wired through instant communications. And, I think it is a good thing that we can laugh (or at least I can laugh) at ourselves. Laughing at ourselves allows us to think outside the box in order to connect the Gospel to a world filled with technologies, symbols, and images that speak to human need.
Pastor Pete
I read in the Cincinnati Enquirer that Cincinnati’s Symphony Orchestra now has a tweeting section for those who want to tweet during an evening’s concert. Tweeters communicate their impressions of the musicians and comment on the conductor’s style. According to the Enquirer, tweeters of all ages are attending the symphony.
After reading the article, I said to Joyce, “Joyce, what would you think if we had a tweeting section at Epiphany during worship?” I thought the Epistle side of the sanctuary (the right side facing the altar) in the far back on the riser could be the tweeting section. The rules are; 1. tweets needed to be mostly positive, 2. tweets are sent to family or friends in the same section so the tweeter can make sure the receivers heard the sermon comment the sender wanted them to hear, 3. tweets are sent to friends not at church but should hear this sermon.
The same set-up would apply to the contemporary service with the same rules. Playing along with this idea, imagine the fun the assisting ministers and praise band members could have sitting through the sermon the second time tweeting warnings that the sermon’s punch line is coming next. We could even set up tweets between the preacher and the congregation to create an interactive sermon. (By the way, some churches already have interactive sermons using tweet technology.)
To continue JUST FOR FUN, I had a conversation with my son just before the stewardship campaign started. We talked about fund raising in the church. I joked that the radio broadcasts of the Bengals have numerous paying sponsors for different parts of the game. For example, there is the Heinz (catsup) red zone when the Bengals are 20 or less yards from their opponent’s goal line. My son and I mused what it would be like to have sponsors for various parts of the worship service. For example, The Confession is brought to you by Kleenex, The Sermon by Verizon (can you hear me now?), The Prayer Of The Church by Fidelity’s green line to keep you on track, and Communion by Panera Bread. I wonder what we would charge each of these sponsors to be mentioned each week? (By the way, many experts believe the church needs to have many income streams if it hopes to survive financially in the 21st century.)
On a serious note, I suspect that the music purists grumble at the idea of a tweeting section and religious traditionalists think I am sacrilegious when talking about sponsors for each part of the worship service. But, I applaud the Cincinnati Symphony for not sitting on its hands saying, “Poor us, no one is coming.” Rather, the Symphony is trying to connect its magnificent music to a world wired through instant communications. And, I think it is a good thing that we can laugh (or at least I can laugh) at ourselves. Laughing at ourselves allows us to think outside the box in order to connect the Gospel to a world filled with technologies, symbols, and images that speak to human need.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Making Good Better
While I was at my former church, Good Shepherd, I would hold an all day staff meeting once or twice a year. The purpose of the meeting was to plan for the future. I knew from my reading that such meetings too often talk about what went wrong or at least what did not work as well as the staff had hoped. When a staff emphasizes what went wrong, the staff becomes defensive. Emphasizing past failures is not a good way to set a positive agenda for the future.
In contrast to what the literature portrays as normal, I set the agenda for Good Shepherd’s staff planning meeting to emphasize the positive. I asked the staff to name what went well in their ministry area (ministry lane in Epiphany language). For the first 5 to 10 minutes, there was a reluctance to name successful ministries or parts of a program that went particularly well. Then the dam of false humility opened and the flow of ministry names and specific aspects of those ministries gushed out. Each successful ministry was listed on a board or newsprint pad. Normally, we would have at least 50 ministries or programs in front of us.
Once we had our list of what went well, we went back over the list and asked the question of each ministry, What can we do to make this success even better? If it really worked well what new ideas can be added to enhance what is already good? Since we were working from what was done well no one on the staff was defensive when another staff member offered a new idea or enhancement. In fact, the staff built upon each suggestion.
One of the surprises that comes from this planning strategy was that problem areas were usually addressed and corrected by the suggestion to improve what was already good. Someone might say, But what about this or that? When we went back over the enhancements we made, the this and that were resolved.
I write this blog the week before Thanksgiving. As individuals, and as a church, I think it would be fun to list what has gone well for us over the last year. I stress what went well! For me, it was the support of my wife, Joyce, as I entered a new adventure at Epiphany. It was the acceptance I received as the interim senior pastor from congregational members. It was the quickness of the trust granted to me by the staff. It was the enthusiasm of those who attended my Bible study classes. The list goes on and on.
From my list, I am thinking about additional ways to say thank you to Joyce for her support. I am thinking about what I can do to continue the trust relationship that has been built between you and me. My mind wanders during my morning prayers about future teaching opportunities. All of this is so very positive.
So let me ask, What has gone well for you over the past year? Will the things that went well make it on your thank you list as you celebrate Thanksgiving? And, can your list be included in your daily prayers in such a way that you explore with God ways to make the good things in your life even better?
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Attributes Of A Senior Pastor
I have been asked by a number of people about the call process and the search for a new senior pastor. I have talked with Scott Watamaniuk (chairperson of the Call Committee) about using my blog as a way to answer those questions. I hope the following helps you understand what has and is happening in the call process.
One way to understand the call process is to recognize that there are basically three types of clergy teams in the church. The first team is baseball. A baseball player primarily plays one position. A baseball player does not have to coordinate his play with the other players on the field; i.e., it does not matter if the third baseman plays on or off the line to the first baseman. A good baseball player functions effectively in a congregation worshiping less than 150 per weekend.
The second team is doubles tennis. A doubles tennis team is made up of two pastors who are about equal in the skills and abilities. They divide the ministry of the congregation according to their personal likes and dislikes. They easily substitute for each other when required to do so. In doubles tennis, each pastor has to coordinate his or her efforts with the other pastor. A doubles tennis team serve congregations worshiping between 200 and 400 per weekend. When attendance reaches 400 per weekend, growth stops in a congregation led by a double tennis team.
The third type of team is football. In a football team, the senior pastor is the coach and every other staff member is a position player. The coach is responsible to coordinate the play of the team so the team can achieve the goals of the congregation. Senior pastors who are football coaches lead congregations worshiping more than 400 per weekend.
Epiphany is searching for a senior pastor who is a football coach! Epiphany’s current worship attendance (between 400-450 per weekend), puts it numerically in the top 4% of ELCA congregations. That means the Synod is looking for senior pastor candidates for Epiphany from about 4% to 5% of ELCA congregations. The Synod may also look for candidates who are excellent doubles tennis players and who are willing and capable of becoming a football coach. The pool of candidates is small.
There is another element to the call process that needs to be recognized; namely, the current economy. Some prospective candidates do not want to move because they believe they cannot sell their house in this market. Others do not want to move because their spouse is afraid that he or she cannot find a job in our area. These two factors grow a small pool of candidates even smaller.
The above realities (a future senior pastor needs to be a football coach, be willing to take the risk that his or house will sell, and that a spouse will find a job) is a “perfect storm” effecting Epiphany’s search for a new senior pastor. Despite these challenges, Pastor Ed Williams, who is responsible for finding candidates for Epiphany, has identified two candidates who are willing to talk with our call committee. One has already visited the congregation. The other is coming in another week. As of today, there is a third possibility.
I write this blog to help you understand what is happening in the call process. Questions? Ask and I will try to answer them.
Pastor Pete
One way to understand the call process is to recognize that there are basically three types of clergy teams in the church. The first team is baseball. A baseball player primarily plays one position. A baseball player does not have to coordinate his play with the other players on the field; i.e., it does not matter if the third baseman plays on or off the line to the first baseman. A good baseball player functions effectively in a congregation worshiping less than 150 per weekend.
The second team is doubles tennis. A doubles tennis team is made up of two pastors who are about equal in the skills and abilities. They divide the ministry of the congregation according to their personal likes and dislikes. They easily substitute for each other when required to do so. In doubles tennis, each pastor has to coordinate his or her efforts with the other pastor. A doubles tennis team serve congregations worshiping between 200 and 400 per weekend. When attendance reaches 400 per weekend, growth stops in a congregation led by a double tennis team.
The third type of team is football. In a football team, the senior pastor is the coach and every other staff member is a position player. The coach is responsible to coordinate the play of the team so the team can achieve the goals of the congregation. Senior pastors who are football coaches lead congregations worshiping more than 400 per weekend.
Epiphany is searching for a senior pastor who is a football coach! Epiphany’s current worship attendance (between 400-450 per weekend), puts it numerically in the top 4% of ELCA congregations. That means the Synod is looking for senior pastor candidates for Epiphany from about 4% to 5% of ELCA congregations. The Synod may also look for candidates who are excellent doubles tennis players and who are willing and capable of becoming a football coach. The pool of candidates is small.
There is another element to the call process that needs to be recognized; namely, the current economy. Some prospective candidates do not want to move because they believe they cannot sell their house in this market. Others do not want to move because their spouse is afraid that he or she cannot find a job in our area. These two factors grow a small pool of candidates even smaller.
The above realities (a future senior pastor needs to be a football coach, be willing to take the risk that his or house will sell, and that a spouse will find a job) is a “perfect storm” effecting Epiphany’s search for a new senior pastor. Despite these challenges, Pastor Ed Williams, who is responsible for finding candidates for Epiphany, has identified two candidates who are willing to talk with our call committee. One has already visited the congregation. The other is coming in another week. As of today, there is a third possibility.
I write this blog to help you understand what is happening in the call process. Questions? Ask and I will try to answer them.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
10,000 Hour Rule
Malcolm Gladwell, in his book Outliers, describes the 10,000 hour rule. This rule maintains that those who are very successful have spent 10,000 hours in learning or practicing their skills. For example, Dr. Gladwell asserts that the soloist at the symphony practiced 10,000 hours, the musicians in the orchestra practiced 8,000 hours, and music teachers practiced 2,000. To this discussion, Dr. Gladwell asserts that Mozart practice 10,000 hours to hone his musical skills.
The 10,000 mile rule applies to every area of life. In the computer world, Bill Gates, Steven Jobs, and Bill Joy all had 10,000 hours of practice (experience) with computers before they became icons in the technological age. The best athletes also practiced for hours before they make it to the “big time.”
Dr. Gladwell concludes that practice is essential to success. If you and I really want to be good at what you do, it takes hours upon hours of practice.
I am still in the glow of Reformation Sunday with its emphasis on Martin Luther’s interpretation of the Bible and the implications of that interpretation for daily living. We are saved by God’s grace. God has set us free from our dysfunctional behaviors (sin) to love and serve each other. God is a “Mighty Fortress” so we have nothing to fear. We are saved by faith and faith alone. Paraphrasing Jeremiah, these truths are written on my heart.
Within the glow of the Reformation, I am fully aware that faith is often a paradox. With all of his emphasis on God’s grace, Luther also knew the 10,000 rule of practice in his life and in his writings. Christians were and are to practice their faith on a daily basis. There is not substitute for this practice according Luther and the teachings of the Lutheran Church. Two examples follow:
Luther taught that Christians should make the sign of the cross when they wake in the morning to remind themselves that they are followers of Jesus. As followers of Jesus, all they say and do throughout the day is to give glory to their Lord. In the evening, Christians make the sign of the cross to remind themselves that they will sleep peacefully with the protection of God. Practice your faith twice a day, Luther taught.
Luther taught that Christians should recite and meditate daily on the 10 Commandments, The Apostle’s Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer. Using a medical metaphor, the 10 Commandments is the diagnosis identifying our sinful nature. The Creed is the treatment God has for our sinful nature; i.e., Jesus who lived, died, and was raised to that we might have eternal life. And, the Lord’s Prayer is the medication that we take daily. The medication reminds us that God is our Father and the giver of all that we need. (As a side note, Luther’s catechisms follow this format. The catechism begins with the 10 Commandments, followed by the Creed, followed by the Lord’s Prayer.)
In conclusion, the temptation exists to deny the 10,000 hour rule of practice. We substitute the fallacy that the Mozarts and Jobs of this world were just born with their skills. We make the same assumption that people with great faith just happened to stumble onto their faith. In contrast, Luther is right in teaching that those with great faith not only believe and rely on God’s grace but they also practice that faith by making the sign of the cross, meditating on the 10 Commandments, the Apostle’ Creed, and the Lord’s prayer. According to Luther, practice is an essential part of building our faith.
Pastor Pete
The 10,000 mile rule applies to every area of life. In the computer world, Bill Gates, Steven Jobs, and Bill Joy all had 10,000 hours of practice (experience) with computers before they became icons in the technological age. The best athletes also practiced for hours before they make it to the “big time.”
Dr. Gladwell concludes that practice is essential to success. If you and I really want to be good at what you do, it takes hours upon hours of practice.
I am still in the glow of Reformation Sunday with its emphasis on Martin Luther’s interpretation of the Bible and the implications of that interpretation for daily living. We are saved by God’s grace. God has set us free from our dysfunctional behaviors (sin) to love and serve each other. God is a “Mighty Fortress” so we have nothing to fear. We are saved by faith and faith alone. Paraphrasing Jeremiah, these truths are written on my heart.
Within the glow of the Reformation, I am fully aware that faith is often a paradox. With all of his emphasis on God’s grace, Luther also knew the 10,000 rule of practice in his life and in his writings. Christians were and are to practice their faith on a daily basis. There is not substitute for this practice according Luther and the teachings of the Lutheran Church. Two examples follow:
Luther taught that Christians should make the sign of the cross when they wake in the morning to remind themselves that they are followers of Jesus. As followers of Jesus, all they say and do throughout the day is to give glory to their Lord. In the evening, Christians make the sign of the cross to remind themselves that they will sleep peacefully with the protection of God. Practice your faith twice a day, Luther taught.
Luther taught that Christians should recite and meditate daily on the 10 Commandments, The Apostle’s Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer. Using a medical metaphor, the 10 Commandments is the diagnosis identifying our sinful nature. The Creed is the treatment God has for our sinful nature; i.e., Jesus who lived, died, and was raised to that we might have eternal life. And, the Lord’s Prayer is the medication that we take daily. The medication reminds us that God is our Father and the giver of all that we need. (As a side note, Luther’s catechisms follow this format. The catechism begins with the 10 Commandments, followed by the Creed, followed by the Lord’s Prayer.)
In conclusion, the temptation exists to deny the 10,000 hour rule of practice. We substitute the fallacy that the Mozarts and Jobs of this world were just born with their skills. We make the same assumption that people with great faith just happened to stumble onto their faith. In contrast, Luther is right in teaching that those with great faith not only believe and rely on God’s grace but they also practice that faith by making the sign of the cross, meditating on the 10 Commandments, the Apostle’ Creed, and the Lord’s prayer. According to Luther, practice is an essential part of building our faith.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Its Hunting Season
My wife, Joyce, has been elected to the office of “Organizer” for a national charitable organization that sends 10 year old girls to summer camp. One of the organizer’s responsibilities is to help state organizations and local chapters recruit new members. As Joyce thought through this responsibility, she joked about the response she would get if she sent each chapter a hunting license. January through March tends to be a low season of activity. In April, girls are selected from recommendation from school nurses according to need. In early summer there is shopping and taking the girls to camp. In the fall, there is fund raising. Therefore, January through March is open season for inviting friends, neighbors, and colleagues to experience the joy and fellowship of this organization at a monthly meeting. I can tell you that we have had many good laughs as we played out endless possibilities of what a hunting license would look like, what words would be on it, and how it would be delivered.
Playing off a hunting season for this organization, the church is entering its most productive hunting season for sharing the Gospel with those who do not attend worship or belong to a church. Non-members are the most open to accepting an invitation to a church event or worship during the up coming holiday season.
Evangelism experts maintain that up to 86% of those who attend church for the first time do so because a family member, friend, or colleague invites them to a church event or special worship service. Because the non-member is with a friend, coming to church is not overly threatening. Because a non-member is with a friend, the non-member is not a stranger in the midst of a large group where everyone seems to know everyone else.
Think for a moment about the special events and worship services the disciples at Epiphany can invite their non-churched friends to experience. In a few weeks, we will have a special Thanksgiving worship to thank the Lord for all the gifts God has given to us. Then there will be the Children's Christmas Musical. And, of course, there is Christmas Eve and Christmas day services. Each event is “hunting season” in which Jesus’ disciples at Epiphany invite those who do not normally worship to experience the joy of Christian fellowship.
Through this blog, I invite all of you to think about who you can invite to come with you to one or all of the special services to be offered over the next nine weeks. Once you have identified those you can invite, choose one individual or family and extend an invitation. Offer to pick that individual or family up or meet them at the door of the church. Introduce them to your friends at Epiphany. Sit next to them and help them when needed to follow the liturgy. And after the event is over, invite them to another ministry which they might enjoy.
It may be just a little sacrilegious to suggest the holidays are hunting season for the church. But it is these days that give us the best opportunity to invite those who are not part of the church to experience the joy and benefits of being part of such a faith community. So let me extend to you a hunting license and wish you good hunting as we work together to grow Epiphany spiritually, in community, in outreach, and numerically.
Pastor Pete
Playing off a hunting season for this organization, the church is entering its most productive hunting season for sharing the Gospel with those who do not attend worship or belong to a church. Non-members are the most open to accepting an invitation to a church event or worship during the up coming holiday season.
Evangelism experts maintain that up to 86% of those who attend church for the first time do so because a family member, friend, or colleague invites them to a church event or special worship service. Because the non-member is with a friend, coming to church is not overly threatening. Because a non-member is with a friend, the non-member is not a stranger in the midst of a large group where everyone seems to know everyone else.
Think for a moment about the special events and worship services the disciples at Epiphany can invite their non-churched friends to experience. In a few weeks, we will have a special Thanksgiving worship to thank the Lord for all the gifts God has given to us. Then there will be the Children's Christmas Musical. And, of course, there is Christmas Eve and Christmas day services. Each event is “hunting season” in which Jesus’ disciples at Epiphany invite those who do not normally worship to experience the joy of Christian fellowship.
Through this blog, I invite all of you to think about who you can invite to come with you to one or all of the special services to be offered over the next nine weeks. Once you have identified those you can invite, choose one individual or family and extend an invitation. Offer to pick that individual or family up or meet them at the door of the church. Introduce them to your friends at Epiphany. Sit next to them and help them when needed to follow the liturgy. And after the event is over, invite them to another ministry which they might enjoy.
It may be just a little sacrilegious to suggest the holidays are hunting season for the church. But it is these days that give us the best opportunity to invite those who are not part of the church to experience the joy and benefits of being part of such a faith community. So let me extend to you a hunting license and wish you good hunting as we work together to grow Epiphany spiritually, in community, in outreach, and numerically.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
What's Next
I started writing this blog so that you would know what I was thinking, to test-out thoughts, to create conversations, and to just let you know what was happening. I believe the more open conversation a congregation has, the more its members participate and own the congregation's ministries. So, this is what I am thinking at this point of our partnership.
I am thinking that we have taken major strides in providing a firm financial foundation in order to provide the financial resources for Epiphany to love Jesus by serving others. I have a little anxiety about the up-coming annual Stewardship Campaign. The last two months laugh at this anxiety. The disciples at Epiphany have responded in extraordinary fashion to meeting our debt obligations. We have pledged over $270,000 to be added to the original Capital Campaign. There is every reason to believe a similar response will occur in the Stewardship Campaign. But I am human and so every now and then I become a little anxious.
Now that the major work on stewardship is completed, I am turning my attention to the Austin Campus. I have met recently with those who worship at this campus. That meeting lead to a strategy planning session to build-up this campus. Now, we are in the implementation stage of this process.
As I look at what the Austin Campus is doing, I am reminded of being in Berlin. Joyce and I were walking along Utter den Linden after visiting the Brandenberg Gate. As we walked towards the Berlin Cathedral, we past part of the University of Berlin. The university does not have a campus in one place like Ohio State in Columbus. Rather, the campus was located throughout the entire city. Its motto could very well have been, One university, many different schools, in many different locations. The school of engineering was not near the school of medicine, or the school of the arts, etc. Each school in its own neighborhood had its own flavor to meet the needs of its own students. And yet, it was one school meeting the needs of a diverse student population. I remember thinking, “This is the model for church growth and large congregations in the early part of the 21st century in America.”
I see the Austin Campus and the Far Hills Campus mirroring the University of Berlin. Austin will primarily minister to those south of Centerville while Far Hills will ministry primarily to those north of Centerville. Each will have it own style to meet the needs of those who regularly attend worship and participate in ministries designed to meet particular needs. But, there will be a common purpose: to love Jesus by serving others. There will be a common administration. There will be resources that can be distributed to both campuses. And, there will be the same commitment to grow Epiphany spiritually, in community, in outreach, and numerically.
There are things that all of us can do to help the Austin Campus grow. One is to pray for God’s guidance and success for Austin. Another is for Far Hills worshipers to occasional worship at Austin. Another, is to volunteer to help when Austin surveys a local housing development to determine how to best minister to its neighbors.
I am personally excited to be working with the regular worshipers at Austin. We should have a good and productive time together.
Pastor Pete
I am thinking that we have taken major strides in providing a firm financial foundation in order to provide the financial resources for Epiphany to love Jesus by serving others. I have a little anxiety about the up-coming annual Stewardship Campaign. The last two months laugh at this anxiety. The disciples at Epiphany have responded in extraordinary fashion to meeting our debt obligations. We have pledged over $270,000 to be added to the original Capital Campaign. There is every reason to believe a similar response will occur in the Stewardship Campaign. But I am human and so every now and then I become a little anxious.
Now that the major work on stewardship is completed, I am turning my attention to the Austin Campus. I have met recently with those who worship at this campus. That meeting lead to a strategy planning session to build-up this campus. Now, we are in the implementation stage of this process.
As I look at what the Austin Campus is doing, I am reminded of being in Berlin. Joyce and I were walking along Utter den Linden after visiting the Brandenberg Gate. As we walked towards the Berlin Cathedral, we past part of the University of Berlin. The university does not have a campus in one place like Ohio State in Columbus. Rather, the campus was located throughout the entire city. Its motto could very well have been, One university, many different schools, in many different locations. The school of engineering was not near the school of medicine, or the school of the arts, etc. Each school in its own neighborhood had its own flavor to meet the needs of its own students. And yet, it was one school meeting the needs of a diverse student population. I remember thinking, “This is the model for church growth and large congregations in the early part of the 21st century in America.”
I see the Austin Campus and the Far Hills Campus mirroring the University of Berlin. Austin will primarily minister to those south of Centerville while Far Hills will ministry primarily to those north of Centerville. Each will have it own style to meet the needs of those who regularly attend worship and participate in ministries designed to meet particular needs. But, there will be a common purpose: to love Jesus by serving others. There will be a common administration. There will be resources that can be distributed to both campuses. And, there will be the same commitment to grow Epiphany spiritually, in community, in outreach, and numerically.
There are things that all of us can do to help the Austin Campus grow. One is to pray for God’s guidance and success for Austin. Another is for Far Hills worshipers to occasional worship at Austin. Another, is to volunteer to help when Austin surveys a local housing development to determine how to best minister to its neighbors.
I am personally excited to be working with the regular worshipers at Austin. We should have a good and productive time together.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Instant Gratification
We are entering the second full week in October. In our culture of instant gratification, it is now time to take down the Halloween displays and sell Halloween candy at half price so that we can turn our attention to Christmas. (Remember, Halloween is still three weeks away.) Craft shops like Hobby Lobby already have their Christmas merchandise out. Last year, Home Depot was selling Christmas trees at this time so I need to check if they are on schedule this year. It will not be long until we hear Christmas music wherever we go. I’m sure, Thanksgiving will get lost somewhere in the rush to get to Christmas.
Instant gratification is not only for the holidays. Last Sunday was my birthday. I deeply appreciated the cards I received before the big day. Those sending them remembered! But I wondered about those who sent cards that arrived the day after my birthday. Could it be that they forgot? Logically, that doesn’t make sense. Neither group sent cards that arrived on the exact day. Perhaps one of the early cards was sent by a person who could not remember the exact day so sent a card hoping it would arrive close to the day. If it was early, that would make it acceptable.
Instant gratification carries over in every area of life. I want it and I want it NOW. Waiting is hard. I want the Stewardship Campaign to be successfully completed now. I want the new administrative structure to be firmly planted in the life of Epiphany now. I want the planning of Joyce’s and my trip to Jordan and Israel this Christmas to be now.
I know that I argue with myself with logic. It takes time to discern and test a ministry program. It takes time to to root a new procedure. In one of the books that I read, the author said it can take up to seven years. I know it has taken a year to put together our Christmas trip.
In my more rational moments, I have a strategy to deal with the impulse for instant gratification. When I am planning something, I ask how long should this take. I try very hard to be realistic. Once I have a realistic date in mind, I apply Murphy’s Law, “Whatever time you set for a project, it will take twice as long.” Since this law is accurate more often than not, I take my realistic time schedule and multiply by 2. Finally, I remember a commentary on Murphy and his Law; namely, Murphy was an optimist. I better allow some more time for the Stewardship Campaign, for the administration system to be implemented and firmly rooted, and for dealing with a trip to the Holy Land that seems to change on a regular basis.
If you have another strategy for dealing with the impulse for instant gratification, let me know. I would enjoy comparing notes.
Pastor Pete
Instant gratification is not only for the holidays. Last Sunday was my birthday. I deeply appreciated the cards I received before the big day. Those sending them remembered! But I wondered about those who sent cards that arrived the day after my birthday. Could it be that they forgot? Logically, that doesn’t make sense. Neither group sent cards that arrived on the exact day. Perhaps one of the early cards was sent by a person who could not remember the exact day so sent a card hoping it would arrive close to the day. If it was early, that would make it acceptable.
Instant gratification carries over in every area of life. I want it and I want it NOW. Waiting is hard. I want the Stewardship Campaign to be successfully completed now. I want the new administrative structure to be firmly planted in the life of Epiphany now. I want the planning of Joyce’s and my trip to Jordan and Israel this Christmas to be now.
I know that I argue with myself with logic. It takes time to discern and test a ministry program. It takes time to to root a new procedure. In one of the books that I read, the author said it can take up to seven years. I know it has taken a year to put together our Christmas trip.
In my more rational moments, I have a strategy to deal with the impulse for instant gratification. When I am planning something, I ask how long should this take. I try very hard to be realistic. Once I have a realistic date in mind, I apply Murphy’s Law, “Whatever time you set for a project, it will take twice as long.” Since this law is accurate more often than not, I take my realistic time schedule and multiply by 2. Finally, I remember a commentary on Murphy and his Law; namely, Murphy was an optimist. I better allow some more time for the Stewardship Campaign, for the administration system to be implemented and firmly rooted, and for dealing with a trip to the Holy Land that seems to change on a regular basis.
If you have another strategy for dealing with the impulse for instant gratification, let me know. I would enjoy comparing notes.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
What Time Is It?
Within any congregation, there is a time for change and a time to firmly plant and grow those changes into the life of a congregation. One of the roles of a leader is to know if this is a time of change or a time to firmly plant and grow the changes that have be started.
For the last eight months, Epiphany has been in the time of change. It has defined a new purpose statement, “To love Jesus by serving others.” Every ministry of Epiphany is guided and evaluated by this purpose.
Epiphany has discerned God’s vision for the next ten years. A vision defines how a congregation lives out its purpose. As a part of Epiphany’s vision, a new administration system has be established. The new system has four lanes: 1. Outreach to non-members in the Centerville area and around the world. 2. Worship and praise of God, 3. Care of members, and 4. Administration. This system was designed to encourage ministries in the same lane to work together to achieve a common purpose and to provide effective communications to the disciples at Epiphany about its ministries.
Epiphany has conducted a successful revisiting of the Capital Campaign. To date, the disciples at Epiphany have pledged an additional $266,500 to address Epiphany’s debt obligations. The success of this program has enabled Epiphany to continue the call process for a new senior pastor.
Epiphany is in the process of conducting an assertive annual Stewardship Campaign. The minimum goal is to increase annual giving by at least 5% of what is currently being contributed to the ministries of Epiphany.
Within a month, we will be implementing a new communication system. Instead of The Star published every other month, there will be a weekly newsletter with messages from the pastors, testimonies from disciples, and current news about up coming ministries. This new communication system will be orientated towards e-mail distribution instead of hard copies being sent via the post office. Our new communication director has been working hard on this project.
All of these changes have occurred while established ministries continue to function; i.e., the observance of Lent, the celebration of Easter, the summer musical, Vacation Bible School, the beginning of Sunday School, the starting of the fall youth programs, weddings, funerals, hospital calling, and much more.
Change does not last if a congregation and its leaders do not take time to let changes become firmly established. The vision is for 10 years. It will take time for all of its new ministries and changes in existing ministries to be planned and implemented. The new administrative system needs time to become familiar to those managing ministry lanes. Assertive stewardship programs need time to become part of Epiphany’s culture. It is the leader’s responsibility to say, now that we have implemented these changes we need to take time to let them take root so that they can grow strong.
I celebrate the changes that have occurred in the last eight months at Epiphany. As I look ahead, I will be spending a lot of time working on firmly establishing these changes into the life and ministry of Epiphany. My goal is to have them firmly rooted by the time a new senior pastor arrives to lead Epiphany.
Pastor Pete
For the last eight months, Epiphany has been in the time of change. It has defined a new purpose statement, “To love Jesus by serving others.” Every ministry of Epiphany is guided and evaluated by this purpose.
Epiphany has discerned God’s vision for the next ten years. A vision defines how a congregation lives out its purpose. As a part of Epiphany’s vision, a new administration system has be established. The new system has four lanes: 1. Outreach to non-members in the Centerville area and around the world. 2. Worship and praise of God, 3. Care of members, and 4. Administration. This system was designed to encourage ministries in the same lane to work together to achieve a common purpose and to provide effective communications to the disciples at Epiphany about its ministries.
Epiphany has conducted a successful revisiting of the Capital Campaign. To date, the disciples at Epiphany have pledged an additional $266,500 to address Epiphany’s debt obligations. The success of this program has enabled Epiphany to continue the call process for a new senior pastor.
Epiphany is in the process of conducting an assertive annual Stewardship Campaign. The minimum goal is to increase annual giving by at least 5% of what is currently being contributed to the ministries of Epiphany.
Within a month, we will be implementing a new communication system. Instead of The Star published every other month, there will be a weekly newsletter with messages from the pastors, testimonies from disciples, and current news about up coming ministries. This new communication system will be orientated towards e-mail distribution instead of hard copies being sent via the post office. Our new communication director has been working hard on this project.
All of these changes have occurred while established ministries continue to function; i.e., the observance of Lent, the celebration of Easter, the summer musical, Vacation Bible School, the beginning of Sunday School, the starting of the fall youth programs, weddings, funerals, hospital calling, and much more.
Change does not last if a congregation and its leaders do not take time to let changes become firmly established. The vision is for 10 years. It will take time for all of its new ministries and changes in existing ministries to be planned and implemented. The new administrative system needs time to become familiar to those managing ministry lanes. Assertive stewardship programs need time to become part of Epiphany’s culture. It is the leader’s responsibility to say, now that we have implemented these changes we need to take time to let them take root so that they can grow strong.
I celebrate the changes that have occurred in the last eight months at Epiphany. As I look ahead, I will be spending a lot of time working on firmly establishing these changes into the life and ministry of Epiphany. My goal is to have them firmly rooted by the time a new senior pastor arrives to lead Epiphany.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Trees and Forests
Sometimes I get so caught up in what I am doing that I miss the forest for the trees. Last week was a perfect example of this phenomena.
For the past month, I have been analyzing Epiphany’s financial condition. I continually asked about loans, mortgages, principal and interest payments, the end date of loans, as well as annual receipts and expenditures. As in all things, the questions I asked determined the answers I received. When I asked different questions, I got different answers. It seemed like all I did was bump into the trees as I tried to figure out the financial future of Epiphany.
At the conclusion of my analysis, I was certain that Epiphany could not financially afford to call a new senior pastor for at least a year. I remembered the rumors that were circulating last January and February about the demise of Epiphany. I remembered predictions that the Austin Campus would be sold by now. In my heart I knew Epiphany would survive but the question was, How?
I also had come to the conclusion that there were two game changers in Epiphany’s financial picture. The first was revisiting the Capital Campaign. If we could buy two, three, or four years to fund Epiphany’s debt obligations, we would take a gigantic step in securing Epiphany’s future. The second game changer was a stewardship campaign that would increase giving by a minimum of 5% in 2012. I came to these conclusions while I was still in the trees of daily questions. There was no forest to be seen.
On September 18, the disciples of Epiphany pledged an additional $171,098 to the Capital Campaign. Over the next week, additional pledges grew the total of the campaign to $250,000. I have to go back to my analyzing to determine how many years we have bought to secure our financial future. There is only good news awaiting in this analysis.
Even with a new analysis, I am still in the trees. One challenge has been met. One problem has been managed. The immediate affect of the increase in pledged giving enabled the Council to vote to continue the search for a new senior pastor. The Call Committee is ready to interview candidates.
On Wednesday night, the forest came into view. A participant in my Bible study made an observation about the Council’s vote to proceed with the call process. His observation was: The Council’s vote to proceed with the call sent a strong message of hope. Epiphany is not stuck in the past or the present; rather, Epiphany is moving into the future. All of the trees used to analyze Epiphany’s finances and answer questions about projected giving suddenly blended together to form a healthy forest. I had missed that message of hope and future for a long time when I was trying to navigate the trees of financial challenges. Today I am full of joy and increased energy as look at a forest full of potential.
On Wednesday, I go back to the trees as the Stewardship Committee plans the fall campaign to begin in October. There will be the trees of analysis, letter writing, recruiting disciples to talk about worship, outreach, care of members, and administration. As the committee navigates these trees, I will try to remember to look up and enjoy the forest named Epiphany Lutheran Church.
Pastor Pete
For the past month, I have been analyzing Epiphany’s financial condition. I continually asked about loans, mortgages, principal and interest payments, the end date of loans, as well as annual receipts and expenditures. As in all things, the questions I asked determined the answers I received. When I asked different questions, I got different answers. It seemed like all I did was bump into the trees as I tried to figure out the financial future of Epiphany.
At the conclusion of my analysis, I was certain that Epiphany could not financially afford to call a new senior pastor for at least a year. I remembered the rumors that were circulating last January and February about the demise of Epiphany. I remembered predictions that the Austin Campus would be sold by now. In my heart I knew Epiphany would survive but the question was, How?
I also had come to the conclusion that there were two game changers in Epiphany’s financial picture. The first was revisiting the Capital Campaign. If we could buy two, three, or four years to fund Epiphany’s debt obligations, we would take a gigantic step in securing Epiphany’s future. The second game changer was a stewardship campaign that would increase giving by a minimum of 5% in 2012. I came to these conclusions while I was still in the trees of daily questions. There was no forest to be seen.
On September 18, the disciples of Epiphany pledged an additional $171,098 to the Capital Campaign. Over the next week, additional pledges grew the total of the campaign to $250,000. I have to go back to my analyzing to determine how many years we have bought to secure our financial future. There is only good news awaiting in this analysis.
Even with a new analysis, I am still in the trees. One challenge has been met. One problem has been managed. The immediate affect of the increase in pledged giving enabled the Council to vote to continue the search for a new senior pastor. The Call Committee is ready to interview candidates.
On Wednesday night, the forest came into view. A participant in my Bible study made an observation about the Council’s vote to proceed with the call process. His observation was: The Council’s vote to proceed with the call sent a strong message of hope. Epiphany is not stuck in the past or the present; rather, Epiphany is moving into the future. All of the trees used to analyze Epiphany’s finances and answer questions about projected giving suddenly blended together to form a healthy forest. I had missed that message of hope and future for a long time when I was trying to navigate the trees of financial challenges. Today I am full of joy and increased energy as look at a forest full of potential.
On Wednesday, I go back to the trees as the Stewardship Committee plans the fall campaign to begin in October. There will be the trees of analysis, letter writing, recruiting disciples to talk about worship, outreach, care of members, and administration. As the committee navigates these trees, I will try to remember to look up and enjoy the forest named Epiphany Lutheran Church.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Epiphany's Report Card
Willowcreek Church in Barrington, Illinois is the most studied church in America. What I find fascinating about this church is the way it started. Willowcreek’s pastor, Bill Hybels, knocked on the doors of his congregation’s neighbors six days a week for almost a year. When someone answered the door, he introduced himself and asked, “Have you worshiped recently?” If the neighbor said he or she attended worship, Bill thanked them for their time and encouraged them to keep on worshiping regularly. If the neighbor said no, Bill asked, “Why?” The answers he received had three common themes: 1. Church worship is boring, 2. Sermons are irrelevant, and 3. All they do is ask for money. The first two themes Bill understood and accepted. Worship in many churches is like a funeral dirge; i.e., the tempo in liturgy and hymn singing are overly slow and too many sermons do not connect the scriptures to daily life - they are term papers. The third theme was not immediately comprehensible. Those who worshiped every week were asked to contribute as much as those who were not worshiping. What made the difference? Finally, Bill solved the discrepancy. Those who worshiped weekly had their needs met and those who were absent from worship did not. Those worshiping regularly had pastoral care from the congregation when needed and were encouraged to use their talents and abilities to help their church grow. For those who did not worshiped regularly, care was not extended when needed and they always had to have permission to use their talents and gifts in their church. Asking for financial contributions from those who worshiped regularly was not an issue. Asking for financial contributions once a year from those who did not worship was too much.
After reading the story of Willowcreek’s origin, I continually monitor the worship services of the congregations I serve. I am continually ask one question of every sermon that I preach, “So what?” If the sermon cannot be used on Monday, it should not be preached on Sunday. And, I consider the annual Stewardship Campaign to be the report card of how well my congregation serves the needs of its worshipers and those outside of its walls.
I not only monitor worship, sermons, and preaching from a corporate point of view. I monitor them from a personal point of view as well. When we travel, Joyce and I seek out Sunday morning worship wherever we go. After worship we ask, Would we come back next week if we had just moved here? What we are really asking is, Was the worship alive or dead? Is there something we can take home from the sermon? If the answer to these two questions is “yes,” it didn’t matter if we worshiped in the midst of that congregation’s annual stewardship drive. If the answer to these questions were negative, any appeal for money was overbearing.
For the past month, my mind and time have been occupied with revisiting of the Capital Campaign and the upcoming annual stewardship drive. I can argue that the response to the campaign and drive are essential to Epiphany’s future because they are. I also know that they are the report card on how our worship, preaching, and programming serve the disciples at Epiphany. When Joyce and I filled out our pledge card to the Capital Campaign, we knew we where reporting on our impressions about the vitality of Epiphany. It was easy to pledge because we both believe in Epiphany. In like manner, when you fill out your pledge card in the coming weeks, you are reporting about Epiphany’s worship, sermons, and programming as well.
Pastor Pete
After reading the story of Willowcreek’s origin, I continually monitor the worship services of the congregations I serve. I am continually ask one question of every sermon that I preach, “So what?” If the sermon cannot be used on Monday, it should not be preached on Sunday. And, I consider the annual Stewardship Campaign to be the report card of how well my congregation serves the needs of its worshipers and those outside of its walls.
I not only monitor worship, sermons, and preaching from a corporate point of view. I monitor them from a personal point of view as well. When we travel, Joyce and I seek out Sunday morning worship wherever we go. After worship we ask, Would we come back next week if we had just moved here? What we are really asking is, Was the worship alive or dead? Is there something we can take home from the sermon? If the answer to these two questions is “yes,” it didn’t matter if we worshiped in the midst of that congregation’s annual stewardship drive. If the answer to these questions were negative, any appeal for money was overbearing.
For the past month, my mind and time have been occupied with revisiting of the Capital Campaign and the upcoming annual stewardship drive. I can argue that the response to the campaign and drive are essential to Epiphany’s future because they are. I also know that they are the report card on how our worship, preaching, and programming serve the disciples at Epiphany. When Joyce and I filled out our pledge card to the Capital Campaign, we knew we where reporting on our impressions about the vitality of Epiphany. It was easy to pledge because we both believe in Epiphany. In like manner, when you fill out your pledge card in the coming weeks, you are reporting about Epiphany’s worship, sermons, and programming as well.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Time defined in chapters
I have authored a book on church administration, I write a quarterly newsletter for the Southern Ohio and the West Virginia/Western Maryland Synods, I have led workshops for the rostered leaders of the church, and have consulted with congregations over the past twenty years. One message that I emphasize in all these experiences is that pastors should not think of their tenure in a congregation in terms of chronological time; i.e., a pastor should not think in terms of being in a congregation for five, ten, or fifteen years. Rather, a pastor should think of his or her tenure in terms of chapters; i.e., my first chapter in the church I served for 28 years was to get acquainted with the congregation, my second chapter was to strengthen the adult education program of the congregation, my third chapter was to expand Good Shepherd’s ministry by calling an intern. Thinking of tenure in terms of chapters encourages a pastor not only to define past accomplishments but also encourages thinking about what is coming in the future; i.e., the next chapter was to build a new sanctuary.
As I drove to the office yesterday morning, I thought about how long I have been at Epiphany. In terms of chronological time, it has been seven months. In chronological terms, in five months my tenure at Epiphany ends. Then, I said to myself, “Self, what are the chapters of your tenure? What chapters have been completed and what is the next chapter that you envision?” Here are my answers.
The first chapter was to comfort the hurting, clarify reality, and convey hope. (This was the topic of my second blog.) Even though these three ministries have been addressed, the need to continue comforting, clarifying, and offering hope will be with us for a long time.
The second chapter has three emphases. The first emphasis began about a month ago when my attention turned to the financial issues facing Epiphany in general and Epiphany’s debt obligation in particular. This second chapter can be called the Stewardship Chapter. For the rest of September, October, and November I will put a great deal of effort into revisiting the Capital Campaign and the annual stewardship campaign. Good responses to these campaigns will have positive ramifications in calling a new senior pastor and restoring a full range of ministry programs to our church.
Along with the stewardship emphasis, the second chapter will also implement the new administrative structure, reviewing and rewriting job descriptions where necessary, and establishing guidelines so that decisions can be made on the lowest possible administrative level of our organizational structure.
Finally, in the second chapter, I will begin to work with those who worship at the Austin Campus to build ministry at that site.
The question then gets to be, What is the third (future) chapter going to be? For me, this chapter is to implement the vision’s worship schedule so that the pastors have time to greet worshipers and to teach Sunday School. The implementation of this schedule will enhance our weekend worship, adult Sunday School, and gathering experiences. This chapter will begin when we have the financial resources to move ahead.
Thinking in terms of chapters eliminates artificial deadlines created by chronological time. I invite you to think of Epiphany in terms of the chapters of its ministry. This is an exciting way to see where we have been and where we are going.
Pastor Pete
As I drove to the office yesterday morning, I thought about how long I have been at Epiphany. In terms of chronological time, it has been seven months. In chronological terms, in five months my tenure at Epiphany ends. Then, I said to myself, “Self, what are the chapters of your tenure? What chapters have been completed and what is the next chapter that you envision?” Here are my answers.
The first chapter was to comfort the hurting, clarify reality, and convey hope. (This was the topic of my second blog.) Even though these three ministries have been addressed, the need to continue comforting, clarifying, and offering hope will be with us for a long time.
The second chapter has three emphases. The first emphasis began about a month ago when my attention turned to the financial issues facing Epiphany in general and Epiphany’s debt obligation in particular. This second chapter can be called the Stewardship Chapter. For the rest of September, October, and November I will put a great deal of effort into revisiting the Capital Campaign and the annual stewardship campaign. Good responses to these campaigns will have positive ramifications in calling a new senior pastor and restoring a full range of ministry programs to our church.
Along with the stewardship emphasis, the second chapter will also implement the new administrative structure, reviewing and rewriting job descriptions where necessary, and establishing guidelines so that decisions can be made on the lowest possible administrative level of our organizational structure.
Finally, in the second chapter, I will begin to work with those who worship at the Austin Campus to build ministry at that site.
The question then gets to be, What is the third (future) chapter going to be? For me, this chapter is to implement the vision’s worship schedule so that the pastors have time to greet worshipers and to teach Sunday School. The implementation of this schedule will enhance our weekend worship, adult Sunday School, and gathering experiences. This chapter will begin when we have the financial resources to move ahead.
Thinking in terms of chapters eliminates artificial deadlines created by chronological time. I invite you to think of Epiphany in terms of the chapters of its ministry. This is an exciting way to see where we have been and where we are going.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Strengths and Challenges
I was asked last Sunday what I saw as the strengths and weakness of Epiphany. In August I gave the following assessment of Epiphany to the Church Council. I share that assessment with you as a way of answering the question.
I am impressed with the spirit of Epiphany and the effort of its leaders. This is especially true of the Church Council. After January 1, 2011, Council member’s accepted responsibilities for ministries to guarantee their continuation. In addition, a new purpose statement and vision were discerned.
While they are not widely recognized, many members of Epiphany have also stepped up to help. I am particularly aware of those who worked in children’s ministries, the Sound of Music, and Operation Prom Dress. I am sure that there are many other places volunteers filled in which were not apparent to a newcomer to the congregation.
I am impressed by the dedication and commitment to Epiphany by the office and program staff. With the loss of three staff members before the schism in January and five staff members after January 1, several ministries lost their staff leadership. Remaining staff members filled these vacancies to ensure ministry continued in Christian education, drama ministry, and youth ministry.
I am impressed by the decision to keep the Austin Campus as part of Epiphany’s ministry portfolio. As described in Vision 2021, the Austin Campus provides major growth opportunities for Epiphany. For the Austin Campus to be effective in the future, I believe it needs to be re-positioned into a satellite congregation with a diverse ministry portfolio.
I believe the future for Epiphany is a bright one. There is no reason that Epiphany cannot grow spiritually, in community, in outreach, and numerically. I believe that a competent senior pastor, partnering with the staff and the Council, can lead Epiphany to fulfill Vision 2021.
The above analysis does not mean that the growth will come easily and that there are no challenges ahead. Challenges must be faced realistically and honestly. There will be financial challenges. With the exodus of 500 members, there was the loss of $415,000 in annual financial contributions. This is the bad financial news. The good news is that giving by those who remained at Epiphany has increase by approximately $100,000 in the first seven months of 2011. The increase in giving indicates that the members of Epiphany are feeling a (new) Spirit and are responding to that Spirit with financial contributions. If I have a worry, it is in the area of finances. My prayer is the increase in financial giving will continue to grow and that we will find a way to lower our annual debt obligation. Lowering our debt obligation is essential to a bright future.
The second challenge is related to the decrease in financial support and the loss of program staff members. It is wishful thinking that the ministry portfolio of Epiphany will be that of a congregation worshiping 1,100 per weekend within the next three to five years. The challenge will be deciding which ministries receive immediate staff leadership and which will depend upon volunteers for their leadership. If no volunteer leaders emerge, then some ministries will cease to exist.
Finally, I worry that the new spirit at Epiphany and the peace that we now have will turn into turn into contentment and apathy. Our staff and members are tired because they have worked very hard over the past year(s). The naturally tendency is to sit back and enjoy the peace we now have. I pray that we do not lose our sense of urgency as we plan and implement ministry over he coming year(s).
Pastor Pete
I am impressed with the spirit of Epiphany and the effort of its leaders. This is especially true of the Church Council. After January 1, 2011, Council member’s accepted responsibilities for ministries to guarantee their continuation. In addition, a new purpose statement and vision were discerned.
While they are not widely recognized, many members of Epiphany have also stepped up to help. I am particularly aware of those who worked in children’s ministries, the Sound of Music, and Operation Prom Dress. I am sure that there are many other places volunteers filled in which were not apparent to a newcomer to the congregation.
I am impressed by the dedication and commitment to Epiphany by the office and program staff. With the loss of three staff members before the schism in January and five staff members after January 1, several ministries lost their staff leadership. Remaining staff members filled these vacancies to ensure ministry continued in Christian education, drama ministry, and youth ministry.
I am impressed by the decision to keep the Austin Campus as part of Epiphany’s ministry portfolio. As described in Vision 2021, the Austin Campus provides major growth opportunities for Epiphany. For the Austin Campus to be effective in the future, I believe it needs to be re-positioned into a satellite congregation with a diverse ministry portfolio.
I believe the future for Epiphany is a bright one. There is no reason that Epiphany cannot grow spiritually, in community, in outreach, and numerically. I believe that a competent senior pastor, partnering with the staff and the Council, can lead Epiphany to fulfill Vision 2021.
The above analysis does not mean that the growth will come easily and that there are no challenges ahead. Challenges must be faced realistically and honestly. There will be financial challenges. With the exodus of 500 members, there was the loss of $415,000 in annual financial contributions. This is the bad financial news. The good news is that giving by those who remained at Epiphany has increase by approximately $100,000 in the first seven months of 2011. The increase in giving indicates that the members of Epiphany are feeling a (new) Spirit and are responding to that Spirit with financial contributions. If I have a worry, it is in the area of finances. My prayer is the increase in financial giving will continue to grow and that we will find a way to lower our annual debt obligation. Lowering our debt obligation is essential to a bright future.
The second challenge is related to the decrease in financial support and the loss of program staff members. It is wishful thinking that the ministry portfolio of Epiphany will be that of a congregation worshiping 1,100 per weekend within the next three to five years. The challenge will be deciding which ministries receive immediate staff leadership and which will depend upon volunteers for their leadership. If no volunteer leaders emerge, then some ministries will cease to exist.
Finally, I worry that the new spirit at Epiphany and the peace that we now have will turn into turn into contentment and apathy. Our staff and members are tired because they have worked very hard over the past year(s). The naturally tendency is to sit back and enjoy the peace we now have. I pray that we do not lose our sense of urgency as we plan and implement ministry over he coming year(s).
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Money And The Meaning Of Life
For the past two to three weeks my thinking and time has been dominated by analyzing Epiphany’s financial situation. Some may question why a “spiritual” leader is so involved in the “business” side of the church. Shouldn’t a spiritual leader be involved in Bible study, sermon preparation, and the chaplaincy care of members? This is a good question, so let me answer it.
Jacob Needleman in his book MONEY AND THE MEANING OF LIFE states that money is how we deal with the challenges of this world. When he leads seminars, he asks the CEOs in front of him to write on a 3x5 card their biggest challenge. The challenge can be business related or personal. On the other side of the card, he asks the CEOs to write how much money it would take to solve their challenge. Nearly every CEO has a dollar figure that would solve his or her problem. It may be money to buy new equipment or a new building for the business. Or, it may be money to get a family member needed health care or a child into the the best school. It is just amazing how the problems of life are dealt with through money.
I think Needleman is right. Money is a key issue in solving the challenges of the church in general and Epiphany in particular. Epiphany has had a decline in giving since 2006 with the biggest decline at the end of 2010. In January 2011, 500 disciples at Epiphany left the congregation. These 500 disciples contributed annually $415,000 dollars. It hurts when disciples leave a congregation and it hurts the ability to deliver ministry when financial receipts decline by $415,000 in a single month. The question that has dominated my praying and thinking is, How do we manage such a loss in both members and revenue?
First of all, there is some good news to report; namely, over 200 households have raised their giving levels by over $100,000 since January without being asked to do so. I believe this indicates the new spirit that is at Epiphany. Therefore, I have reason to rejoice and hope in Epiphany’s future. The Holy Spirit is moving among us.
Second, our debt load is very large, $284,000 annually to be exact. We are very fortunate to have funds in the Capital Campaign to help defray this cost in 2011. If Epiphany is to continue to grow, the Capital Campaign must be strengthen. This means that those who have made pledges to the Campaign need to meet those pledges. It also means that those who did not originally pledge need to consider at least a two year pledge to the campaign. Strengthening the Capital Campaign is a key to calling a new senior pastor and continuing ministry programs.
Third, there needs to be a very positive response to the fall Stewardship Campaign. The campaign will ask for at least a 5% increase in giving for 2012. For at least two-thirds of the congregation, this increase is $1.00 per week.
I should add to this blog that Needleman is spiritual. He does not deny the presence of God. He maintains that the downside of money is that it diverts our attention from spiritual realities. In like manner, dealing with money in the church does not deny the reality that God is a vital part of Epiphany and its ministry. Praying, thinking, and dealing with money is, in my opinion, an indication that we take our faith seriously and turn it into action in the world God created. Dealing with money is an affirmation that God has placed us in “the real world” to love Jesus by serving others.
Pastor Pete
Jacob Needleman in his book MONEY AND THE MEANING OF LIFE states that money is how we deal with the challenges of this world. When he leads seminars, he asks the CEOs in front of him to write on a 3x5 card their biggest challenge. The challenge can be business related or personal. On the other side of the card, he asks the CEOs to write how much money it would take to solve their challenge. Nearly every CEO has a dollar figure that would solve his or her problem. It may be money to buy new equipment or a new building for the business. Or, it may be money to get a family member needed health care or a child into the the best school. It is just amazing how the problems of life are dealt with through money.
I think Needleman is right. Money is a key issue in solving the challenges of the church in general and Epiphany in particular. Epiphany has had a decline in giving since 2006 with the biggest decline at the end of 2010. In January 2011, 500 disciples at Epiphany left the congregation. These 500 disciples contributed annually $415,000 dollars. It hurts when disciples leave a congregation and it hurts the ability to deliver ministry when financial receipts decline by $415,000 in a single month. The question that has dominated my praying and thinking is, How do we manage such a loss in both members and revenue?
First of all, there is some good news to report; namely, over 200 households have raised their giving levels by over $100,000 since January without being asked to do so. I believe this indicates the new spirit that is at Epiphany. Therefore, I have reason to rejoice and hope in Epiphany’s future. The Holy Spirit is moving among us.
Second, our debt load is very large, $284,000 annually to be exact. We are very fortunate to have funds in the Capital Campaign to help defray this cost in 2011. If Epiphany is to continue to grow, the Capital Campaign must be strengthen. This means that those who have made pledges to the Campaign need to meet those pledges. It also means that those who did not originally pledge need to consider at least a two year pledge to the campaign. Strengthening the Capital Campaign is a key to calling a new senior pastor and continuing ministry programs.
Third, there needs to be a very positive response to the fall Stewardship Campaign. The campaign will ask for at least a 5% increase in giving for 2012. For at least two-thirds of the congregation, this increase is $1.00 per week.
I should add to this blog that Needleman is spiritual. He does not deny the presence of God. He maintains that the downside of money is that it diverts our attention from spiritual realities. In like manner, dealing with money in the church does not deny the reality that God is a vital part of Epiphany and its ministry. Praying, thinking, and dealing with money is, in my opinion, an indication that we take our faith seriously and turn it into action in the world God created. Dealing with money is an affirmation that God has placed us in “the real world” to love Jesus by serving others.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Epiphany is better than expected
I have been asked many times in the last couple of weeks the following question, “So, how is Epiphany doing?” My answer, stated in a variety of ways, is “Better than expected!” I believed that Epiphany has bottomed out and is moving forward into a positive future. Following are two reasons for my answer.
First, the time frame used by an individual indicates what is happening inside of him or her. For example, when I was in a counseling session, I listened very carefully to the time frame used by the individual sitting in front of me. If that individual continually said, “I should have ....” I knew that individual was living in the past. That individual was not ready to move away from the anger and hurt caused by some past event. On the other hand, if the individual in front of me continually said, “The next time I will ...” I knew that that individual was looking to the future. The anger and frustration of the past were being replaced by hope and a strategy to make the future bright.
If you want to know how things are going, listen to the language of the disciples at Epiphany. In February and March, almost all conversations were about what happened in the past. There was a lot of speculation about what should have been done. In these conversations, all that I heard was, “I should have ...”
Today, the language of the disciples at Epiphany has changed. I hear more and more speculation about the future. I hear questions about the revitalization of ministries and concern about how Epiphany’s ministries will be delivered in the future. In my words, I am now hearing “The next time I will ...” This means that a corner has been turned. I should also add that I am hearing laughter and joking which reflect the change in language at Epiphany.
Another way of assessing what is happening at Epiphany is to see 2011 as a time of birth in reverse. In the birth process, a woman has her first labor pain followed by a long period without pain. As the time for the delivery of the child approaches, the labor pains increase in intensity and frequency. Eventually, the pain is constant until the child is born. If we reverse the birth process, at the time of loss (a schism is a great loss in the lives of those who live through it) the labor pain is constant. You cannot help but look around a worship service, a Bible study, or a fellowship event and not feel the loss of friends and acquaintances. As time goes on, there are gaps between the pains of loss. At first, a day may pass without pain. After the day passes, the pain returns. Then a week passes without the pain. Then it is a month. I see the time between painful comments increasing as the disciples at Epiphany talk about what they are going to do next. To be sure, a misguided word, a statement without thought can instantly bring back the labor pain of loss but those misguided words and statements are getting further apart. It may be a month, or six months, or a year before the next pain occurs. But, the longer the time between the pain, the more healing is occurring.
I am not so naive as to believe that the disciples at Epiphany are only going to live in the future from this time forward or that there will never be a labor pain caused by a misspoken word. But as I listen to the language of Epiphany being changed and the gaps between labor pains increasing in length, I can only be positive about the years ahead.
Pastor Pete
First, the time frame used by an individual indicates what is happening inside of him or her. For example, when I was in a counseling session, I listened very carefully to the time frame used by the individual sitting in front of me. If that individual continually said, “I should have ....” I knew that individual was living in the past. That individual was not ready to move away from the anger and hurt caused by some past event. On the other hand, if the individual in front of me continually said, “The next time I will ...” I knew that that individual was looking to the future. The anger and frustration of the past were being replaced by hope and a strategy to make the future bright.
If you want to know how things are going, listen to the language of the disciples at Epiphany. In February and March, almost all conversations were about what happened in the past. There was a lot of speculation about what should have been done. In these conversations, all that I heard was, “I should have ...”
Today, the language of the disciples at Epiphany has changed. I hear more and more speculation about the future. I hear questions about the revitalization of ministries and concern about how Epiphany’s ministries will be delivered in the future. In my words, I am now hearing “The next time I will ...” This means that a corner has been turned. I should also add that I am hearing laughter and joking which reflect the change in language at Epiphany.
Another way of assessing what is happening at Epiphany is to see 2011 as a time of birth in reverse. In the birth process, a woman has her first labor pain followed by a long period without pain. As the time for the delivery of the child approaches, the labor pains increase in intensity and frequency. Eventually, the pain is constant until the child is born. If we reverse the birth process, at the time of loss (a schism is a great loss in the lives of those who live through it) the labor pain is constant. You cannot help but look around a worship service, a Bible study, or a fellowship event and not feel the loss of friends and acquaintances. As time goes on, there are gaps between the pains of loss. At first, a day may pass without pain. After the day passes, the pain returns. Then a week passes without the pain. Then it is a month. I see the time between painful comments increasing as the disciples at Epiphany talk about what they are going to do next. To be sure, a misguided word, a statement without thought can instantly bring back the labor pain of loss but those misguided words and statements are getting further apart. It may be a month, or six months, or a year before the next pain occurs. But, the longer the time between the pain, the more healing is occurring.
I am not so naive as to believe that the disciples at Epiphany are only going to live in the future from this time forward or that there will never be a labor pain caused by a misspoken word. But as I listen to the language of Epiphany being changed and the gaps between labor pains increasing in length, I can only be positive about the years ahead.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
A moving experience
For twelve days, my wife and our two children plus their spouses traveled to Italy. My son-in-law, who grew up in the Catholic Church, requested that we visit St. Peter’s Basilica. This was a given and we added Sunday Mass to his request. The Mass we attended was held behind the main altar and directly in front of Bernini’s Dove Window. Later that afternoon, we visited San Giovanni in Laterano. This is the Pope’s church. Across the street from San Giovanni are the Scala Santa (sacred stairs) which tradition says Jesus climbed at the time of his trial before Pilate. Pilgrims that come to these stairs must climb them on their knees. Sandwiched between these two churches was a visit to San Clemente, a 12th church build upon the ruins of a 4th century church. Both the “new church” and the old church’s ruins are open to the public. It was quite a Sunday.
It is our tradition that after sightseeing we gather before dinner and debrief the day. The question always is, “What was the most memorable experience for you?” All four of my children answered in similar fashion. They were caught by the passion and sincerity of those receiving Holy Communion at St. Peter’s, and the tears of pilgrims as they climbed the Scala Santa on their knees.
I have thought a great deal about my children’s responses to that Sunday. I watch the disciples at Epiphany as they come to the Lord’s Table. I look them in the eye as I hold up the bread and wine and say, “The body and blood of Christ given and shed FOR YOU.” I watch as they return to their seats, bow their heads, and pray. I see the same depth, passion, and sincerity weekly at Epiphany as was present in Rome. So what was different in Rome that made Holy Communion and climbing stairs so special?
One answer is the setting. St. Peter’s is a radically different setting than the sanctuaries at Austin or Far Hills. Another answer is a change in schedule. Another answer is that the Mass was in Italian, which none of us knew, so we were much more aware of those around us and their response to God’s love experienced through worship and Holy Communion. The common theme in these answers is that the normal routine of Sunday morning at home was changed.
While writing this blog, I wondered if experiencing Holy Communion in a different light each week would help my children, as well as me, capture what was experienced in Rome. For example, Holy Communion is the assurance of forgiveness of sin; therefore, the first week of the month I will concentrate on God’s assurance of forgiveness. Holy Communion is also about strengthening relationships with the ones that receive the bread and wine before and after me; therefore, the second week of the month I will concentrate on how Holy Communion builds relationships. Holy Communion is the glue that holds a congregation together; therefore, the third week of the month I will concentrate on how Holy Communion glues the disciples at Epiphany together as we collectively witness God’s love to the world. Finally, the worship service has two high points towards which all the other parts of the service point; namely, the reading of the Gospel lesson and the celebration of Holy Communion; therefore, the fourth week of the month I will concentrate on how God comes to me in the Word and then with physical assurance of God’s presence in the bread and wine.
It was a good visit to Italy. It was one that created a lot of thoughts and reflections.
Pastor Pete
It is our tradition that after sightseeing we gather before dinner and debrief the day. The question always is, “What was the most memorable experience for you?” All four of my children answered in similar fashion. They were caught by the passion and sincerity of those receiving Holy Communion at St. Peter’s, and the tears of pilgrims as they climbed the Scala Santa on their knees.
I have thought a great deal about my children’s responses to that Sunday. I watch the disciples at Epiphany as they come to the Lord’s Table. I look them in the eye as I hold up the bread and wine and say, “The body and blood of Christ given and shed FOR YOU.” I watch as they return to their seats, bow their heads, and pray. I see the same depth, passion, and sincerity weekly at Epiphany as was present in Rome. So what was different in Rome that made Holy Communion and climbing stairs so special?
One answer is the setting. St. Peter’s is a radically different setting than the sanctuaries at Austin or Far Hills. Another answer is a change in schedule. Another answer is that the Mass was in Italian, which none of us knew, so we were much more aware of those around us and their response to God’s love experienced through worship and Holy Communion. The common theme in these answers is that the normal routine of Sunday morning at home was changed.
While writing this blog, I wondered if experiencing Holy Communion in a different light each week would help my children, as well as me, capture what was experienced in Rome. For example, Holy Communion is the assurance of forgiveness of sin; therefore, the first week of the month I will concentrate on God’s assurance of forgiveness. Holy Communion is also about strengthening relationships with the ones that receive the bread and wine before and after me; therefore, the second week of the month I will concentrate on how Holy Communion builds relationships. Holy Communion is the glue that holds a congregation together; therefore, the third week of the month I will concentrate on how Holy Communion glues the disciples at Epiphany together as we collectively witness God’s love to the world. Finally, the worship service has two high points towards which all the other parts of the service point; namely, the reading of the Gospel lesson and the celebration of Holy Communion; therefore, the fourth week of the month I will concentrate on how God comes to me in the Word and then with physical assurance of God’s presence in the bread and wine.
It was a good visit to Italy. It was one that created a lot of thoughts and reflections.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Faith, Hope, And Love
I believe it is important to stop and examine what has occurred in the past. This discipline has two purposes. First, it reveals where God has intervened in his world. Second, it lets me evaluate if I am making progress in achieving my goals.
Last week I began look back at what has happened to Epiphany over the last seven months. As I looked back, I reflected on Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13:13, “faith, hope, love abide but the greatest of these is love.” In this passage, Paul is gives me a perspective on time and how three time periods builds faith, hope, and love. I believe this passage is a good way to reflect on Epiphany’s recent past and to evaluate today and anticipate tomorrow.
Faith is built upon past learnings and experiences. Faith identifies where God has been present. We often miss God’s intervention into our world because we do not stop and examine what has happened. In the case of Epiphany, we can see God’s guiding hand over the recent past. In January, the leaders of Epiphany and especially the Church Council regrouped and worked together to enable a hurting congregation to continue to care for its members and to reach out into the Centerville community. In March, Epiphany’s leaders began to think about the way a congregation functions and how to use Epiphany’s administrative structures to maintain and build ministry. In April, the Council tackled the difficult process of defining Epiphany’s purpose. Then, a vision of God’s future was discerned. In May and June, the call process was implemented, a profile of the congregation was written, and a Call Committee was appointed. Who said it couldn’t be done? Would anyone seven months ago said all of this would happen? But looking backward, we see God’s hand in all of it. That is called faith. The more that we can see God’s intervention in the last seven months the stronger our faith will be.
Hope is the future period in Paul’s famous saying. Without hope there is no reason to continue. Without hope there is only despair. I once read a book of sermons written by a college chaplain. He wrote that students today need hope more than anything else. They need to know that a future exists for them. Well, there is a future for Epiphany, a bright future I might add. If God can accomplish all that has happened in the last seven months, why would we doubt that God can accomplish great things in the next six months, the next year, or the next decade.
Paul then says, “the greatest of these is love.” Psychiatrists tell us that love is impossible without experiencing it in the past. Because of God’s love in the past, and because of the future God gives, we are able to love today. I believe Epiphany’s strength is because its leaders have love for their fellow disciples and for those who do not belong to our congregation. Over and over again, ministry and love are delivered to those who were hurting spiritually, psychologically, and physically.
As I discipline myself to stop and examine what has happened in the last seven months, I see all three of Paul’s time periods. I see where God has touched Epiphany, where God is leading Epiphany, and as a result, Epiphany’s ability to love and serve others.
Pastor Pete
Last week I began look back at what has happened to Epiphany over the last seven months. As I looked back, I reflected on Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13:13, “faith, hope, love abide but the greatest of these is love.” In this passage, Paul is gives me a perspective on time and how three time periods builds faith, hope, and love. I believe this passage is a good way to reflect on Epiphany’s recent past and to evaluate today and anticipate tomorrow.
Faith is built upon past learnings and experiences. Faith identifies where God has been present. We often miss God’s intervention into our world because we do not stop and examine what has happened. In the case of Epiphany, we can see God’s guiding hand over the recent past. In January, the leaders of Epiphany and especially the Church Council regrouped and worked together to enable a hurting congregation to continue to care for its members and to reach out into the Centerville community. In March, Epiphany’s leaders began to think about the way a congregation functions and how to use Epiphany’s administrative structures to maintain and build ministry. In April, the Council tackled the difficult process of defining Epiphany’s purpose. Then, a vision of God’s future was discerned. In May and June, the call process was implemented, a profile of the congregation was written, and a Call Committee was appointed. Who said it couldn’t be done? Would anyone seven months ago said all of this would happen? But looking backward, we see God’s hand in all of it. That is called faith. The more that we can see God’s intervention in the last seven months the stronger our faith will be.
Hope is the future period in Paul’s famous saying. Without hope there is no reason to continue. Without hope there is only despair. I once read a book of sermons written by a college chaplain. He wrote that students today need hope more than anything else. They need to know that a future exists for them. Well, there is a future for Epiphany, a bright future I might add. If God can accomplish all that has happened in the last seven months, why would we doubt that God can accomplish great things in the next six months, the next year, or the next decade.
Paul then says, “the greatest of these is love.” Psychiatrists tell us that love is impossible without experiencing it in the past. Because of God’s love in the past, and because of the future God gives, we are able to love today. I believe Epiphany’s strength is because its leaders have love for their fellow disciples and for those who do not belong to our congregation. Over and over again, ministry and love are delivered to those who were hurting spiritually, psychologically, and physically.
As I discipline myself to stop and examine what has happened in the last seven months, I see all three of Paul’s time periods. I see where God has touched Epiphany, where God is leading Epiphany, and as a result, Epiphany’s ability to love and serve others.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Chapter 2
For me, ministry is defined by chapters in the life of a congregation and those who serve that congregation. When I think of ministry as chapters it makes it easier to identify where a congregation has been and where it is going in the future. This frame work also explains why my thinking is beginning to change its focus.
Chapter 1, in our ministry together, has been getting to know you and you getting to know me. It was getting to know names, family connections, and what was on your minds and hearts. It is also getting to know who had influence, how decisions were made, and what were the buttons that should not be pushed.
By no means is Chapter 1, what I call the Getting To Know You chapter, complete. It takes at least a year for a new pastor to know a congregation and for the congregation to know the new pastor. I still have to experience how Epiphany begins the fall season, how it celebrates Reformation Sunday, what Thanksgiving is like, and what are the traditions surrounding Christmas.
Now that I am in the middle of the Getting To Know You chapter, my mind is beginning to write the next chapter in our ministry together. For the last two to three weeks my thinking has focused on the administrative structures of Epiphany. I have been thinking about how we communicate with each other and how we can coordinate our efforts so that we live our purpose and achieve our vision. And, I have been thinking about our finances and an annual stewardship campaign. In my mind, the second chapter of our life together is Building An Administrative Structure. This administrative structure has the same importance as any other ministry in Epiphany’s ministry portfolio.
I think the disciples at Epiphany are also beginning to write their second chapter in our shared ministry. Over the last two or three weeks I have been asked about job descriptions concerning staff members or who is really responsible for this ministry. These questions indicate that you and I are moving from getting to know each other to how can we be effective and accountable in delivering ministry to disciples, to Centerville, and beyond.
I suspect that the questions that I have been asking also grows out of a concern for the staff. Since January, staff members have assumed responsibilities that go far beyond their job descriptions. The staff’s attitude has been there is something that needs to be done and I will do it without being asked. You are concerned for those who have served us so well in the past and especially in the last six months.
In the coming chapter, we will be looking at an administrative structure that includes a (re)defining of job descriptions, a coordination of ministries with a common focus, a supervisory element that will encourage evaluation of current ministries, the implementation of new ministries, and oversight for the delivery of ministry.
Let me add that the purpose of this second chapter is to continue the delivery of relevant ministry that has long been part of Epiphany’s DNA. It is also a way to build, plan, and implement new ministries in an ever changing world. I look forward to the writing of this second chapter with you in our shared ministry together.
Pastor Pete
Chapter 1, in our ministry together, has been getting to know you and you getting to know me. It was getting to know names, family connections, and what was on your minds and hearts. It is also getting to know who had influence, how decisions were made, and what were the buttons that should not be pushed.
By no means is Chapter 1, what I call the Getting To Know You chapter, complete. It takes at least a year for a new pastor to know a congregation and for the congregation to know the new pastor. I still have to experience how Epiphany begins the fall season, how it celebrates Reformation Sunday, what Thanksgiving is like, and what are the traditions surrounding Christmas.
Now that I am in the middle of the Getting To Know You chapter, my mind is beginning to write the next chapter in our ministry together. For the last two to three weeks my thinking has focused on the administrative structures of Epiphany. I have been thinking about how we communicate with each other and how we can coordinate our efforts so that we live our purpose and achieve our vision. And, I have been thinking about our finances and an annual stewardship campaign. In my mind, the second chapter of our life together is Building An Administrative Structure. This administrative structure has the same importance as any other ministry in Epiphany’s ministry portfolio.
I think the disciples at Epiphany are also beginning to write their second chapter in our shared ministry. Over the last two or three weeks I have been asked about job descriptions concerning staff members or who is really responsible for this ministry. These questions indicate that you and I are moving from getting to know each other to how can we be effective and accountable in delivering ministry to disciples, to Centerville, and beyond.
I suspect that the questions that I have been asking also grows out of a concern for the staff. Since January, staff members have assumed responsibilities that go far beyond their job descriptions. The staff’s attitude has been there is something that needs to be done and I will do it without being asked. You are concerned for those who have served us so well in the past and especially in the last six months.
In the coming chapter, we will be looking at an administrative structure that includes a (re)defining of job descriptions, a coordination of ministries with a common focus, a supervisory element that will encourage evaluation of current ministries, the implementation of new ministries, and oversight for the delivery of ministry.
Let me add that the purpose of this second chapter is to continue the delivery of relevant ministry that has long been part of Epiphany’s DNA. It is also a way to build, plan, and implement new ministries in an ever changing world. I look forward to the writing of this second chapter with you in our shared ministry together.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Whats Happening
My mind has been racing for the last few days about what needs to be accomplished over the next two months. For me, the following issues are on my list. Some initial meetings have already been set to address the five issues listed below. Over the summer, I will report to you the progress on these issues.
First, we are having a discussion in the office about how to best communicate with you the progress that is being made to call a new senior pastor. Should we establish a new blog with entries only when something concrete can be reported? Should we devise special e-mails reporting the work of the Call Committee? If we use a blog or e-mail, what about the households that do not have or use this technology? Should we have a minute temple talk by a member of the Call Committee during the worship services to report progress being made?
Second, as part of the call process, the Council produced several documents; i.e., a purpose statement, a vision for the next 10 years, a profile of the congregation, and a job description for the new pastor. How do we share these documents with you? What is the best way to communicate the rationale behind the vision concerning worship, education, outreach, fellowship, and a new administrative structure? How can we answer your questions?
Third, what is the best way to communicate, on a regular basis, what is happening at Epiphany through a newsletter. In small churches, the newsletter reports what has already happened and who did what. In medium size churches, the newsletter lists every ministry program so everyone knows what is happening. In large churches, the newsletter is a weekly publication with a maximum length of four pages. It has a devotional message from the pastor, perhaps a testimonial from one or two members, and highlights one or two ways the congregation is making a difference for its members and in the community. Epiphany is a large church. Does that mean we should replace the bimonthly Star with a weekly newsletter supplemented with the Epiphany news that is sent out to the congregation every Friday? What is the best communication media to distribute the newsletter?
Fourth, a financial plan needs to be established for the next five years. What are the financial resources needed to call a new senior pastor, maintain and grow our present and future staff, and to implement new ministries? How should the current Capital Campaign and other designated funds be used and when? Will current giving trends continue to grow?
Fifth, there needs to be a strong and assertive Stewardship Campaign this fall. What should the goals of that campaign be? Should the fall campaign be in addition to a revisiting of the Capital Campaign? This would mean that there will be two request for giving. Can Epiphany accept two campaigns within a one or two month period?
Added to this list are plans for future teaching, sermon writing and preaching, administrative oversight, and just having some fun with a very dedicated staff. It will be a busy summer for me.
Pastor Pete
First, we are having a discussion in the office about how to best communicate with you the progress that is being made to call a new senior pastor. Should we establish a new blog with entries only when something concrete can be reported? Should we devise special e-mails reporting the work of the Call Committee? If we use a blog or e-mail, what about the households that do not have or use this technology? Should we have a minute temple talk by a member of the Call Committee during the worship services to report progress being made?
Second, as part of the call process, the Council produced several documents; i.e., a purpose statement, a vision for the next 10 years, a profile of the congregation, and a job description for the new pastor. How do we share these documents with you? What is the best way to communicate the rationale behind the vision concerning worship, education, outreach, fellowship, and a new administrative structure? How can we answer your questions?
Third, what is the best way to communicate, on a regular basis, what is happening at Epiphany through a newsletter. In small churches, the newsletter reports what has already happened and who did what. In medium size churches, the newsletter lists every ministry program so everyone knows what is happening. In large churches, the newsletter is a weekly publication with a maximum length of four pages. It has a devotional message from the pastor, perhaps a testimonial from one or two members, and highlights one or two ways the congregation is making a difference for its members and in the community. Epiphany is a large church. Does that mean we should replace the bimonthly Star with a weekly newsletter supplemented with the Epiphany news that is sent out to the congregation every Friday? What is the best communication media to distribute the newsletter?
Fourth, a financial plan needs to be established for the next five years. What are the financial resources needed to call a new senior pastor, maintain and grow our present and future staff, and to implement new ministries? How should the current Capital Campaign and other designated funds be used and when? Will current giving trends continue to grow?
Fifth, there needs to be a strong and assertive Stewardship Campaign this fall. What should the goals of that campaign be? Should the fall campaign be in addition to a revisiting of the Capital Campaign? This would mean that there will be two request for giving. Can Epiphany accept two campaigns within a one or two month period?
Added to this list are plans for future teaching, sermon writing and preaching, administrative oversight, and just having some fun with a very dedicated staff. It will be a busy summer for me.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Facing Crisis
Modern psychology informs us that there are two responses to a crisis. The first response, in the extreme, is total denial. In denial, the crisis which forces a radical change of behavior, is not real. Those who respond to crisis in this way truly believe that the crisis does not exist. No matter what the evidence, the crisis is not real. Denial often occurs during the long illness of a loved one.
The second response to crisis, in the extreme, is total devastation. In this response, individuals become so overwhelmed by the crisis that they cannot function. The severity of devastation makes it difficult to get out of bed. Individuals have just enough energy to sit in front of a window and stare into empty space. Decisions cannot be made. We label this response depression.
When a crisis happens, most of us find ourselves somewhere in between total denial and total devastation. We want to deny what is happening to us and at the same time feel overwhelmed by what we know is happening. It is as if we bounce back and forth, like a ping-pong ball, between the two extremes.
The Gospel offers a third response to crisis. The Gospel never asks any individual to deny the pain and internal suffering that accompanies crisis. The Gospel admits that denial, anger, bargaining with God, depression, and finally acceptance are all part of the normal process of dealing with a crisis. The Gospel never asks us to make believe we are immune from pain and suffering. After all, Jesus wept over the grave of his friend Lazarus at his death in Bethany. Jesus’ example gives us permission to have all of these feelings when we are experiencing crisis. These feelings are not a contradiction to our faith.
The Gospel’s option to crisis is hope. Hope, in theological terms, is the certainty that something will happen. I am amazed at how many times God reaches into the pit of crisis to lift us up. Psalm 103 reminds us that God “forgives our iniquity, ... redeems our life from the pit, and crowns with steadfast love and mercy.” I am also reminded of the last verse of 1 Corinthians 15, the great resurrection chapter, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain.” While acknowledging the devastating pain of crisis, we, as Christians, do not allow that pain to overcome us. In the face of crisis, we continue to believe in and do what God has called us to do.
I write this blog as we prepare for the funeral of Kay Wean. Kay was truly a saint at Epiphany. Her death is just one of the crises Epiphany has had to face in the recent past. There will be some who will say we should just move on as if nothing has happened (denial). There will be others who will be paralyzed by Kay’s death (devastation). But then there is the Gospel with its certainty of resurrection to eternal life. There is the book of Revelation which offers hope of life in heaven without pain or suffering. Finally, there is the admonishment that in the face of mourning the death of a saint we can continue to do what God has called us to do. We who claim Jesus as Lord know that our options are not limited to denial or devastation. Rather, we have the option of hope that allows - encourages - us to continue to do what we were called to do.
Pastor Pete
The second response to crisis, in the extreme, is total devastation. In this response, individuals become so overwhelmed by the crisis that they cannot function. The severity of devastation makes it difficult to get out of bed. Individuals have just enough energy to sit in front of a window and stare into empty space. Decisions cannot be made. We label this response depression.
When a crisis happens, most of us find ourselves somewhere in between total denial and total devastation. We want to deny what is happening to us and at the same time feel overwhelmed by what we know is happening. It is as if we bounce back and forth, like a ping-pong ball, between the two extremes.
The Gospel offers a third response to crisis. The Gospel never asks any individual to deny the pain and internal suffering that accompanies crisis. The Gospel admits that denial, anger, bargaining with God, depression, and finally acceptance are all part of the normal process of dealing with a crisis. The Gospel never asks us to make believe we are immune from pain and suffering. After all, Jesus wept over the grave of his friend Lazarus at his death in Bethany. Jesus’ example gives us permission to have all of these feelings when we are experiencing crisis. These feelings are not a contradiction to our faith.
The Gospel’s option to crisis is hope. Hope, in theological terms, is the certainty that something will happen. I am amazed at how many times God reaches into the pit of crisis to lift us up. Psalm 103 reminds us that God “forgives our iniquity, ... redeems our life from the pit, and crowns with steadfast love and mercy.” I am also reminded of the last verse of 1 Corinthians 15, the great resurrection chapter, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain.” While acknowledging the devastating pain of crisis, we, as Christians, do not allow that pain to overcome us. In the face of crisis, we continue to believe in and do what God has called us to do.
I write this blog as we prepare for the funeral of Kay Wean. Kay was truly a saint at Epiphany. Her death is just one of the crises Epiphany has had to face in the recent past. There will be some who will say we should just move on as if nothing has happened (denial). There will be others who will be paralyzed by Kay’s death (devastation). But then there is the Gospel with its certainty of resurrection to eternal life. There is the book of Revelation which offers hope of life in heaven without pain or suffering. Finally, there is the admonishment that in the face of mourning the death of a saint we can continue to do what God has called us to do. We who claim Jesus as Lord know that our options are not limited to denial or devastation. Rather, we have the option of hope that allows - encourages - us to continue to do what we were called to do.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Calling A New Senior Pastor
Calling a new senior pastor is like building a house. When you build a house you hire an architect to design the house. Once you decide what type of house you want, you hire a general contractor to build the house. Construction starts with digging the basement. Then, you wait for the footers to be poured, the basement walls built upon the footers, and finally the basement slab is poured. Then you wait for the carpenters to put on the decking, build walls with 2x4 studs, and put the the trusses up for the roof. Then you wait for the electricians to pull the wires and the plumbers to install pipes. Then you wait for workers to hang drywall. Then you wait for the taping of the drywall. Then you wait for the ceilings and walls to be painted. Then you wait for the cabinets to be hung, and the finishing carpenters to put up moulding. All of this can be slowed down by inspections. Finally, you get a permit of occupancy - no more waiting.
In the calling of a senior pastor, the architect is the Church Council. The Council determines what attributes the new senior pastor needs to have. Then it draws up a congregational profile and a vision describing what Epiphany will look like 10 years from now. The Council has worked on these plans and hopefully they will be given to the Call Committee by its June 30th meeting.
The call committee serves as the general contractor in this process. It receives the plans from the Church Council and discusses them. The Committee may even ask for some clarification from the Council. It should be noted that the Call Committee has had its initial meeting with Pastor Ed Williams, the bishop’s assistant who will oversee the call process for the Synod.
While all of this is occurring, Pastor Williams has been looking for likely candidates to be senior pastor at Epiphany. The Bishop has asked him to gather information on senior pastors and associate pastors serving congregation worshiping 700+ per weekend.
The Call Committee contacts Pastor Williams and gives him the congregation’s profile and vision. Pastor Williams takes that material and compares it with potential candidate information. In this process, Pastor Williams looks for possible matches.
At this point the Call Committee waits for Pastor Williams to identify potential candidates. When Pastor Williams identifies potential candidates, he has to contact their bishop and ask for permission to talk to those candidates about coming to Epiphany. There may be some more waiting for bishops to respond to inquiries about candidates.
If a bishop gives permission to contact a candidate and the candidate is willing to consider a call to Epiphany, the Call Committee contacts the candidate. If the initial contact goes well, the Call Committee may visit the candidate at his or her church. The Committee may invite the candidate to Centerville. Or, the Committee may choose a different strategy to discern if the potential candidate and Epiphany will be a good match for each other. All of this takes time and waiting.
In this process, there will be times when it looks like a lot is happening just as there are times it appears the builders of a house are making great progress. At other times, it will seem as if nothing is happening. When it seems as if nothing is happening, we will have to remind ourselves that the Synod and the Call Committee are doing their job to bring a new senior pastor to Epiphany.
Pastor Pete
In the calling of a senior pastor, the architect is the Church Council. The Council determines what attributes the new senior pastor needs to have. Then it draws up a congregational profile and a vision describing what Epiphany will look like 10 years from now. The Council has worked on these plans and hopefully they will be given to the Call Committee by its June 30th meeting.
The call committee serves as the general contractor in this process. It receives the plans from the Church Council and discusses them. The Committee may even ask for some clarification from the Council. It should be noted that the Call Committee has had its initial meeting with Pastor Ed Williams, the bishop’s assistant who will oversee the call process for the Synod.
While all of this is occurring, Pastor Williams has been looking for likely candidates to be senior pastor at Epiphany. The Bishop has asked him to gather information on senior pastors and associate pastors serving congregation worshiping 700+ per weekend.
The Call Committee contacts Pastor Williams and gives him the congregation’s profile and vision. Pastor Williams takes that material and compares it with potential candidate information. In this process, Pastor Williams looks for possible matches.
At this point the Call Committee waits for Pastor Williams to identify potential candidates. When Pastor Williams identifies potential candidates, he has to contact their bishop and ask for permission to talk to those candidates about coming to Epiphany. There may be some more waiting for bishops to respond to inquiries about candidates.
If a bishop gives permission to contact a candidate and the candidate is willing to consider a call to Epiphany, the Call Committee contacts the candidate. If the initial contact goes well, the Call Committee may visit the candidate at his or her church. The Committee may invite the candidate to Centerville. Or, the Committee may choose a different strategy to discern if the potential candidate and Epiphany will be a good match for each other. All of this takes time and waiting.
In this process, there will be times when it looks like a lot is happening just as there are times it appears the builders of a house are making great progress. At other times, it will seem as if nothing is happening. When it seems as if nothing is happening, we will have to remind ourselves that the Synod and the Call Committee are doing their job to bring a new senior pastor to Epiphany.
Pastor Pete
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