Pastor Message:
Dear Members and Friends:
HAPPY NEW YEAR! With the dawning of 2012 First Presbyterian Church embarks upon an exciting year. I feel sure that within the early months of this year you will be introduced to the person who will become your new installed pastor. Your Pastor Nominating Committee has been hard at work over the past several months toward this end. Although this isn’t coming within the next two or three weeks, I think we need to begin to prepare our thinking toward the transition to new pastoral leadership. Accordingly, and in the spirit of “New Year’s Resolutions” I’d like to suggest some important things for 2012.
1) First of all, when the new pastor comes to preach as a candidate, please remember that she/he has been chosen through a careful selection process involving a study of written materials, interviews both by telephone and face to face with the Pastor Nominating Committee, as well as a review of references and background checking, and screening by a sub-committee of Heartland Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry. This isn’t someone whose name was drawn out of a hat or obtained through a lottery.
2) When the new pastor comes, she/he will bring her/his style unique gifts for ministry and pastoral care. Those gifts will be great blessings. They may or may not be different from what you are accustomed to.
3) The process of becoming acquainted with someone new takes time. It does not happen overnight. Be patient with the new pastor, and with yourselves during the transition.
4) It is unfair to compare a new pastor with the pastor(s) who have been here. Each pastor has her/his style of performing ministry. Each pastor assesses the tasks which she/he feels are the most urgent to address.
5) Be especially patient as she/he needs time to learn your names. Wear those name tags.
6) Don’t equate a discomfort you may have about some personal mannerism, etc. of the new pastor with “not liking her/him.”
7) It can be helpful to a new pastor for you to suggest that a visit be made to someone who you believe would appreciate a pastoral visit. However, it is wise to first alert the person to be visited that you want to make the suggestion. If that person doesn’t want the visit, then don’t make the suggestion to the pastor.
8) A good way to become acquainted with the new pastor is to have a group of church friends into your home for a gathering at which the pastor (and spouse) are also invited. This could be around a meal or simply refreshments. It can be helpful for the pastor both in learning the names and enjoying a social time together with church members.
These are offered simply as “thought-starters”. It’s not too early to prepare for the transition that will be coming over the next few months.
In Christ’s Love,
Don
First Presbyterian Church of Warrensburg
"Our mission as a congregation is to share the love of God through Christ by the exploration of our faith; through Christian education, worship and fellowship; by community service; and in local leadership in social justice issues."
