A Congregation Appreciation Post

Working on celebrating the good

I don’t return all messages from my parishioners within the day. Sometimes, it takes me a bit to respond.

I was returning one such call after a couple days had passed. My congregant, after confessing that they do call at weird hours from time to time, said, “I don’t know what part of part-time is part of time you’re working.” To which I quickly responded, “I don’t always know either!”

I wonder what kind of tone you read that in. Out of context, I imagine you might have heard that as confrontational and maybe even a bit combative. “When are you working!” “I don’t know!”

The reality of the situation though, is that during that exchange we were giggling. It was a joyful exchange relaying how messy and weird timing can be. This parishioner was glad I had called back. I was glad they were responding with ease. And we had a forward appreciation that old patterns of pastors being available all the time were fading away. What part of part-time was I working? We were figuring it out together.

I could not be the part-time pastor I am without the support of my congregation. They are unfailingly laidback when I need it, but also deeply protective of me and my time. This came up in another situation recently where my job boundaries were being pushed not by my congregation, but those outside of it. It was my congregation members who, with some bit of irritation, were able to say to me, “That’s not your job! That’s for us to decide!” I beamed back at them.

I have written before about how bivocational ministry works when it is freely chosen. The congregation has to choose to have a part-time pastor willingly, but the pastor also has to choose the congregation. It doesn’t have to be a perfect loving relationship all the time—that’s unrealistic and burdensome. Yet I cannot imagine how this could work without the joyful support of my congregation.

This week, my congregation is supporting me while I’m on vacation for the week. They’re having a church council meeting without me, we’re having a field trip Sunday for worship, and generally the life of the church carries on without me. (This is also why you’re getting a Tuesday afternoon newsletter instead of a Monday morning one.) For a church that never depends on a pastor alone, we give thanks.

Upcoming class

I’m teaching a class! It’s through my local Association (church regional body) and as far as I can tell, the more the merrier. I didn’t write the copy for the class but I love the enthusiasm. Join if you want my compact pitch for lay leaders and clergy about how to make part-time ministry a healthy, affirming, and joyful option. Note: the class is on April 19th from 6:30-8pm Eastern on Zoom.

Everybody loves a slideshow

My congregation completely humored my desire to put together a whole slideshow celebrating my five year anniversary with the congregation last year. I still love watching it and I suspect you’d love it too.

What life looks like

Vacation puzzle building