A congregation of the United Church of Canada
Quick-Fix vs Process
“Faith needs you!”
I very nearly purchased another new guitar pedal last night. I probably still will do so, but I’m going to hold off for a little bit. As I did more reading about the sound issue I was trying to address with the new machine I learned that there are several strategies to explore the issue with the gear I already have. Instead of rushing out to buy something new to try to solve my immediate need, I will take a few days or weeks to slowly and methodically explore these other strategies. I will do some more research, and I will experiment to see if I can get where I want to be. And then I’ll buy the pedal! (Because that’s what guitarists do!)
It’s a good lesson to learn (re-learn) though. It’s the old ‘quick-fix vs slow process’ question. And, of course, it’s not limited to guitar players. This morning it occurred to me (I noticed) that a similar tension is present at Faith United, especially at Council – a body that is responsible for the effective running of the church. The presenting issue is one I ‘caused’ – my upcoming retirement in June. (If that is news to you, I invite you to read the “A Calling” sermon on our website.)
I don’t mean to suggest that anyone is panicking. They are decidedly not. However, in these situations there is always a tension between wanting to rush out and find a new minister to lead the congregation, and following a careful and thoughtful process to ensure the best possible outcome. That thoughtful process is what Council is formulating right now, with support from me, and from a representative from the wider church (Region) called a ‘Liaison’ who will be appointed shortly.
The process will involve a series of conversations and surveys (etc.) to ensure the entire congregation is heard in regards to hopes and dreams for Faith’s future, and the desired attributes and gifts of a potential new minister. First comes the articulation of who Faith is, and what Faith’s vision for ministry is. Much of that will be obvious because this congregation already does wonderful ministry together. Following that ‘visioning’ process a position description can be created. After that a ‘Search Committee’ is formed and the information gets posted to a denomination-wide internal website where ministers go to seek churches. Again, all this is done with the support of the Region through a Liaison. I can help up to a point, and then I need to step back so as not to colour the feedback, and allow for frank and open discussions. The temptation to rush out and ‘buy a new guitar pedal’ is great. The wiser move is to work the process, and get a better result. Council will be seeking people to be part of these ‘teams’ that will guide this process, and one of the core values is that these ‘teams’ are comprised of a diverse cross-section of the congregation. In other words, Faith needs you! I hope you will engage in these processes with enthusiasm and positivity in the coming months. Faith’s future needs your voice – and we can’t buy that from a guitar store.