May God bless and prosper the Spirit-sown fields called MBPPC
A long time ago, I came to the realization that I think in pictures more than concepts. That comes in handy for preachers since so much of our work involves offering metaphors as a way to convey Biblical messages. But this thinking-in-pictures has served me in another way during my tenure as pastor at MBPPC. It has given me a way to conceptualize the larger work of leading a congregation.
To the point, as I work through my final weeks as pastor at MBPPC, I am recalling some of the metaphors I have carried — or that have carried me! I arrived at MBPPC on September 6, 1995, and set about on a systemic analysis of the congregation, its committees, its traditions, its culture, and the unique challenges it faced in those days. Two metaphors became prominent:
As I learned how the preceding pastoral relationship had come to a rocky and abrupt close, making the role of pastor untrustworthy, I experienced a rhythm of over-estimation of my skills and experience, followed by a pulling back from new ideas. It was as if, on the one hand, I was being cast as the savior of MBPPC. But, on the other hand, changes felt threatening to this congregation that had been through some tumultuous times. The metaphor that came to me was the Push-Me-Pull-You from the book “Dr. Doolittle”. The Push-Me-Pull-You was a two-headed creature, with one head on either end of its body. If one head tried to go forward, it pulled the other head backward, and vice-versa. The poor creature could go nowhere! So, I had to learn how to rebuild trust in the role of pastor at MBPPC, to convince people that my motives were sincere and my ideas invitations rather than threats.
Another metaphor was of a great mansion in disrepair. I saw potential in the congregation of MBPPC — great potential. But it would take some hard work to grow toward that potential. So, like someone restoring a magnificent old mansion, I broke things down. A mansion might need its foundation stabilized first. Then the walls and roof could be repaired. After that, one could address the plumbing and electrical system. After the structural work, the mansion could be beautified with plaster and paint, flooring and furnishings, and decorative touches. Our work of streamlining the Session’s leadership work, converting cumbersome committees into nimble ministry teams, finding the true worship “voice” in terms of liturgy and music, building up Biblical literacy, establishing manageable mission projects, and having fun, to almost 15 years.
And around 2007, when it felt like we were on our feet, I prayed to God in words like these: “Lord, you have called me to restore this wonderful congregation. Now, please, don’t call me somewhere else before I get a few years to enjoy the fruits of our labor!” As you know, God seemed to honor this prayer (or else I massively overstayed my welcome!).
There is a new metaphor rattling around in me as I prepare to hand things off to the Rev. Andrea Chaumont. I see MBPPC as being like a ship — a great ocean liner. It has sailed calm seas to tropical paradises. It has weathered the storms and waves of earthquake, arson fire, and age. It was outfitted to be seaworthy in its season. But now (and especially following the Coronavirus pandemic) the ship needs some time in harbor to be repaired and re-fitted for its next adventures. We face challenges such as securing the building against earthquake damage and bringing administrative resources up to 21st century capabilities. Our crew (ministry teams, deacons’ board, etc.) has served faithfully, but needs new recruits. And the role of the Church feels more prophetic in this political season than at any time in recent memory.
I am confident that MBPPC has many years of powerful ministry ahead. To put it metaphorically: a new wind is blowing through the Romanesque Revival brick and mortar, and through the hearts and minds of congregation members. It is a wind ready to scatter and sow Gospel seeds through the life and ministry here. May God bless and prosper the great mansion, the sturdy ship, the Spirit-sown fields called MBPPC.
In Christ,
Lee