Building the Congregation Together

I was asked recently by another clergy person if I was considering putting my papers in. This is clergy code for looking for a new congregation and seeing what possibilities are out there. I was a bit surprised by that question, but reflecting back, it does make a bit of sense. 

I’ve been here five years now. 

And those five years have been adventurous, and this last year in particular, has been fairly intense. 

I think we can all agree with that last sentence. From starting my ministry here in the middle of COVID to dealing with the ups and downs of change and budgets and embezzlement and personality conflicts—it’s not outrageous to see that some pastors would strongly consider looking for a new call. 

But I’m not. 

The thought hadn’t even crossed my mind. 

Because this congregation has been incredible through all of this. Conflict is natural in times of high stress or a lot of change and moving pieces or when people make bad choices. But I’ve never once felt as though this congregation didn’t support me, the decisions I’ve made, the work I’m doing here. 

So pat yourself on the back for that one. 

This is part of being a welcoming community. It’s not just saying hi to people, or having shallow chit chat about the weather. It’s about fully welcoming someone in, flaws and strengths, and supporting them through the ups and downs of life and work and relationships. 

It’s about building something together. 

Our congregation is good at this. I know because I’ve experienced it. But we also need to make sure that we’re opening that experience to everyone who walks through these doors each and every day. We meet them where they’re at, and we whole-heartedly welcome them into the life of the congregation, involving them, building with them, creating ministry and doing the work of God together.