Photo by Matt Duncan on Unsplash

“Here are the stages in the journey of the Israelites when they came out of Egypt by divisions

under the leadership of Moses and Aaron.” (Numbers 33.1)

“Oh, the places you’ll go!” (Dr Seuss)

The time between pastors is a season of transition. The relationships between people and pastor change often coming to an end. Worship takes on a new tenor with the loss of a voice. Vision for the future may become murky after the spiritual leader departs.

The interim time is also a journey. Much like the Israelites who travelled for forty years in the desert and who were formed into a new people as a result of that journey, congregations can find a new identity and new purpose during the time of transition. Also like the Israelites, the congregation in transition is promised an end but still gets anxious by not knowing exactly when the end will come. “How long must we travel in this desert,” God’s people asked (demanded) “When will we get a new pastor?” the congregation asks.

Our journey together will probably last twelves months or so. Apart from the work of a Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC), we have work to do before a new pastor is called. Are there unresolved issues? Is the church’s vision clear? Is the mission (action plan) aligned with the vision? What is the financial health of the church? What needs to be tweaked or altered or completely changed? Addressing issues like these will offer solid ground on which the new pastor can “water the seeds” planted by God.

So, here we go, starting our travels together. Remember the African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”