When I taught new member classes, I shared with class participants how to determine if they would enjoy and contribute to their new congregation. I asked participants to list all the ministries that they liked about their previous congregation. For example, worship, preaching, Sunday School, men’s group, mission trips, etc. (If this was the first time participants were joining a congregation, I asked them to list their expectations for the congregation.) Participants then prioritize their list. If their new congregation had at least three ministries that matched a participant's top five ministries, that participant would probably be happy and contribute to their new congregation. If their new congregation had two or less ministries in the participant’s top five ministries, that participant would probably be inactive or leave the congregation in a short period of time. The goal of this exercise was to increase the potential that a new member would be happy with the congregation he or she was joining.
I believe this model is applicable when it comes to determining if an individual will be happy with a new work experience. When I accepted your invitation to serve as interim senior pastor, I instinctively listed what I believe are my spiritual gifts and how those gifts matched Epiphany’s needs. (I believe if I could share my spiritual gifts with a Epiphany, I probably would be happy in my ministry.) The top five ministries that I most enjoy are: 1. teaching: Bible, the Christian faith, and administration principles 2. working with a congregation who wants to grow through relevant ministries, 3. working with lay leaders to build a strong financial base so resources are available for ministry, 4. training and equipping lay leaders to be the deliverers of ministry, and 5. engaging in lively discussions (not arguments) on biblical, systematic, and historical theologies.
I have been asked many times if I am enjoying Epiphany. My answer is yes because I have worked with a competent staff and lay leaders (administration). I have celebrated the difference Epiphany’s ministries have made in the lives of its disciples and non-members (relevant ministries). During this summer, I plan to work with lay members in the areas of finance and stewardship (financial stability). With all of this, I miss teaching Bible. Therefore, I plan to teach Bible at Epiphany this summer.
My summer course will be HOW TO READ THE BIBLE. This is a five week course with the following topics: 1.Reading the Bible As A Newspaper, 2. Reading the Old Testament As Stages Of Life, 3. Reading the New Testament As Niche Marketing, 4. Defining The Major Teachings Of The Scriptures, and 5. Meeting Five Biblical Leaders. This course will be offered either on Wednesday afternoons (2:00 p.m.) or Wednesday evenings (6:30 p.m.) beginning on June 22 and ending on July 20. Sign up sheets will be at both campuses for the next two weeks. For the course to be offered there must be at least 10 participants. If you can attend both times, put your name on both lists. We will offer child care if at least five children will use this service. As of now, the courses will be held at the Far Hills Campus. The time the class is offered will be announced on Tuesday, June 14.
I am really looking forward to teaching this class.
Pastor Pete.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
The Miracle Of Epiphany
After a flurry of e-mails concerning Epiphany’s vision, I sat back and thought what a miraculous church I am fortunate enough to serve. Since I arrived, Epiphany has called a new youth director, Erin Haligowski, who begins her work on June 16. The Church Council has formed a new purpose statement, “We love Jesus by serving others.” (From the e-mails I have received, the Church Council has hit a home run.) Within a week or two, the Council will have an ambitious vision of what Epiphany will be like in the year 2021. A Call Committee has been appointed and members are being contacted about their first meeting. We are a vote away from hiring a new Coordinator of Communications. Finally, the Council is beginning to look at the financial challenges that will face Epiphany over the next three to four years.
Psalm 46 is one of my favorite psalms. As I look at the list above, I think of the words in verses 2-3, “Therefore we will not fear though the world should change, though the mountains quake in the heart of the sea; though the waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake with its tumult.” The world has changed for Epiphany and I thank you for letting me be part of it.
As I thought about how to share my feelings about the changes cited above, I thought of the last verse in Paul’s famous love chapter of 1 Corinthians, “...faith, hope, love abide but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Cor. 13:13)
I interpret this verse as having three time references. Faith, for example, represents the past. Faith is built on past experiences that affirm God’s presence in both joyous celebrations and in the deepest of valleys. The way a church or an individual builds faith is to identify the places God has intervened in the church’s ministry or in holding up a “wounded” believer. I believe God’s presence is apparent in what has happened in the last four months.
On the other end of the spectrum, hope represents the future. (The theological definition of hope is the certainty that tomorrow can be different than today.) I have watched Council members pray and seek out God’s vision, God’s tomorrow, for Epiphany. The statement that is being produced is evidence of God’s guiding hand. Proverbs 29:18 states “where there is no vision the people perish.” (King James Version). The Council has worked hard to discern God’s vision. This is a very positive sign of new life and vitality.
When there is a past that reveals God’s presence in life, and when there is a vision that gives hope for the future, the end result is that love can thrive in the present. Because we know that God has been with us, and because we know we are pursuing God’s vision, we have the strength and courage to be able to love today. Because we have a past and a future, we can love Jesus by serving others in the present.
I can give you a number of organizational theories about why Epiphany has achieved so much in such a short period of time. But, what I really want to say is that without the guiding hand of God, none of what has happened really makes any sense to me. So, thank you Epiphany for letting me part of your ministry and to see first hand how God works in, through, and under God’s people.
Pastor Pete
Psalm 46 is one of my favorite psalms. As I look at the list above, I think of the words in verses 2-3, “Therefore we will not fear though the world should change, though the mountains quake in the heart of the sea; though the waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake with its tumult.” The world has changed for Epiphany and I thank you for letting me be part of it.
As I thought about how to share my feelings about the changes cited above, I thought of the last verse in Paul’s famous love chapter of 1 Corinthians, “...faith, hope, love abide but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Cor. 13:13)
I interpret this verse as having three time references. Faith, for example, represents the past. Faith is built on past experiences that affirm God’s presence in both joyous celebrations and in the deepest of valleys. The way a church or an individual builds faith is to identify the places God has intervened in the church’s ministry or in holding up a “wounded” believer. I believe God’s presence is apparent in what has happened in the last four months.
On the other end of the spectrum, hope represents the future. (The theological definition of hope is the certainty that tomorrow can be different than today.) I have watched Council members pray and seek out God’s vision, God’s tomorrow, for Epiphany. The statement that is being produced is evidence of God’s guiding hand. Proverbs 29:18 states “where there is no vision the people perish.” (King James Version). The Council has worked hard to discern God’s vision. This is a very positive sign of new life and vitality.
When there is a past that reveals God’s presence in life, and when there is a vision that gives hope for the future, the end result is that love can thrive in the present. Because we know that God has been with us, and because we know we are pursuing God’s vision, we have the strength and courage to be able to love today. Because we have a past and a future, we can love Jesus by serving others in the present.
I can give you a number of organizational theories about why Epiphany has achieved so much in such a short period of time. But, what I really want to say is that without the guiding hand of God, none of what has happened really makes any sense to me. So, thank you Epiphany for letting me part of your ministry and to see first hand how God works in, through, and under God’s people.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Epiphany's Personality
Congregations, like individuals, have their own distinct personality. Organizational literature maintains that a congregation's personality can be described as “power,” “achievement,” or “affiliation.” Seldom, if ever, is a congregation exclusively one of these personality types. It is normal for a congregation to be 60% or 70% of one personality type but still have some of the traits of the other two types. The question is, “How do we describe Epiphany’s personality to a visitor on Sunday morning, to an individual considering becoming a disciple at Epiphany, or to a perspective senior pastor?”
Power congregations emphasize tradition, clear lines of authority, and well established procedures that must be followed. In power congregations, there is the right way, the wrong way, and our way. Power congregation embrace “top down” thinking, planning, and implementing of ministry vision and strategies.
A large congregation needs the “power” personality trait. Without this trait, chaos and frustration reign. A congregation will not grow beyond 700 average worship attendance if it does not pay close attention to its organizational structures; i.e., who has responsibility and authority to make decisions, and how are those who deliver ministry held accountable.
Achievement congregations emphasize results. What is important is that a need is identified and a strategy to meet that need is developed and implemented. There is a tendency to belittle or ignore procedures, organizational structure, and accountability. The rationale is that a need was met so what is the problem. In extreme achievement congregations, members are “lone rangers” doing their own thing.
Congregations need achievement personality traits. They need to encourage those with ambition to step out and deliver ministry in a timely fashion. Achievement congregations challenge traditions and procedures that inhibit ministry in an ever changing world.
Affiliation congregations emphasize relationships and social networking. They place a high priority on administrative structures that encourage everyone to participate in the decision making process. The actual decision made at a committee meeting is secondary to all committee members sharing their thoughts. These congregations stress relationship building; i.e., “knowing” everyone in the room. Affiliation congregations are quick to point out that when people know and work together their faith is affected in a positive manner.
Congregations need affiliation personality traits. Without affiliation they would be very cold places. Words like “warm,” “friendly,” “caring,” and “supportive” would be absent.
From my observation, Epiphany has all three personality traits to one degree or another. But, for you, which is the dominant trait? One way to answer that question is to draw a circle which is divided into three parts. One part is “power,” one is “achievement,” and the last is “affiliation.” What percentage of the circle is power for you, what percentage achievement, and what percentage is affiliation? When you assign a percentage to each part of the circle, you have defined Epiphany’s personality as you understand it.
Pastor Pete
Power congregations emphasize tradition, clear lines of authority, and well established procedures that must be followed. In power congregations, there is the right way, the wrong way, and our way. Power congregation embrace “top down” thinking, planning, and implementing of ministry vision and strategies.
A large congregation needs the “power” personality trait. Without this trait, chaos and frustration reign. A congregation will not grow beyond 700 average worship attendance if it does not pay close attention to its organizational structures; i.e., who has responsibility and authority to make decisions, and how are those who deliver ministry held accountable.
Achievement congregations emphasize results. What is important is that a need is identified and a strategy to meet that need is developed and implemented. There is a tendency to belittle or ignore procedures, organizational structure, and accountability. The rationale is that a need was met so what is the problem. In extreme achievement congregations, members are “lone rangers” doing their own thing.
Congregations need achievement personality traits. They need to encourage those with ambition to step out and deliver ministry in a timely fashion. Achievement congregations challenge traditions and procedures that inhibit ministry in an ever changing world.
Affiliation congregations emphasize relationships and social networking. They place a high priority on administrative structures that encourage everyone to participate in the decision making process. The actual decision made at a committee meeting is secondary to all committee members sharing their thoughts. These congregations stress relationship building; i.e., “knowing” everyone in the room. Affiliation congregations are quick to point out that when people know and work together their faith is affected in a positive manner.
Congregations need affiliation personality traits. Without affiliation they would be very cold places. Words like “warm,” “friendly,” “caring,” and “supportive” would be absent.
From my observation, Epiphany has all three personality traits to one degree or another. But, for you, which is the dominant trait? One way to answer that question is to draw a circle which is divided into three parts. One part is “power,” one is “achievement,” and the last is “affiliation.” What percentage of the circle is power for you, what percentage achievement, and what percentage is affiliation? When you assign a percentage to each part of the circle, you have defined Epiphany’s personality as you understand it.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
What Is Happening Now
There is a belief in every human being and organization that if I, or we, know something everyone knows it as well. When we make a decision or complete a task, we assume that everyone knows about the decision and that the task is completed. This belief is in every relationship; i.e., between friends, spouses, parents and children, bosses and employees, and those who worship and work together in a church. I was thinking about this belief driving home on Sunday afternoon. I asked myself, “Self - what do you know that you assume everyone else knows at Epiphany?” I began to make a list which is the subject of this blog.
There are three things happening in the search for a new senior pastor that top my list. First, the Council will meet tonight, Tuesday, May 10, to take a final vote on a new purpose statement for Epiphany. This is the third time the Council will discuss Epiphany’s purpose. The impetus for looking at Epiphany’s purpose is the search for a new senior pastor. After last week’s meeting, the Council defined Epiphany’s purpose as “Epiphany serves Jesus by serving others.” Over the last seven days, some other suggestions have been put on the table. These are “Epiphany loves Jesus by serving others” or “Epiphany honors Jesus by serving others.” In the two previous conversations about Epiphany’s purpose, service is a dominant theme. From personal observation, service is compatible with my impression that Epiphany is a congregation that wants to “give back” because God has given so much to our congregation and its members.
Second, once the Council has voted on Epiphany’s purpose, it will begin the task of describing what Epiphany will look like in the year 2021. Bishop Holloway said such a statement was one of the most important documents that Epiphany can submit to candidates being considered to be the next senior pastor. This vision of the future will guide ministry decision making over the next decade.
Third, nine disciples at Epiphany have accepted a position on the Call Committee. These disciples are Bill Serr, Debbie Derr, Scott Watameniuk, Kirsten Light, Chris Zeihler, Terri Quick, Jan Panning, Wenday Dereix, and Wayne Jansen. The committee will begin its work by filling out a long document describing Epiphany, its ministries, and demographic information about the geographical area Epiphany serves. This document, along with Epiphany’s purpose and vision, will be sent to the Southern Ohio Synod.
If you have questions about the process of calling a senior pastor, please ask. I promise to give you the best answers available when I answer your questions.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
The Spirit Has Returned
I have been told many times that the “Spirit” has returned to Epiphany. This is a very positive statement. But I wonder which Spirit has returned. The scriptures have at least four different perspectives of the Spirit. Lets take a look at these perspectives.
Psalm 51, the states “Create within me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51 is a penitential psalm. The psalmist repents his or her sin and asks God to be the center of his or her life. When God is the center of life, there is a peace that passes all human understanding. The psalmist no longer struggles over which god to worship, how to determine right from wrong, or which side he or she is on when a fight occurs.
One interpretation of this psalm is that the writer is seeking personal peace. The psalmist wants the joy of serving the one true God. So I ask, Is the one telling me that the Spirit has returned to Epiphany in the expression of personal peace? If so, that would be a great affirmation of the presence of the Holy Spirit.
St. John (chapter 14) sees the Holy Spirit as Jesus’ spirit which bonds the disciples together in a united community. In his pastoral prayer (chapter 17), Jesus prays not for the world but for his disciples. For John, the work of the Holy Spirit is to continue the community of believers that Jesus began in his earthly ministry.
Sometimes I think we talk too much about outreach ministry (if that is possible) and not enough about ministry to the disciples at Epiphany. I had dinner with the Young At Heart Group last Sunday. The laughter and the fun present at that meal was clear evidence of a community where disciples at Epiphany care for one another. I think of the receptionists in the gathering space who inquire about the well being of others and the congregation. The list goes on. So I ask, Is the one in front of me telling me the Spirit has restored a sense of community at Epiphany? If so, that would be a tremendous affirmation of the work of the Holy Spirit.
St. Luke writes that the Holy Spirit is vocational. Whenever the Holy Spirit is mentioned in Acts, the Spirit is connected to an assignment. The Spirit comes at Pentecost so the disciples can witness in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth (Rome). The Spirit comes so seven leaders can meet the needs of the Hellenist/Jewish widows in Jerusalem. The Spirit comes to call Paul to Macedonia. For Luke, the Spirit is always connected to mission.
In my second week at Epiphany, I asked the staff and you to define a theme line for Epiphany. (A theme line is how we want Centerville to identify Epiphany.) From all the answers, I think of Epiphany as a church for those who want to give back because God first gave to them. So I ask, Is the one in front of me telling me the Spirit has brought back or created a new sense of mission at Epiphany? If so, that would be a tremendous affirmation of the work of the Holy Spirit.
St. Paul has yet another interpretation of the Holy Spirit which he described by identifying the spiritual gift(s) Christians receive at baptism. When each disciple shares his or her gift(s) with the other disciples, the church is complete. Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4 list some of the spiritual gifts.
I have seen the sharing of gifts from those who serve the greater Centerville area in the name of Jesus to those who volunteer their gifts within the walls of Epiphany. So I ask, Is the one in front of me saying the spirit of volunteering has returned to Epiphany? If so, that would be a tremendous affirmation of the work of the Holy Spirit.
So let me ask, Has the Spirit returned to Epiphany for you? If so, in what expression? Is it in a joy of wanting to come to church? Is it in a sense of experiencing a caring community? Is it in the desire to become involved in a particular ministry (mission)? Or, is it in the form of wanting to volunteer your spiritual gift?
Pastor Pete
Psalm 51, the states “Create within me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51 is a penitential psalm. The psalmist repents his or her sin and asks God to be the center of his or her life. When God is the center of life, there is a peace that passes all human understanding. The psalmist no longer struggles over which god to worship, how to determine right from wrong, or which side he or she is on when a fight occurs.
One interpretation of this psalm is that the writer is seeking personal peace. The psalmist wants the joy of serving the one true God. So I ask, Is the one telling me that the Spirit has returned to Epiphany in the expression of personal peace? If so, that would be a great affirmation of the presence of the Holy Spirit.
St. John (chapter 14) sees the Holy Spirit as Jesus’ spirit which bonds the disciples together in a united community. In his pastoral prayer (chapter 17), Jesus prays not for the world but for his disciples. For John, the work of the Holy Spirit is to continue the community of believers that Jesus began in his earthly ministry.
Sometimes I think we talk too much about outreach ministry (if that is possible) and not enough about ministry to the disciples at Epiphany. I had dinner with the Young At Heart Group last Sunday. The laughter and the fun present at that meal was clear evidence of a community where disciples at Epiphany care for one another. I think of the receptionists in the gathering space who inquire about the well being of others and the congregation. The list goes on. So I ask, Is the one in front of me telling me the Spirit has restored a sense of community at Epiphany? If so, that would be a tremendous affirmation of the work of the Holy Spirit.
St. Luke writes that the Holy Spirit is vocational. Whenever the Holy Spirit is mentioned in Acts, the Spirit is connected to an assignment. The Spirit comes at Pentecost so the disciples can witness in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth (Rome). The Spirit comes so seven leaders can meet the needs of the Hellenist/Jewish widows in Jerusalem. The Spirit comes to call Paul to Macedonia. For Luke, the Spirit is always connected to mission.
In my second week at Epiphany, I asked the staff and you to define a theme line for Epiphany. (A theme line is how we want Centerville to identify Epiphany.) From all the answers, I think of Epiphany as a church for those who want to give back because God first gave to them. So I ask, Is the one in front of me telling me the Spirit has brought back or created a new sense of mission at Epiphany? If so, that would be a tremendous affirmation of the work of the Holy Spirit.
St. Paul has yet another interpretation of the Holy Spirit which he described by identifying the spiritual gift(s) Christians receive at baptism. When each disciple shares his or her gift(s) with the other disciples, the church is complete. Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4 list some of the spiritual gifts.
I have seen the sharing of gifts from those who serve the greater Centerville area in the name of Jesus to those who volunteer their gifts within the walls of Epiphany. So I ask, Is the one in front of me saying the spirit of volunteering has returned to Epiphany? If so, that would be a tremendous affirmation of the work of the Holy Spirit.
So let me ask, Has the Spirit returned to Epiphany for you? If so, in what expression? Is it in a joy of wanting to come to church? Is it in a sense of experiencing a caring community? Is it in the desire to become involved in a particular ministry (mission)? Or, is it in the form of wanting to volunteer your spiritual gift?
Pastor Pete
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