February 22, 2019
“Ending This Cycle (Revolving Door of Pastors)”
Interim pastors have a unique opportunity to “speak the truth in love” to their congregations. With that in mind, I share what I’ve learned in the past 1.5 years.
When I was called here in July 2017 I was told that you (at least the leaders) wanted to change the progression of your congregation. You had been through several pastors in a short time and you wanted to change that pattern. I appreciated your thoughts and commitment at the time. Here is what I’m wondering about as it relates to your situation.
I’m wondering about a cycle that may be repeating itself here at Faith Lutheran.
1- A new pastor begins with excitement and hope.
2- Congregational leadership makes promises to do things (be responsible for ministries) and then does not follow through and complete them. Many excuses are offered.
3- There are not enough leaders to complete the ministry goals (goals are vaguely defined which makes it difficult to recruit new leaders). Excuses turn into blaming.
4- The pastor either get frustrated that ministry is not happening or feels pressure to complete ministry goals and goes ahead and does the work that the leadership should have done. Or, on the other hand, a pastor may just give up and lower expectations.
5- The pastor does not perform the ministries in a way that pleases people and so they complain about the pastor. This makes the pastor even more frustrated because these are jobs that the people should have done in the first place. The people complain and the pastor’s frustration increases...there is a downward spiral with blaming in both directions. [visa versa also happens…switch “pastor” and “people” in above].
6- The pastor gives up and moves on to a different call. People seem confused. There is discord because one group blames another for the pastor’s departure. Again…more blaming and complaining.
7- Another call process and interim begins. People have mixed emotions. There is hope that a different leader will help the congregation move forward but there is frustration at having to go through this process again. The process is underscored with history: different groups blaming and complaining about each other and former pastor.
8- A new pastor is called. Begin again at point # 1. Repeat.
Could any of this be true in some form? Let’s look deeply and honestly at past patterns so that we can work to change any that are not beneficial.
Pastor Mike
“Ending This Cycle (Revolving Door of Pastors)”
Interim pastors have a unique opportunity to “speak the truth in love” to their congregations. With that in mind, I share what I’ve learned in the past 1.5 years.
When I was called here in July 2017 I was told that you (at least the leaders) wanted to change the progression of your congregation. You had been through several pastors in a short time and you wanted to change that pattern. I appreciated your thoughts and commitment at the time. Here is what I’m wondering about as it relates to your situation.
I’m wondering about a cycle that may be repeating itself here at Faith Lutheran.
1- A new pastor begins with excitement and hope.
2- Congregational leadership makes promises to do things (be responsible for ministries) and then does not follow through and complete them. Many excuses are offered.
3- There are not enough leaders to complete the ministry goals (goals are vaguely defined which makes it difficult to recruit new leaders). Excuses turn into blaming.
4- The pastor either get frustrated that ministry is not happening or feels pressure to complete ministry goals and goes ahead and does the work that the leadership should have done. Or, on the other hand, a pastor may just give up and lower expectations.
5- The pastor does not perform the ministries in a way that pleases people and so they complain about the pastor. This makes the pastor even more frustrated because these are jobs that the people should have done in the first place. The people complain and the pastor’s frustration increases...there is a downward spiral with blaming in both directions. [visa versa also happens…switch “pastor” and “people” in above].
6- The pastor gives up and moves on to a different call. People seem confused. There is discord because one group blames another for the pastor’s departure. Again…more blaming and complaining.
7- Another call process and interim begins. People have mixed emotions. There is hope that a different leader will help the congregation move forward but there is frustration at having to go through this process again. The process is underscored with history: different groups blaming and complaining about each other and former pastor.
8- A new pastor is called. Begin again at point # 1. Repeat.
Could any of this be true in some form? Let’s look deeply and honestly at past patterns so that we can work to change any that are not beneficial.
Pastor Mike