Pastor of Everything Else
Don't Leave Your Garbage on the Senior Pastor’s Desk
As associate pastors, we need to be careful not to create messes for our senior pastors to clean up. Our pastors hope that we will advance the work of the church and relieve some of the work load. When we create messes they need to clean up, they must set aside their own tasks to smooth over hurt feelings or offended sensibilities. This creates extra work and strains relationships.
Steve was asked to speak at a regional youth event. During the Q&A following his talk, a youth asked him why older people in his church didn’t like the new music. Steve responded by saying that he shouldn’t worry about the old people since they would die in ten years anyway. By the next morning Steve’s pastor was taking calls and answering emails from upset youth leaders and parents.
Ben wanted the youth to become comfortable in the church’s worship service so he planned group games in the sanctuary. Unfortunately, a deacon walked through as the youth played beach ball volleyball over the pews. He and some parents were upset and called the pastor. Since Ben’s senior pastor didn’t know about his plans for games in the sanctuary, all he could do was promise to look into the matter. For the next several weeks they put out spot fires in the congregation over the incident, which came up again during the next Board meeting.
Its not that we intend to cause problems. Sometimes our best plans don’t work out the way we thought. Misunderstandings happen. Some good ideas aren’t. If we have enough good will stored up, we will survive the experience, but if good will is lacking people trust us less and suspect us more. If my pastor is looking over my shoulder more and giving me less responsibility, it may be because I am leaving garbage on his desk for him to clean up.
After learning a few times the hard way, I began to find people with good judgement who could help me. Or, rather, they began to suggest ways to help me and I noticed. One set of parents helped me decide whether to travel during inclement weather. If they suggested parents would be uncomfortable, I listened because I knew others felt the same way, even if I disagreed.
I have learned that it helps when I clean up my own messes. After the church furnace room was vandalized during a youth group meeting, that night I called the chairs of my Christian Ed and Property boards to report the damage. By the next morning I was able tell my pastor about the problem, why it happened, what we would do differently, and that the appropriate people were taking care of the clean-up.
I have found that it helps to report problems sooner instead of later. When I avoid telling my pastor , I may make the problem worse, causing even more harm or loss of confidence. During a discipleship campaign, I was taking money for books and keeping it temporarily in an envelope in my desk. Following a worship service, I discovered the money was missing. I was nervous as I told our secretary first, and then the pastor. Despite the problem, it helped my pastor to know I would come to him as soon as possible with an issue.
I also discovered that when I report problems sooner that my senior pastor often has possible solutions. I was once able to recruit two additional middle school leaders because he knew that they were open to the possibility. He told me about them when I mentioned our need, and I followed up. I know that I can’t bring every little thing to him, but I have also learned not to try solving everything myself.
May 2, 2012 Rev. Troy Dennis (BA, MDiv., MA, Arrow Leadership) is Pastor of Family Ministries at Highfield Baptist Church in Moncton NB Canada. Ordained in 1995, he served in associate, solo and senior pastor positions before coming back to associate ministry in 2008.
Showing posts with label highfield baptist church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label highfield baptist church. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
What to Do When the Senior Pastor Resigns
Pastor of Everything Else
What to Do When the Senior Pastor Resigns
I have served almost 1/3 of my associate ministry (3 out of 9 years), to date, without a senior pastor. In fact, our church is currently searching for a new pastor. Many associates will find themselves having to carry the ball after the senior pastor resigns. Here are some tips from my own experience.
Don’t Badmouth the Former Pastor – Ever. Period. Always take the high road. This is about your own character and behaviour, not the former pastor’s.
Determine Church Policy on Staff Resignations – Some churches and traditions require other staff to offer their resignations – either at the same time, or when the new senior pastor comes in. Some do not.
Know Church Processes – How is the search committee formed? Who is on it? Do the by-laws have anything to say about this? It is unusual for the associate to be on the search committee. However, people will have questions about the processes, and will ask you.
Determine Church Expectations – Who will become the new senior pastor? Will the church begin a search through denominational and other channels, or is the associate expected to step into the new position? Will the church seek an interim pastor? Who will provide guidance to the senior board? Who will preach, maintain the speaking schedule, fill pulpit supply, plan worship, handle inquiries, do funerals, weddings, counseling, admin, etc.?
Learn to Do a Good Funeral - Because the congregation often knows the associate better than an interim pastor, expect to do more weddings and funerals.
Know Your Own Expectations – Do you hope to become the next senior pastor? Is this realistic? If the church does not go for this, will you accept this decision?
Set Priority Areas – Work with church leadership to determine: What can go on auto-pilot? What still needs attention? What new areas of responsibility will you pick up? What needs to be put off? What needs to continue? What will not be done?
Understand Your Limits - in ability, energy, time, counselling, authority.
Recruit Help - People often pour out extra effort in an interim time - take advantage of this to lighten the load.
What to Do with the People Who Agitated the Senior Pastor? – Some will pressure to make changes. Avoid making severe changes which will have to be undone or changed by a new pastor. Some people who gave the pastor a hard time will become involved again. Don’t resent the change in attitude. Make use of it.
Maintain Confidentiality – The search committee process has to remain confidential. You will learn or figure out things from the search committee which must be kept in strict confidence.
Protect – days off, vacation and important family time.
Prayer – use this as a time to draw close to God
In the Meantime, Live! - Any initial panic or anxiety will reduce over time. If there has been significant conflict, a new period of peace may develop. Whatever the situation, things will settle down and a new routine will develop.
Pastor of Everything Else - Mar 9, 2012 Rev. Troy Dennis (BA, MDiv., MA, Arrow Leadership) is Pastor of Family Ministries at Highfield Baptist Church in Moncton NB Canada. Ordained in 1995, he has spent almost three years serving as associate pastor without a senior pastor.
What to Do When the Senior Pastor Resigns
I have served almost 1/3 of my associate ministry (3 out of 9 years), to date, without a senior pastor. In fact, our church is currently searching for a new pastor. Many associates will find themselves having to carry the ball after the senior pastor resigns. Here are some tips from my own experience.
Don’t Badmouth the Former Pastor – Ever. Period. Always take the high road. This is about your own character and behaviour, not the former pastor’s.
Determine Church Policy on Staff Resignations – Some churches and traditions require other staff to offer their resignations – either at the same time, or when the new senior pastor comes in. Some do not.
Know Church Processes – How is the search committee formed? Who is on it? Do the by-laws have anything to say about this? It is unusual for the associate to be on the search committee. However, people will have questions about the processes, and will ask you.
Determine Church Expectations – Who will become the new senior pastor? Will the church begin a search through denominational and other channels, or is the associate expected to step into the new position? Will the church seek an interim pastor? Who will provide guidance to the senior board? Who will preach, maintain the speaking schedule, fill pulpit supply, plan worship, handle inquiries, do funerals, weddings, counseling, admin, etc.?
Learn to Do a Good Funeral - Because the congregation often knows the associate better than an interim pastor, expect to do more weddings and funerals.
Know Your Own Expectations – Do you hope to become the next senior pastor? Is this realistic? If the church does not go for this, will you accept this decision?
Set Priority Areas – Work with church leadership to determine: What can go on auto-pilot? What still needs attention? What new areas of responsibility will you pick up? What needs to be put off? What needs to continue? What will not be done?
Understand Your Limits - in ability, energy, time, counselling, authority.
Recruit Help - People often pour out extra effort in an interim time - take advantage of this to lighten the load.
What to Do with the People Who Agitated the Senior Pastor? – Some will pressure to make changes. Avoid making severe changes which will have to be undone or changed by a new pastor. Some people who gave the pastor a hard time will become involved again. Don’t resent the change in attitude. Make use of it.
Maintain Confidentiality – The search committee process has to remain confidential. You will learn or figure out things from the search committee which must be kept in strict confidence.
Protect – days off, vacation and important family time.
Prayer – use this as a time to draw close to God
In the Meantime, Live! - Any initial panic or anxiety will reduce over time. If there has been significant conflict, a new period of peace may develop. Whatever the situation, things will settle down and a new routine will develop.
Pastor of Everything Else - Mar 9, 2012 Rev. Troy Dennis (BA, MDiv., MA, Arrow Leadership) is Pastor of Family Ministries at Highfield Baptist Church in Moncton NB Canada. Ordained in 1995, he has spent almost three years serving as associate pastor without a senior pastor.
Monday, February 20, 2012
How Do You Know When It's Time to Go
How Do You Know When It’s Time to Go?
This is the season when many pastors begin to wonder if it’s time to move, to consider a calling to another ministry situation. How do we know when it’s time?
To begin, let me say this is a process of discernment involving a lot of prayer and consultation with trusted friends, colleagues, denomination personnel, and of course, our spouses. There is no formula, but there may be signs which God may use to point the way.
– church leadership makes it plain – this speaks for itself
– disagreement or conflict with senior leadership over fundamental doctrine, direction, vision, or values. Some things are small and can be overlooked, but others are not and cannot
– suggestions from others, perhaps denominational leaders, that you would be better suited for other ministry
– feeling it is time to “test your wings” in a solo / senior position
– increasing difficulty to recruit volunteers – there are lots of reasons this may be so. One reason may be that people lost confidence.
– feeling that we have done all we can do – the ministry has outgrown us or needs someone new for the next phase
– lack of vision for the future – nothing new to bring direction and energy
– vision for a different kind of ministry
– change in senior pastors – some systems require associates to step down but others do not. I have always said I would a give it a year to see if I could work comfortably with a new pastor. Sometimes, however, it is clear that things will not work well.
– finances – lots of associates start in small churches. But add a spouse and children, and it may be necessary to move in order to feed the family.
– practical or family matters – location, health issues, children’s, spouse’s, or parents’ needs may be pressing concerns which lead us to ask God for a different ministry
Something to remember – never resign on a Monday or in February. I got this from a friend years ago. Translation, don’t confuse tiredness or the dark discouraging days of winter as the leading of the Spirit
Finally, seek advice about when to bring your pastor into this discernment process. Because of situations or personalities, it is not always possible or wise to include the pastor in discussions about whether to seek another situation.
To include other factors or ask questions, comment below.
Feb 20, 2012 Rev. Troy Dennis (BA, MDiv., MA, Arrow Leadership) is Pastor of Family Ministries at Highfield Baptist Church in Moncton NB Canada. Ordained in 1995, he has been through the process of changing ministries several times. www.pastorofeverythingelse.blogspot.com
This is the season when many pastors begin to wonder if it’s time to move, to consider a calling to another ministry situation. How do we know when it’s time?
To begin, let me say this is a process of discernment involving a lot of prayer and consultation with trusted friends, colleagues, denomination personnel, and of course, our spouses. There is no formula, but there may be signs which God may use to point the way.
– church leadership makes it plain – this speaks for itself
– disagreement or conflict with senior leadership over fundamental doctrine, direction, vision, or values. Some things are small and can be overlooked, but others are not and cannot
– suggestions from others, perhaps denominational leaders, that you would be better suited for other ministry
– feeling it is time to “test your wings” in a solo / senior position
– increasing difficulty to recruit volunteers – there are lots of reasons this may be so. One reason may be that people lost confidence.
– feeling that we have done all we can do – the ministry has outgrown us or needs someone new for the next phase
– lack of vision for the future – nothing new to bring direction and energy
– vision for a different kind of ministry
– change in senior pastors – some systems require associates to step down but others do not. I have always said I would a give it a year to see if I could work comfortably with a new pastor. Sometimes, however, it is clear that things will not work well.
– finances – lots of associates start in small churches. But add a spouse and children, and it may be necessary to move in order to feed the family.
– practical or family matters – location, health issues, children’s, spouse’s, or parents’ needs may be pressing concerns which lead us to ask God for a different ministry
Something to remember – never resign on a Monday or in February. I got this from a friend years ago. Translation, don’t confuse tiredness or the dark discouraging days of winter as the leading of the Spirit
Finally, seek advice about when to bring your pastor into this discernment process. Because of situations or personalities, it is not always possible or wise to include the pastor in discussions about whether to seek another situation.
To include other factors or ask questions, comment below.
Feb 20, 2012 Rev. Troy Dennis (BA, MDiv., MA, Arrow Leadership) is Pastor of Family Ministries at Highfield Baptist Church in Moncton NB Canada. Ordained in 1995, he has been through the process of changing ministries several times. www.pastorofeverythingelse.blogspot.com
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