Interessante inligting uit die VSA oor brugpredikantskap of Interimbediening

Interessante inligting uit die VSA oor brugpredikantskap of Interimbediening.

Beginning Again - Another Transition

By Alan Mead

IMN Communications Minister

Many of us who practice Interim ministry in congregations are in the midst of fall programs and

the increase in activity at almost every level that invariably begins with the school year. Just like

our colleagues who are settled pastors, we have likely been busy with planning during the

summer, meeting with key leaders and planning worship, social outreach and education

programs, all of which either begin in September or intensify with planning for seasonal timing.

I was reminded again of this rhythm so common for pastors and educators as I began another

interim commitment the beginning of August. This will be my second interim position since

retiring over four years ago and, although I love interim ministry, I surprised myself when I said

yes. The truth is I have been enjoying retirement, time with family and time to focus on writing

about interim issues and ministry in general. And I am not alone. Several colleagues of mine

who are retired, some much longer than I, have recently announced that they are once again

taking on a new interim ministry commitment.

In addition to the normal increase in congregational activity, we who practice interim ministry

have probably been meeting with a Transition Team and other congregational leaders; planning

events to help the congregation understand themselves and the process of transition, including

why it makes sense to engage it fully. An additional reality in this congregation includes allowing

their feelings of grief for the death of their former co-pastor - an event that happened suddenly

just before his planned retirement (his third time, as he began this ministry after his second

career retirement). While this reality affects people at every level within the congregation, other

aspects normal for a congregation beginning transition are being planned and worked toward.

Things like congregational self-study; conversation groups to explore and understand the

ministry priorities and blessings, challenges and hopes at this particular time in their history;

inevitable surveys, presentations, listening sessions, asset mapping, and many other formal and

informal tools available in an interim’s toolbox. Although a funeral and a later memorial service

took place in other locations, we planned a simple service of remembrance and thanksgiving

soon after I began. It was less formal than a traditional memorial service, yet it was powerful in

it’s simplicity and grace. It helped a congregation to accept a loss that occurred suddenly in the

midst of expected change.

This congregation has also hired a transition consultant to work with the Discernment

Committee and eventually with the Search Committee. This is the third congregation I have

worked with as an interim that has done this, and each time I rejoice that this additional person

is present. It is a gift to work with another interim specialist, functioning as a team, bringing

different gifts and understanding to a common table, supporting and encouraging each other

and the congregation. The transition consultant adds another perspective, another listening

presence, and most of all, a colleague who understands congregational transition to work with.

This particular congregation is rather unique. It is one congregation that is comprised of

Episcopal and Roman Catholic members. It is unique because they have chosen to preserve

both traditions and polities in one single congregation. This commitment to ecumenism has

stretched the boundaries of authority even while adhering strictly to the mandates of our

respective judicatories. For me, it has been a learning time as I listen to the hopes and

commitment of members as I enter a new system that in many ways is different from other systems I have served. For example, they function with a Vestry Council comprised of one-half

Episcopal members and one-half Roman Catholic members. They have a President (RC) and a

Warden (EP). Our worship space has two altars with an ambo in between. There have been

recent changes mandated from diocesan authorities that could have closed the congregation, or

caused it to choose one tradition over the other; but the congregational leadership chose to

remain, adhering to new mandates and committing to this uncharted path of unity.

So, looking into my interim toolbox, I find once again that going back to basics, dusting off my

ability to look at a system and enter into it while maintaining my ability to observe and to interact

without having a personal stake in the outcome, gives me a possibility of leading this

congregation through a time of change. When asked why I chose to come as an interim with a

clearly stated term limit where I would not be available to accept a “call” as settled pastor, I am

able to respond honestly that doing it this way helps me to remove potential blinders and keep

an open mind and heart to what God may calling forth, rather than looking at what may help me

to be “called.”

There are many questions being asked. Will the congregation be allowed to continue? If it does

continue, what will be allowed in worship? Will two services of worship loosely connected in the

middle continue or will they be allowed to return to one worship? With my presence I sense a

lessening of anxiety. The Discernment Committee is meeting regularly and has hosted a

congregational presentation of their emerging process with an open question and answer

session. It was well attended and very participatory. Since we have a transition consultant it was

informative to sit near the back and observe the presentation, the interaction, the signs of

anxiety, and the gradual lessening of that initial anxiety as the committee explained process and

responded openly and honestly to all questions.

Although I have been an interim during challenging times of transition with congregations

dealing with conflict and misconduct, the challenges here are from outside - and how the

congregation responds and acts will significantly affect its future.

It feels exciting to once again be leading a congregation through their process of transition. As

with many of my colleagues, as long as I have health, I will probably continue to serve in some

capacity helping congregations through transition. It is not only that I seem to be well suited to

this ministry; but more importantly, it is the most exciting, creative, ultimately hopeful time in

congregational life, and it is such a blessing to be a part of it.

In my next article I will examine the tools in our interim toolboxes and share how I choose to

apply them within the context of this congregation with its specific challenges and opportunities.

October 6, 2016

IMN E-Letter