
LORD, HOW MANY ARE YOUR WORKS, IN THIS PLACE!
Pr. Laurie Andersen
I
am in my eleventh month with you, Coastside, as your Interim Pastor! It would be good to recap
my very first article from last fall, and some others, regarding the tasks and
purpose of an interim minister, and a look at our time together. You have taken
great strides in preparation of your new pastor! Some memories of our seasons
together:
From my first article:
ÒWhat
is an Interim?? Is it a bug?? On
Rally Day, you had some excellent questions for me, regarding Òinterim
ministryÓ. To recap, the field of Òintentional interimÓ is a career path all
its own, and has been evolving in concept over many years. An ÒintentionalÓ
interim is an experienced pastor (normally ordained many years) who has had
additional training/certification in ÒTransitionalÓ or ÒInterimÓ ministry. The
training includes the psychology of change/transitions, family systems, grief
and loss, conflict resolution, and church administration. As an ÒoutsiderÓ, the
interim has fresh lenses to make observations helpful to the congregation that
are not so obvious to members, and the freedom, as one un-attached to the
system, to point out difficult spots or a possible need for change, should it
be appropriate.
The
Church has found that if a new permanent pastor were to point out the same
things or implement certain changes, they may be seen as acting in their own
self-interest, and resented. A
temporary interim is seen as working solely in the interest of the congregation,
and not for their own future or benefit.
It has been observed, that congregations who have trained intentional
interims for a period, are more likely to make a joyful and long-term match,
for their next permanent pastor. I am sure this is what God intends for you! I
hope this explanation is helpful.
(If you are interested, you may find more information on ÓIntentional
Interim MinistryÓ on the website ELCA.org )
From Advent:
ÒA
blessed Advent to all! This
holiday season, I give thanks to God for you! From the beginning it has been a blessing to be in the midst
of such a welcoming and motivated congregation, shaped over the years by GodÕs
hand through those whom God sent you. In this church, it has been warming to
witness hearts so highly responsive to reaching out to one another with
compassion, and to the wider community, which is in greater need than recent
years, in times of economic insecurity.
You
have pledged to your church, in both time and resources, great support, in
spite of it all and in faith. And you have poured out your hearts and support
to a large group of homeless children, in addition to adopting two families in
need for the holidays. ÒWhen you have done it unto the least of these, you have
done it unto meÓ. The homeless child in the manger, will indeed smile upon all
those who have fed and cared for Him, by caring for others.
I
am honored to be your temporary shepherd!Ó
____________________________________________________________________________
COASTLIGHT July/August
2009