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