Rumors and Reality

    Ever since the vote at the national assembly of the ELCA in 2009, there have been rumors and speculations about how congregations and pastors would respond to the decision reached by the assembly’s voting members.  Epiphany was one of the top five on the rumor mill of the Southern Ohio Synod.  It was rumored, “The congregation is divided.”  “Epiphany would leave the ELCA.” “Epiphany is financially unable to continue ministry.”
    When I told my friends and colleagues that I accepted the call to be Epiphany’s interim senior pastor, their responses were predictable given the rumors.  “You’re entering where angels feared to tread.”  Condolences were offered.  I was told what a great challenge I faced.  There were two exceptions to these comments.  The first was from my wife, Joyce, who said, “You have to do it.”  The second was from a friend, “It will be good for Epiphany and for you.”
    When consultants work with congregations who have had a fight, they address the three “Cs”: 1. Comfort the hurting, 2. Clearly define reality, and 3. Convey hope.  During my first week at Epiphany, I watched and listened for the three Cs.
    Comfort the hurting is the first key to returning a congregation to health. Comforting the hurting was already occurring at Epiphany.  Epiphany’s disciples openly talked about their anger, frustration, and the feeling of being betrayed.  This is healthy.  These emotions need to be out in the open.  Epiphany's disciples and the staff were and are caring for each other.  In putting together the transition team, we will continue this ministry.
    Clearly defining reality is the second key to returning to health.  When congregations face a threat to their existence, there are three options for dealing with that threat.  The first is to deny it, and the second is to be completely overwhelmed by it.  Neither option is healthy.  Epiphany is employing the third option; namely, facing the threat caused by some members leaving, managing the challenges caused by this loss, and looking to the future.  This third option was evident in the presentations at the annual meeting this past Sunday.  Epiphany is managing its finances, paying its bills, and planning its future.
    Hope is the third key to returning to health.  Hope has two meanings.  First, it means tomorrow can be different than today.  Second, hope means “certainty.”  For me, the message of hope was delivered when Chad Burton stated that Epiphany would very shortly begin the process of seeking a new senior pastor.  Hope was also symbolized in the laughter and joking at the meeting.  Healthy congregations laugh.
    In summary, the rumors I heard over the past year negatively overstate what I experienced at Epiphany this past week.  Over the last week, I saw comfort for the hurting, clearly defining reality and managing that reality, and signs of hope.
    By the way, on a personal note, the rumor mill had me leaving the ELCA -- I am still here.
Pastor Pete