From The Workshop

From the Workshop:

We are moving right along through the summer although the high temperatures make the going challenging. As the summer turns to fall, the church calendar is returning to some familiar routines after Labor Day weekend (September 3). The Retired Christian Fellowship plans a get-started lunch on September 14. On Wednesdays two youth Bible studies kick off at 5:30–Ms Wendy with elementary youth, Ms Jenna with teens. Christian education  leader Mary Beth and her team provide Sunday morning Sunday School for children. There are continuing adult studies on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. 
 
That’s a lot of activity. As the interim minister, I haven’t pastored a congregation with a substantial number of children and youth in many years. Since the congregation is making this an emphasis, in the past few weeks, I’ve been brushing up on resources, talking to pastors with solid programs and looking at resources. Knowing that this congregation is future-focused, instead of wishing for the past, I sense an attitude of optimism and hope among us. From the members of the congregation I’ve encountered, I also think that our collective heart is in the right place–the heart connected with the living Christ. 
 
There’s one missing piece. I’m discovering that successful ministries with youth, adults, prospective members, our neighbors in need, and anybody requires clear, purposeful structure and planning. Successful ministry is not done by one super volunteer. Successful ministry cannot be carried by one charismatic pastor. The woods are full of committed, gifted, Spiritually alive leaders who came in, did it all, and in the end could not do it alone. Without a plan, talent and charisma fade.
 
As your outside, interim pastor, I want the congregation to know that we are on the edge of a new day. Enough people are here to generate and sustain faithful, energetic, attractive ministry sharing the love of Christ Jesus. Underneath all that is a structure, a plan, and the discipline to see it through. To really be successful, hard work is ahead. 
 
See you Sunday, 

Pastor Tom