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
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
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
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