Pastor's Pen

A year ago, I sat and listened to Ken Wheeler talking to me about being a “wandering Aramean,” and I found myself thinking, “Yes! That’s me!” I had just come off of a three-day course of discernment for intentional interim ministry, and was now spending an afternoon with Ken so I could pick his brain about his experiences as an intentional interim. I left his office feeling even more affirmed than ever that this is what my next stage of ministry needs to look like. I have that wandering spirit that needs to be fed. I know that about myself.

For those of you who are wondering what I mean by “intentional interim pastor,” that is a pastor who works with congregations in transition. There are a few types of interims. There is a “fill the pulpit” kind – really more of a long-term supply pastor. Then there are interims who just go about the day-to-day ministry until a new pastor can be called. And then there are the intentional interims, who go into a congregation with a specific task of preparation. It may involve some grief work for a congregation who has just lost a long-term or beloved pastor. It may involve conflict resolution for congregations that are divided. It may involve systems work when a pastor has been involved in abusive or addictive or inappropriate behavior. It always involves the work of preparation and vision however. There is a MET process (Mission Exploration Team) to help develop a congregational profile that must be done before the call process can begin.

A good intentional interim pastor usually goes through specialized training. Often interims are retired, or near retirement. However, there are some who just feel called to do that kind of specialized ministry. I fall into that category. I am very excited about the newness of it all, and the opportunities to learn and grow and explore.

For a while now I have struggled with that restlessness. I know that about every five years or so I get absolutely stir crazy in a regular call. My sabbatical time here at Martin Luther Church helped me to get over that hump to make it another five years. Last year I hoped my long vacation journey along Route 66 would help me to get over it again. It helped but not enough. My spirit longs to go new places and meet new people and tackle new challenges. So it is time to move on to a new chapter.

I think I have always known that long-term commitments are hard for me. That could be part of the reason I’ve managed to avoid any relationship that looks like it may lead anywhere near marriage. Heck, I even took in a 17 year old cat, knowing full well I surely won’t have her longer than a few years. I love her like crazy, but I know the reality of having an old cat too and that’s ok. I will then move on to my next pet, who will also be much loved. I am good at that. I grieve and move on and experience new love and new life.

Yes, I am a wandering Aramean. I have a personality that draws me to the newness of transitions. I hope you will all understand that even if you may not like it. But you will also all be loved too, by whatever wandering Aramean comes here next.

~Pastor Kris