Transitional Interim

I began my second interim pastorate three weeks ago.  Although I have pastored for almost 30 years, I do not know it all.  I have failed at more than I have succeeded and am still in the process of becoming the leader that God has called me to be.  I love the church.  I love the Lord.  I love the Lord of the church.  Yet in too many places the Lord of the church is not Lord of the church.

With that said I believe that the interim period for a church is one of the most crucial times that church will experience in their existence.  God is at work preparing them for their next pastor and preparing their next pastor for them.  Church leaders have the opportunity to "step up to the plate" and lead biblically.  For some church leaders that may be a long shot because they simply know nothing of being a biblical leader.  One of the reasons for this is that they have not been trained to and so they do what is natural...lead from a natural standpoint.  In some cases that means "run the church" like  business. There could be nothing more detrimental to a church than that.  The church is not "a" business it is "His" business.  In reality if more businesses were run like "His" business they would be better off.  Case in point...Chick-fil-a.  But that's another issue.

Unfortunately during the interim period many church members look at it as a time to just "keep the boat afloat."  Others take a "wait and see" attitude. While some might "fly the coup" and leave for "greener grass."  It is time for "all hands on deck" and servant's attitudes to show up.

It is not a time for great change, but there is usually room for change.  A church should take care of any controversial issues and situations before the next pastor.  Don't put the new pastor in the position of dealing with land minds that he does not even know exist.

Paul sent Titus to Crete to "set in order what remains."  Such is the role of an interim.  It is fun.  It is fulfilling and it can be fruitful.  To God be the Glory.

Corry, PA

After a week of GBC meetings Phyllis and I flew to Corry, PA (via Cleveland, Ohio and Eerie, PA).  We were the guests of Mike and Ann Alger and their family for the weekend.  What wonderful friends that arrange for you to be greeted with what looked like 10 feet of snow.  I may be exaggerating, but when you come from where they measure snow in thimbles...10 feet is a pretty accurate assessment.

On Saturday we had the privilege of being the guests and speaker at FBC, Corry Valentine Banquet.  Mike and Ann's son, Jon, (a fledging chef) prepared a sumptuous meal.  The youth of the church served and as we say in the south, "A good time was had by all."