leadership Archives - Page 2 of 23 - Rebekah Simon-Peter Coaching and Consulting Inc.

Spirituality is the Key to Re-Building Community

by Rebekah Simon-Peter | Feb 19, 2024

In a world where loneliness is rampant but religious affiliation is down, many churches face the urgent question: How do we reach people who are longing for connection and meaning? This blog explores the intriguing possibility that focusing on deepening spirituality is the key to re-building community in the post-pandemic church.

What We Are Doing Is Not Sufficient

People have been quietly quitting the church for decades. Even before the pandemic. The spiritual but not religious have been letting us know for years that what the church offers is not sufficient. It is leaving needs unmet. People are looking for something more. Rather than fearing or dismissing the message that the spiritual but not religious have communicated by leaving the church, let’s learn from them instead. They’re signaling the need for a shift in church culture we can all benefit from. That’s why I’m writing about how spirituality is the key to re-building community.

Yet, before we look at how the church can re-build community through spirituality, we need to dispel a common myth. This is the myth that the church already “does” spirituality.

The Myth That “We Already Do” Spirituality

Many church worship experiences excel in talking about God, or Jesus, or the Holy Spirit. They tell stories and teach lessons related to God. This is good as far as it goes. However, for many people who are hungry for God, this does not go far enough. There is a difference between talking or singing about God and actually experiencing the presence of God. Now, it’s not that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are absent from worship. They are not. It’s that no space is left to intentionally experience their divine presence.

Spiritual Affiliation Has Increased

People assumed that when the pandemic ended that people would automatically return to church and sanctuaries would be full. That didn’t happen in most congregations. In my book, Forging a New Path, I compared COVID-19 to the Bubonic Plague. The plague’s impact on medieval Christians taught us how crises often lead to new ways of connecting with the divine. When traditional structures faltered in medieval Europe, lay movements and personal encounters with God flourished. In fact, the spiritual but not religious movement was born. This is an interesting historical parallel to where we are right now in our post-pandemic world.

Then as now people yearn for meaning and purpose. Yet, then as now, the church wasn’t providing the experience of the divine. This presents an opportunity: Study after study shows that humans are hardwired for meaning and purpose. Both our souls and our cells are created to experience the transcendent. Even non-religious people are wired for ultimate purpose and meaning.

This is good news. The God of the Bible is a God of direct encounters. We can reclaim this aspect of the Bible and guide people towards direct encounters with God today. This shift will benefit everyone, including those who are already part of our congregations, and those who are not.

What is Spirituality?

We talk a lot about being spiritual. But what does it really mean? I like to turn to a well-known passage in Ezekiel (37:1-10) that speaks of Ezekiel’s vision of dry bones coming alive through God’s breath. You may recall that in both Hebrew and Greek, the word for breath is also translated as Spirit. Thus, spirituality is being aware of God’s very real presence within us. A presence that is as real and as immediate as the breath.

In Christianity, spirituality may be expressed in three forms: personal, communal, and visionary spirituality.

Personal Spirituality is experiencing God’s presence in a way that fosters a sense of individual worth and belonging. As you engage in personal spirituality, you come away with the distinct sense that “I matter.”

Communal Spirituality is participating in a community that is founded in personal spirituality and woven together by increased love and support. As you engage in communal spirituality, you gain the distinct sense that “we matter.”

Visionary Spirituality is recognizing the collective impact that your lives can have on others. This awareness then becomes a shared mission. As you engage in visionary spirituality, you gain the distinct sense that “y’all matter.”

Re-Building Community

By listening to the “spiritual but not religious” movement and cultivating authentic spiritual experiences, the church can re-build a sense of community. This doesn’t require abandoning tradition, but rather reclaiming what has always been part of the church’s tradition: direct experiences with the divine. As you create spaces for individuals to connect with God and each other in meaningful ways, be prepared for a fresh wind of the Spirit.

By embracing the power of personal, communal, and visionary spirituality, the church can lead the way in re-building a sense of community and of belonging. I would love to hear your thoughts or questions on spirituality as the key to re-building community in post-pandemic and post-disaffiliation churches. Sign up for a discovery session here.

I have one more option for you. If you want to discover how you, too, can tap into your soul’s spiritual intelligence as a conscious leader, then please join me in a free 60-minute seminar, Elevate Your Ministry: An Invitation to the Power of Conscious Leadership. In this seminar I will introduce you to a new program that I am very excited about, Conscious Leadership! Come discover how you can move towards Jesus’ call of being Salt and Light for the those around you.

How the Church Can End the Loneliness Pandemic

by Rebekah Simon-Peter | Feb 7, 2024

We live in one of the loneliest times in human history. Even as we have more ways to connect, we are increasingly less connected to each other. We have many platforms for being “social”, but they don’t always provide a deep sense of belonging. In fact studies show that too much time spent on popular social media platforms increases the sense of disconnect, isolation and loneliness. Mental health struggles seem to be at an all-time high. The good news is that the church can respond to the loneliness pandemic.

In fact, in my next three blogs, I will be exploring the 3 S’s of post-pandemic community-building. These include being social, being spiritual, and being of service. But before we discuss how the church can participate in ending the loneliness pandemic, there is one myth we have to dispel first.

The Myth of Church Lite

There is a myth that churches which focus on social events are missing the mark. That they are “church lite.” That these socially oriented churches are too inward-focused and don’t care about the community at large. You may think that social events undermine the church’s core mission and will attract the wrong crowd who aren’t serious about faith. But here’s the reality: social events complement and enrich spiritual life. Shared experiences build bonds, foster support, and create a welcoming atmosphere where faith can more easily grow.

True Confessions: I Used to Be One of Those People

I used to be one of those people who believed the myth of church lite. I used to think that we didn’t have time to be social. That being too social in church was a sin. But the pandemic has really changed my mind on this. I saw how much I missed people and how the social aspect of church helped me grow spiritually. Now I think being social is an absolutely essential part of re-building spiritual community!

Think about it. If we aren’t social together, can we really be spiritual together? Can we do well at being of service? Jesus and his people hung out together for 3 years. That’s a big part of what made them so effective. We need that type of social connection too.

The Power of Weak Social Ties

Combatting loneliness doesn’t require five best friends. In fact, one of the strongest indicators of happiness is the number of weak social ties a person has. A weak social tie is someone you recognize and acknowledge and who recognizes and acknowledges you. But you likely don’t have their phone number in your phone, nor are you friends on Facebook. You may not even know their name. However, the power of being recognized and acknowledged in public goes a long way toward creating a sense of belonging.

The church can make use of weak social ties throughout worship–especially during passing of the peace, communion, welcoming new members, and children’s time. Also weak social ties are built during outreach ministries, choir practice, and even during the coffee hour. Special care must be taken to building weak social ties with online worshipers. One of the best ways to do this is to have an online worship greeter or pastor. This person would cultivate online engagement during worship, as well as at other times of the week. Being recognized and acknowledged online feels as good as being recognized and acknowledged in person.

In an age when people participate in congregational life more sporadically, weak social ties are an important aspect of what makes attending church feel worthwhile. Weak social ties keep you connected to the world at large and are vital for happiness measures, health, and longevity.

The church can also cultivate strong social ties. These relationships, while rarer these days, are not impossible to form. Look for them to build during small group meetings, Bible Studies, or study or mission trips. They require more time to maintain than weak social ties.

Create Multiple Ways to Be Part Of Things

In addition to welcoming people into a life-giving network of weak social ties, there is another powerful way that the church can end the loneliness pandemic. This is by giving people multiple opportunities to belong within the life of the church. The more sub-groups a person belongs to, the more connected they are, and the less lonely they feel. For instance, being a greeter once a quarter, attending a weekly online prayer group, and sitting in the same row amidst some familiar faces once a month are three different ways to create a sense of belonging. Here are some more ideas.

IN-PERSON CONNECTION

By planning social events together, you build the sense of social belonging that combats loneliness and isolation. You can offer diverse small group options based on the hobbies, interests, or life stages of your congregation. This will open people to deeper connections with each other. Volunteering together also helps to establish a sense of camaraderie and allows people to connect with the larger community in a meaningful way. Take your sense of social connection a step further and collaborate with other religious groups, charities, or community centers to build relationships and broaden impact.

ONLINE CONNECTION

Seek to develop deeper social connection by hosting online events: Book clubs, Bible studies, game nights, or even virtual coffee hours to keep the community connected, regardless of location. Online support groups provide virtual spaces for individuals looking for spiritual fellowship and encouragement throughout the week.

A Warning

Churches must also actively seek to remove barriers between themselves and newcomers or community members. No matter how many wonderful social activities you have, people won’t want to be part of your church if they sense they are being judged, evaluated, or censored. Social activities must be accompanied by a theology of a loving and welcoming God. People simply don’t want to be part of a church if they sense they or their families are not accepted or welcomed.

Take Your Next Step

By embracing these ideas, churches can move beyond simple survival to thrive in a changed world. By fostering genuine connection, inclusivity, and a welcoming atmosphere, you can not only create spaces for newcomers and build a vibrant community that extends far beyond Sunday services, but you can end the loneliness pandemic. Remember this is just a starting point. Tailor these strategies to your specific community and values, and always keep an open mind to feedback and new ideas. Reach out for a discovery session for specific input on your situation.

Why Your Church Should Shorten Worship

by Rebekah Simon-Peter | Jan 31, 2024

The slower paced days of the pandemic are now past. People are busier than ever. Even as attention spans are shortened. Yes, we all have the same 24 hours in a day we have ever had, but there are so many more things competing for our attention. The church in particular has felt the impact of this.

People have more worship options than ever before. Remote and asynchronous worship experiences have become standard for many people. But one thing you may not have explored is experimenting with the length of worship. In this article I want to make the case for why your church should shorten worship.

Worship Attendance Has Changed

The pandemic has forever altered worship expectations. In the height of the pandemic, many congregations reported that their worship attendance dropped by half. Even now, many congregations are still at 50-75% of pre-pandemic worship attendance levels. The Great Resignation impacted the church as well as the workplace. Yes, it could well be that people simply aren’t interested in worship. Or they are not interested in the way your congregation conducts worship. On the other hand, the answer might be simpler. It could be that with all that competes for their attention one, 60-70 minutes of worship is simply too much of a time commitment to make. For instance, I know that would attend more yoga classes if they were offered in 30-minute increments. I simply don’t or won’t make time for a 60- or 90-minute class. I have too much else going on that I also care about.

In a bit, we’ll talk about how to construct the perfect 45-minute worship service. But first, let’s address a falsehood that may prevent you from ever experimenting with the length of worship.

The Myth that Worship Has Always Been One Hour Long

So much of our faith is derived from biblical principles and practices that you may assume that the length of worship is prescribed in the Bible. Therefore, if church services run over 1 hour, it’s cause for handwringing. Or if worship is less than 1 hour, something important is being left out. However, that is not the case. Biblical examples of worship range from spontaneous prayers offered up at an outdoor altar, such as Jacob’s experience at Peniel (Genesis 32) to Ezra’s half day recitation of the book of the law (Nehemiah 8). It’s not the length of worship that matters, it is the encounter with God that matters.

Shortened Worship Services Work

I recently met with Visionary and Connecting Presbyter, Jennifer Burns Lewis. This denominational executive shared with me a beautiful and unexpected result of the pandemic. During the pandemic, many congregations in her Indiana presbytery conducted 45 min worship services so that people weren’t unnecessarily sharing air.

As the pandemic ended, 60-70% of churches in the presbytery have kept their shortened worship services in place.

“Guess what?” Jennifer asked. “No one is complaining, and worship numbers have stayed steady.” In fact, Burns Lewis reported that there was a remarkable uptick in numbers from the first Sunday in Advent until now. “It is like someone turned a page and the days of sorrow are over,” she remarked, with wonder in her voice.

Worship Changes with the Times

In truth, worship content and length has always varied. First century Christians practiced daily in-home worship. As the number of believers grew, early Christians met for both a Sunday gathering based on Synagogue liturgy, and then on another day for a Love Feast to fill the obligation to worship Jesus. As the believers eventually moved away from Judaism, they blended the two into a single day service on Sunday, often held in public buildings. In later centuries, factors such as denomination, location, and the influence of individual ministers has had a big impact on how long worship services have lasted. In the early parts of the 19^th century, many services lasted up to 3 hours. Yet, as society shifted to busier schedules and shortened attention spans, by the end of the 1800’s most Protestant denominations adapted a 1-hour service. Regional differences have played a role in the length of a worship service in the United States, too. The South, and rural areas, traditionally maintain a longer worship service. Black worship services tend to run longer than white majority services.

Creating The Perfect 45-Minute Worship Service

Now that you are open to why your church should shorten worship, I want to share two options for creating the perfect 45- minute worship service.

OPTION 1

If your congregation’s culture is more tradition-focused, you can still have a shortened classical Christian worship service. A shortened service can be drawn from the second century pattern of worship: greeting, response, offering, eucharist prayer, communion, benediction, dismissal. Notice that the sermon is absent. If you wish to add in a brief sermon (5-15 minutes), you can do a shortened communion service. This format will open more time for those who may wish to meet in smaller groups to reflect and discuss message of the service.

OPTION 2

Here is a second pattern of worship that is more free-flowing, and that appeals more to the spiritual but not religious. It is also very family friendly. I call it the 3 S’s of Post-Pandemic Community. The three components include: being social, being spiritual, and being of service. In a service like this, be sure to include time to greet each other, have an experiential time of connecting with the Spirit of God, and an opportunity to be of service to others. This outward-focused service can look like making sandwiches for the homeless or putting together flood buckets. These opportunities to be of service are akin to the offering of the second century.

Next Steps

Times have changed. Worship can change with it. Would you like to learn more about how to create a culture of renewal in these post-pandemic times? I’m inviting you to come to a 90-minute exploration of How Christian Ministries Are Achieving Success. You can also sign up for a free, personalized 40-minute Discovery Session.

Solving the Dilemma of Clergy Burnout – A Culture of Renewal

by Rebekah Simon-Peter | Jan 24, 2024

Clergy burnout is a pressing topic in today’s spiritual communities. We recognize that things need to change. But what? In looking at causes of clergy burnout, so far I have identified three factors: the impact of a fixed mindset, the pace of leadership change within congregations, and the sense that clergy are in it by themselves.

In this article, we will look at the fourth and final factor that contributes to clergy burnout: the culture of decline in churches. Not surprisingly, the solution is a culture of renewal. So, I will reveal three secret ingredients of my award-winning program, Creating a Culture of Renewal®. In this way, you can begin the process of implementing renewal in your setting now.

First – let’s ask an important question. How can you tell if your congregation is experiencing a culture of decline, or if it’s just experiencing temporary setbacks? Let’s take a deeper look.

Clergy Burnout Dilemma #4

Many mainline churches now operate in a culture of decline. Things aren’t what they used to be. As the percentage of “nones and dones” grow, the church has to fight to stay relevant. Even though what we have to offer remains as important as ever. In an increasingly polarized world, coming together to declare a gospel of unity, peace, and love seems passé.

In the church, the culture of decline is reinforced through three stubborn obstacles: a persistent focus on personalities, the past, and only engaging what is predictable. That means clergy attention is highjacked away from building forward momentum. Likely, you’re spending too much time soothing people and making sure folks don’t get mad. You’re probably also being asked to continually refocus on the traditions of the past instead of the possibilities of the present. Yet, predictable ideas lead to predictable results. It goes without saying that predictability doesn’t require any faith at all.

Bottom line: it’s hard to be prophetic, visionary, and risk-taking when you are up against these three stubborn obstacles.

The Myth of Many Problems

Dealing with the three stubborn obstacles exacerbates clergy burnout. But even more so, clergy burnout is perpetuated by one deadly myth. This is the myth that a church in decline has many problems that must be solved. In my decade plus work with congregations, I’ve identified eight distinct dynamics that manifest in a church in decline. They include:

Shrinking numbers
Problem people
Stagnant giving
Listless worship
Gutless prayer
Bait and switch evangelism
Insulated focus
Dead-end decision-making

You may think of these eight dynamics as eight separate problems that require eight different solutions. But the truth is these eight dynamics are but symptoms with one common denominator: the lack of a bold, compelling vision for the future.

Certified Renewalists Make a Difference

When Rev. Drew Willson of Richmond, Virginia joined Creating a Culture of Renewal®, his congregation was stuck in the myth of many problems. Drew inherited a congregation in decline. There was an average of 10 – 15 people attending, financial struggles, lack of commitment to change, and a “culture centered around the previous pastor.” Yet, Drew knew that in the face of fear and decline, he needed to refocus on the future. He knew he needed an entire culture shift, not just a temporary fix.

Through Creating a Culture of Renewal®, Drew led his congregation towards a bold, compelling vision for the future: “Extending God’s Table for All”. Together with the laity, they started a meal-sharing program. The church also began partnering with other denominations and a mobile health clinic to offer vaccines to underserved communities. Additionally, they joined forces with a nearby church to bring their congregations together in ministry. Instead of looking to the past, together they started looking for ways to bolster the welfare of the city.

The result? A congregation that has grown to 150 people. A culture shift towards laity-empowered ministry. Partnering with another church to become a single congregation with a forward-looking vision. Congregation members and church leadership coming together to create a community of renewal. In short, a miraculous shift in culture occurred.

In the process, Rev. Drew Willson earned his Certified Renewalist credential.

How Do You Create a Culture of Renewal?

In Creating a Culture of Renewal®, we have innovated a process that is proven to shift a culture of decline into a culture of renewal. I’d like to share with you three of our secret ingredients. But first let me tell you this surprising truth: renewal doesn’t come by changing and fixing external factors like shrinking numbers, stagnated giving, or insulated focus. Instead, renewal begins in the mindset and consciousness of the leader.

FIRST SECRET INGREDIENT: THE PLATINUM RULE

The Platinum Rule is a variation of the Golden Rule. Rather than assuming that everyone is just like you, the Platinum Rule teaches you to treat others the way they want to be treated. When you treat people the way they want to be treated, they feel seen, heard, and respected. This empowers you to bring out the best contributions of each of your people. You even learn how to bring out the best in those who frustrate you the most.

SECOND SECRET INGREDIENT: DREAMING LIKE JESUS

To displace the systemic culture that reinforces decline, you must enact a new vision for the future. This vision, or Jesus-like dream, must be outward focused rather than a church improvement plan. Only by being an agent of transformation for the community you serve will you transform the eight symptoms of a church in decline. Paradoxically, this outward focus will cause your church to improve.

THIRD SECRET INGREDIENT: ADVANCING FROM DISCIPLESHIP TO APOSTLESHIP

Disciples don’t make other disciples. Apostles do. That means to grow the Kingdom, you’ll need to advance from the faith of a disciple to the faith of an apostle. In order to move from discipleship to apostleship, you will need to up-level your faith. Apostleship requires not only having faith in Jesus but daring to have the faith of Jesus. This expanded faith will allow you to participate with God in the realm of the miraculous. Thus enabling you and your people to bring your Jesus-like dream to life.

Are you a clergy member experiencing burnout in a culture of decline? Does renewal and a big vision seem out of reach? It’s time to try something brand new. Something that will take you out of the realm of tried-and-true behaviors, and into the unknown. It won’t be as predictable, but it will be exhilarating. We have 12 years of experience helping church leaders shift their mindset. Join me in my next free 90-minute online seminar, “How Christian Ministries are Achieving Success”, to learn how you too can break the cycle of decline and lead your congregation into a vibrant culture of renewal. Miracles are possible!

Solving the Dilemma of Clergy Burnout – An Empowered Laity

by Rebekah Simon-Peter | Jan 15, 2024

Clergy are the heartbeat of churches, yet they seem perpetually on the edge of burnout. That sets up a real dilemma. The church depends on them. And yet, maybe depends too much. This is why I’ve been looking at the factors that contribute to clergy burnout. So far, we have looked at two factors: the impact of a fixed mindset and the pace of leadership change within congregations.

But those aren’t the only two factors at play in clergy burnout. Another key factor is the sense that clergy are in it by themselves. That the success of the ministry depends solely or mostly on the clergyperson.

In this article I will explore the dilemma of clergy burnout caused by stress and isolation in the clergy role. And reveal how an empowered laity can bring renewal to both you, as clergy, and the congregation you lead. First, let’s take a closer look at the problem.

Clergy Burnout Dilemma #3

When I pastored churches, I was acutely aware of the tension inherent in my role. Professional boundaries cautioned me against forming deep friendships with members of the congregation. By definition, it was my job to create community to which I would never fully belong. This is a tough spot to be in.

It creates a perpetual sense of not belonging which reinforces the sense of isolation. This feeling of loneliness may lead to pushing harder, overextending yourself, and then deprioritizing self-care. Once self-care is put on the back burner, you’re less likely to take days off and vacations. Let alone renewal leave. Meanwhile, the sense of burnout increases until you’re toast.

It reminds me of the Barna survey which named the top two reasons pastors consider quitting: the immense stress of the job (56%) and feeling lonely and isolated (43%). It doesn’t have to be this way.

Before we get to the solution that an empowered laity provides, let’s look at one dangerous myth that could derail everything: the myth of the solo leader.

The Myth of The Solo Leader

Because of the uniqueness of Jesus, whose leadership we emulate, church leaders fall prey to the myth that they have to do it by themselves. Congregations also fall prey to the myth that only clergy can or should lead. The dynamics of congregational decline reinforce this myth. Perhaps it seems as though there is truly no one to help the leader. Sometimes, clergy simply underestimate the ability of their laity. Or congregations overemphasize the role of clergy. In this way, the congregation inadvertently contributes to clergy burnout dilemma #3: stress and isolation. This dangerous myth of the solo leader kills clergy and congregations. The truth is Jesus was not a solo leader. He had people who forwarded his vision. You have people, too. You just have to look for them.

Empowered Laity Make a Difference

Through Creating a Culture of Renewal® I have witnessed both clergy burnout and laity disempowerment. Ironically, they stem from the same source: the myth of solo leadership. It is laity that showed me the solution.

Jim Granger, a retired military commander, is also a Creating a Culture of Renewal® grad and Certified Renewalist. As a man who has led in a variety of settings, he could see that clergy burnout needed a solution. In the face of proposed consolidation in the Eastern Shore District of the Virginia Annual Conference of the UMC, Jim noted, “Laity is the only source of additional resources. The Lay Servant Ministry committee is the means to bring laity into positions of greater responsibility. The time is now—clergy burnout is a real issue.”

Jim’s vision: Enhance Lay Servant Ministries on the Eastern Shore. This vision involved having one Certified Lay Servant for every 15 members of a congregation as well as 5 Certified Lay Speakers, and 5 Certified Lay Ministers for the District. His vision was met with a very strong reception by the District Superintendent and was at the core of a new district consolidation plan.

Through him, and other dedicated Lay Leaders, I have witnessed the difference an empowered laity can make. It can be easy to expect a clergy member to do it all and forget that congregations are full of people who want to respond to the call of God.

Laity Training

Every denomination has processes to train and empower laity. These roles may be variously called lay ministry, deacons, commissioned lay pastors, or lay servants. Let’s take a closer look at the plan of laity empowerment laid out by the United Methodist Church. The UMC process has four basic levels of training: Lay Leader, Certified Lay Servant, Certified Lay Speaker, Certified Lay Minister.

LAY LEADERS

In the UMC, every congregation, District, and Conference has lay leaders whose role is to partner with the clergy. The The Association of Annual Conference Lay Leaders is a key resource for Lay Leaders. Also, Annual Conferences have Laity Sessions and I have been delighted to speak at a variety of them.

CERTIFIED LAY SERVANT

UMC Certified Lay Servants are empowered laity who serve their local church. They assist the clergy by providing program leadership, training, congregational and community leadership, and conducting worship. By becoming teachers of Scripture and doctrine, Certified Lay Servants help build community and connection within a church.

CERTIFIED LAY SPEAKER

In the UMC, a Certified Lay Servant can receive additional training to become a Certified Lay Speaker. These laypersons partner with clergy and the ministry team to serve by preaching. Their role is to fulfill the need for a pulpit supply.

Perhaps the clergy member has a child who is participating in a weekend sporting event across the state. With a certified lay speaker, they no longer need to decide between their family and their work. A Certified Lay Speaker allows the clergyperson to take days off, vacations, or renewal leave.

CERTIFIED LAY MINISTER

A UMC Certified Lay Minister is an appointed role that becomes a vital part of a ministry team. A Certified Lay Minister assists the clergy to provide worship services and congregational care. They help build the church’s vision by developing faith communities and establishing outreach ministry in the community. A certified lay minister may also be responsible for church planting, children’s worship, parish nursing, and more.

When a church discovers its big vision, a certified lay minister exists to help the clergy make this a reality. Being trained to establish and cultivate the vision allows a certified lay minister to engage with the community.

Say Yes to Laity

There’s one kicker here. In order for an Empowered Laity to be effective and to alleviate clergy burnout, clergy have to say yes to laity! You have to allow yourself to be assisted and supported. This can be hard to do.

Join me to learn more about how clergy and laity can empower each other in one of my free 90-minute online seminars “How Christian Ministries are Achieving Success”. Make this the year you say yes to renewal and embark on a journey that leaves burnout behind!

Solving the Dilemma of Clergy Burnout – Intentional Interim Ministry

by Rebekah Simon-Peter | Jan 9, 2024

What causes clergy to burn out? The answers are complex. There are a number of factors to be teased apart. Last week, we looked at the impact of a fixed mindset – both in individuals and in the system. This week we’ll look at another factor that contributes to clergy burnout – the pace of leadership change within congregations. In this second blog of the “Solving the Dilemma of Clergy Burnout” series, we will explore the ways that Intentional Interim Ministry offer a practical solution to clergy burnout during leadership change.

To begin, let’s look at two distinct ways that the pace of leadership change can impact both clergy and the congregations that they serve.

Prolonged Leadership Change

In many denominations, there’s an extended lag time between clergy leaders. Denominational processes take a long time to replace one clergy person with the next. For instance, congregational churches, such as the American Baptist Churches USA and The Presbyterian Church (USA), call their own pastor. The call process can be long and arduous.

In the meantime, these congregations may put new plans for growth on pause for years at a time. This slow pace of change creates a system that values process over results, and caution over curiosity.

The impact of a prolonged process of leadership change is that momentum is lost, and stagnation can become the norm. When the new clergy leader shows up, the task of re-invigorating a stagnant congregation can be overwhelming.

Rapid Leadership Change

On the other hand, in itinerant, appointive systems such as the United Methodist Church, congregations go through rapid, often frequent, change in clergy. In these congregations, there is little time to reflect or breathe between pastors. The pastor may leave one church at the end of June and begin preaching at the next church the very first week of July.

As you can imagine, there is often no time set aside for either pastor or congregation to let go of the past, to heal from any wounds, to re-orient toward the new, or to get ready for what is next.

This rapid pace of change is a recipe for frustration and failure for both congregation and clergy. This is especially true if the previous pastor was long term, or beloved, or both. In this case, “the new person” will likely have a hard time gaining traction.

Intentional Interim Ministry

These days, I’m a big proponent of Intentional Interim Ministry. Recently, I worked with two organizations, Transitional Intentional Interim Ministry Specialists Association (TIIMSA) and the Interim Ministry Network (IMN), to think creatively about ministry in these times. Both organizations exist to train Intentional Interim Ministers to step in and ensure that the transition phase of a congregation is positive.

Whether your congregation is used to drawn-out or rapid leadership change, Intentional Interim Ministry can help alleviate clergy burnout. Let’s take a closer look at what Intentional Interim Ministry provides.

Intentional

Intentional means a pastor who is trained specifically to help a congregation transition from what was to what can be. This experienced pastor guides a realistic process of change based on the needs of the congregation. An Intentional Interim Minister directs a congregation towards looking inward to discover their mission and find renewal.

Interim

Interim is the period of time between clergy leaders. It can last between 6 months and 2 years. During this time, an Intentional Interim Minister will set the church up for healing and reflection on what worked, or what didn’t work with the previous clergy. The Intentional Interim Minister empowers the congregation to receive and work well with a new pastor. Not only are Intentional Interim Ministers trained to provide leadership to congregations between clergy leaders, they also lead through closure and redevelopment. They may also serve as consultants to congregations in conflict.

Ministry

The training and the work of the Intentional Interim Minister is five-fold. Generally, they help the church come to terms with its history and to discover a new identity. They guide needed changes in leadership. They also renew denominational ties among members. Finally, the Intentional Interim Minister helps the church commit to new directions in ministry. With this level of emotional and spiritual stability, the congregation is now poised to move with a new pastor toward a new, big vision.

From Burnout to Renewal

Post-pandemic and post-disaffiliation, every church needs transitional leadership! I’m grateful that I was able to work with TIIMSA and IMN last year, and I’m happy to give a shout out to these organizations during times of distress and decline. Together with Creating a Culture of Renewal®, we are moving towards a renewed life for the church.

While you may not have benefited from Intentional Interim Ministry, perhaps you are experiencing a Readiness for Renewal. We’ve created a short-term, high impact offering just for you. If you’d rather start with a conversation, reach out and let’s talk about navigating the pace of change of your congregation while helping to banish burnout!

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