The past month or so I have been preparing for a Continuing Education event. You may or may not know that Presbyterian Clergy are required to pursue professional development for two weeks out of each year. The form of continuing education seems to be less important than the content. Hence, I have usually used my C.E. time to do some research, reflection, and sermon preparation. This year, however, I have been encouraged to enter the first of two week-long intensive courses on Interim Ministry.
To my surprise, some folk interpreted this to mean that I was leaving Westminster. Let me assure you that nothing is further from the truth! My resume has not been updated since I arrived and I have not seen the first semblance of a pulpit committee in the nearly seven years I have been here. (Not that I have been looking for one!)
Interim Pastor training typically takes place in the latter third of a pastor’s career. Since my calendar tells me that I am about twelve years from retirement (though my checkbook declares otherwise,) this seems a good time to go ahead and sign up. While there are many benefits to the pastor who undertakes this course, there are also benefits to the congregation which he or she serves. Skills are sharpened, new gifts are identified and old ones evaluated and strengthened. Much time is spent in reading discussing, and evaluating current literature on church administration, demographic interpretation, systems theory, trends in worship and theology, and a host of other tools which are needed by pastors. A friend of mine told me that he felt like an automobile which had received and engine overhaul and a new paint job when he returned from Interim Ministry training.
On the one hand, I find it hard to believe that I am probably two-thirds of the way through my active ministry. On the other, I am excited that the next twelve years may eclipse the previous twenty five as I seek to serve Our Lord here and wherever else He may call.
Please keep Miss Vicki and me in your prayers during the week of July 15. (Yes, there is a Spouse Track also for this event.) The Reverend Harrison Neal will fill the pulpit this Sunday and I will be home late the evening of July 21. If you have any needs or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call the Church Office. I will be available by cell and e-mail on an occasional basis.
I bid you peace.
Ken
