The American Baptist Churches USA reccomends that each congregation hold a Pastoral Relations Committee with their head of staff. This committee is to be a group of people that meet regularly with the pastor to serve as sounding board both for the concerns of the pastor, but also for the church. The folks selected to be on this committee are to serve as advisers to the pastor as he/ she seeks to understand where the congregation is on a particular issue(s). And, these folks are charged to love and care for the pastor and the pastor's family in tangible ways.
I was so happy to learn that Washington Plaza desired to set up a Pastoral Relations Committee for me when I first arrived. In our case, the pastor search team vowed to stay on for another year to work with me as I made the transition into the community life. (And, it didn't hurt that the tradition of having dinner at meetings was vowed to continue. You know that Washington Plaza folks work best with food).
We've met every two months since January. And, I have to say what a joy to be with they are!
At our gathering last night, I was able to see even more reasons as to why I feel joy in being with this group. Toward the end of our time as we were having a discussion about upcoming events. I told them that I carry around in me a lot of the enthusism, dreams, etc that I have for the church, and what I wanted for this group is stand beside me in the spiritual load I feel I carry. I asked if we could pray together about visioning for the future-- that this would the encouragement that I needed. And, what came forth as we prayed was beautiful.
It was a spontaneous prayer of what was on everyone's hearts.
I heard prayers about about their love for their church.
I heard prayers for God's will to come to our plans, not our will.
I heard prayers for Kevin and for me, for wisdom in leadership.
I heard prayers for those in our church that are going through difficult times right now that our body will come together in support of them.
I heard prayers for communal vision.
I'm thankful not only for the members of and contributions of the Pastoral Relations Committee, but for the spirit of the church which they represent. I do feel the support of this great task of being church together that we've undertaken. And, from a pastor's point of view, this is one of the best gifts a church can give!
