Jump In the Lake

Presbytery Leaders Gathering at Silver Bay

I am writing you today from beautiful Lake Tahoe. The mountains and the lake burst with signs of God's goodness. I am here as faculty for the Art of Transitional Ministry. Pastors from across the country have gathered to learn how to lead the Church amid the COVID realities. Additionally, some are learning the basics for working as intentional interims. On your behalf, I have invited some pastors to consider calls within our region. Through my various denominational associations, I am always looking for leaders who are in tune with the Spirit and thinking with heart and mind about the Church today. 

The second set of pastors attending the event are looking to retool and sharpen their skills in change management and congregational development. The two groups of pastors are honest about their struggles over the last two years. Some have agreed with the study Navigating the Pandemic: A First Look at Congregational Responses by the Harford Institute. The multi-year analysis of COVID's effect on worshiping communities shows that 67 percent of clergy said 2020 was the hardest year of their ministry. However, only eight percent have considered leaving ministry. According to the Hartford Study, the Great Resignation experienced by many industries is not impacting the institutional Church in the same way. However, one participant from the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America said, "there is an increasing number of pastors bleeding all over congregations because they have not dealt with their own mental and spiritual health during this time." I agree with the Presbyterian Outlook "for clergy, COVID-19 has brought both burnout and breakthrough." Pastors and congregations have been pushed to learn new things, some of which were beyond their capacity. Added pressure came from conflicts of values. The tension revealed differences in what's essential and where priorities should lie. The issues are weightier than how we will worship. Unfortunate irreconcilable differences are the outgrowth of the last two years.  

We need a break! Water, mountains, and breathtaking sunsets are the medicine for weary souls. As I look out the window, I give thanks for this holy moment. We all need to play in Creation this summer so our inner souls can be refreshed. The Church collective needs rest and renewal. The times have not been easy. In these trying days, dedicated ministers and church members have been persistent in the mission to proclaim the good news that all will be well. Oh, how we long to see God revealed among us in our everyday living.  

Summer comes to show us that the dead of winter must give way to new life. Joyce Rupp gifted us with this prayer: 

You are the sustaining Bread of Life. A ready provision of daily nutrition supplying
 For our spiritual growth. You are food for generous service, sustenance for intimate. 
Union with you. You come to us in various forms: Eucharist and loving relationships, in little and big touches of caring, and in those subtle, inner stirrings that enrich us with a deeper love of you. 

In Genesis, God models the need for balance in life regardless of our vocation. In Creation, work and rest have a rhythm. Our lives require a healthy balance of work, rest, and play. Be good to yourselves and those you love. Soak in the sun, jump in the lake, and allow your soul to be renewed. Start by giving to God the things we cannot control. Breathe deeply. Be restored in mind and spirit. We have work to do.