From the Desk of Pastor Marsha
What’s Happening 4.18.24
This is our third week of addressing “The 5 Tasks of Interim Ministry”.
Allowing Needed Leadership Change: In most congregations, over a period of time the leadership begins to take on much of the style and values of the previous rector. When that rector leaves, there is often a time when persons who have been in leadership rethink their commitment and determine whether or not they want to continue in leadership positions. Other persons often find the interim time an opportunity to take leadership roles. This is an opportune time to empower those who are out of power and to welcome leadership gifts from all parts of the congregation.
Zion has had quite a bit of leadership change in the last few years. Covid was a big part of that, as well as some key issues that arose during the same period. The great thing is that many, many people have stepped up to be in leadership and other volunteer positions. Thanks to the leadership of Mike Hoveland and his Engagement Committee we had an impressive response to our Time and Talent surveys just about a year ago now. Mike then went on to do the legwork of organizing and sorting, then plugging people into places they were willing to serve. Almost all our committees and teams are back up and running, with renewed energy and focus.
As the task description shared it is fairly normal for turn over in leadership when the pastor leaves. Often time in churches we volunteer for a role and then have a difficult time getting out of that commitment even if we are getting burned out with it. But once the pastor leaves people feel like they no longer have that commitment to that pastor, so they can step down.
One of the things I have learned in ministry is that it is helpful to encourage people to discern their gifts and interests on a regular basis, so that there are more people in the wings ready to step up, so others can feel like they can step down.
I have often used a Spiritual Gifts discernment Inventory for congregational members. It helps them see how their innate talents, education and interests fit into the life of the Christian community. Once an inventory is taken you have a conversation, individual or teaching time, to figure out where their gifts might be a good fit.
Another important thing I have learned is it is very helpful to offer people good training when stepping into new roles. Often as volunteers, especially if we’ve been doing something for a long time and are perhaps getting a little tired of it, when don’t take the time to train potential replacements so they feel comfortable and confident in taking on something new. A good practice is to regularly ask potential volunteers to join a seasoned volunteer in a role, so that they can get a sense of what it is about, discern if it is a good fit, and then have a good sense of what it will entail. Along with that, a brief checklist of tasks is always helpful when learning something new.
So as we continue to rebuild ministry and encourage members to try new things, let’s have some good steps in place to continue to develop our lay leadership.
