Notes from the Committee on Ministry:

We have been discussing the difficult shift from a pastoral congregation to a program congregation.  In a pastoral church, the focus is the minister.  In a program church, the focus is a transformative vision which unites all congregational activity.

This is a necessary shift because we have been successful as a pastoral congregation and the result of that success is growth to a size where the pastoral model can no longer work.  It is impossible for a single minister to relate meaningfully to 200 members and yet have a sane and balanced life.

According to Rev. Robert Latham, author of Moving On from Church Folly Lane, it is very important to acknowledge the stress and even the grief that accompanies the pastoral to program shift.  It is clear that some things are inevitably lost in the transition: some connections, some inclusion, a focus on mutual support, a sense of the fellowship of the whole, and even the exalted status of the individual.  In a program church, the mission receives priority over any individual’s personal agenda, even while honoring the worth and dignity of every person.

In a pastoral church a person could make a decision and carry it out on his or her own.  In a program church, on the other hand, the invitation is different.  If someone wants to start a new project, program, or activity, or wants to contribute in some other way to the congregation, the recommendation is to consider doing some research first.  Check the Program Council Connection and Communication Chart: who might the other stakeholders be in relation to the idea?  What have people done in the past, if anything?  Who might be able to provide some background?  Is there already a committee or group that is working on the same or related idea?  If unsure, one of the Program Council Area Representatives can help.

After doing a little research, it is critical to gather several other people who share an interest in the idea and to make a plan together.  Will Board permission be needed?  Will the project require funding or staff support?  Are there facility or other resource needs?  Once there is a plan, it may help to check with a Program Council Area Rep again to consider presenting the plan to the Program Council.  It is a great forum for exchange of ideas and a helpful way to find out where conflicts may arise or where there may be opportunities for mutual support.

In this way, instead of just making a contribution, as wonderful as that is, the contribution has been turned into a practice which supports the organizational structure of the church, connects people, and transforms lives.  It will endure to serve future generations.

In his book Serving With Grace, Erik Wikstrom says an individual is usually more efficient than a group in getting things done, but less effective at building community, deepening spiritual practice, and transforming the self and the world.  “Why have one person do something,” he asks, “when 6 people can?”

Sincerely,
Mark Backus

Committee on Ministry Members:
Rev. Bill Graves
Debbie Cafazzo
Karin Van Vlack
Mark Backus, backusm@harbornet.com.

The Pastoral to Program Shift

SHAPES and COLORS by Mauricio Robalino

Mary Boze Gallery at TUUC is featuring SHAPES and COLORSstarting Sunday, September 11. We hope you will enjoy this dynamic and versatile artist, who began painting at age ten on a month-long boat trip from South America to England and whose bold, dynamic paintings are influenced by his own upbringing as well as by artists throughout the world. This is an opening not to be missed!