tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086978161944568008.post5087385114151511845..comments2023-09-18T08:44:40.951-05:00Comments on faith in community: Why The Pastor/Parish Relationship is like a Marriage (sort of)Diane M. Rothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07749136181846671327noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086978161944568008.post-9062625803797954302010-08-30T10:50:58.110-05:002010-08-30T10:50:58.110-05:00yeah, that's why I said (sort of). but you se...yeah, that's why I said (sort of). but you second to last paragraph! brilliant! words for me to grow by.Diane M. Rothhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07749136181846671327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086978161944568008.post-47875219177320552172010-08-30T09:40:52.040-05:002010-08-30T09:40:52.040-05:00Age does bring some advantage. In the case of pas...Age does bring some advantage. In the case of pastor/church, there are things I can see now, after being in the same vibrant church for 33 years, that someone new to a church wouldn't see. Also, I've been on the call committee twice.<br /><br />I see the church as being the people there already, and those who come it. It isn't the pastor's church. You already know that, but some people don't. And it isn't the tradition/culture within some other Christian groups.<br /><br />I have seen each pastor bring gifts that blessed the church at a particular time. Then those gifts may be needed elsewhere or different gifts are needed for that church for the new period of time. The pastor moves on.<br /><br />I attended an ordination of a friend once. The preacher said something that impressed me. He said, "In twelve years, will you be a pastor with twelve years' experience or will you be a person who has been a pastor for twelve years, but with three years' experience?" He explained that after the honeymoon time period is over and some problems rise to the surface and perhaps some conflicts arise, will this pastor learn to deal with the problems or will he just seek another call.<br /><br />Being a pastor must be more like serial monogamy than like a long term marriage.LoieJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01977264499770654307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086978161944568008.post-88548813210477889112010-08-26T08:24:20.653-05:002010-08-26T08:24:20.653-05:00..and then there are the occasions when the adjust.....and then there are the occasions when the adjustments being demanded exist on "shifting sand" with an insistence on a one sided relationship of control and abuse.<br /><br />but mostly, in healthy situations, this is what I have experienced. The relationship between clergy and congregation should be mutually life-giving and growing, albeit at times there will be challenges. It's how the "couple" navigates the challenges that really impact the health and the growth. Same is true for a marriage. Amarriage is about helping the other become the best version of themselves without also compromising the wellbeing of the self.<br /><br />I pray for you and for the journey you and the congregation are on.Terrihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15667178624061122421noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1086978161944568008.post-66553348903667885862010-08-26T08:18:09.783-05:002010-08-26T08:18:09.783-05:00I love it.
My fervent prayer is that this attitu...I love it. <br /><br />My fervent prayer is that this attitude would extend to other rostered leaders and even (dare I say it?) staff as well.<br /><br />Good to see you yesterday. I will help with the liturgy project if you need anything.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com