Comments on: Congregations and New Pastors: A How To Guide

By: » Episcopal Churches To Vote on Departure northwest mexico

» Episcopal Churches To Vote on Departure northwest mexico — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 22:28:15 +0000

[...] Congregations and New Pastors: A How To Guide | Cyberbrethren [...]

By: The Brothers of John the Steadfast » From Cyberbrethren, Congregations and New Pastors: A How To Guide, by Paul McCain

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:41:12 +0000

[...] Paul McCain over on Cyberbrethren produced this piece a few days ago that contains some excellent statements that would help [...]

By: In Light of the Gospel » Blog Archive » A “How To Guide” for Congregations and New Pastors

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:27:52 +0000

[...] Paul McCain has some great thoughts on how congregations can welcome new pastors, especially those who are coming for their first call. Here are a few of his suggestions: [...]

By: JM

JM — Sat, 30 May 2009 13:09:16 +0000

Reverend McCain, can you publish this in a pamphlet form so that each and every member of our congregation can receive one to read, learn, and inwardly digest? It is difficult for a new man to make clear that while he is a servant of God, his servanthood responsibilities are directed by his call and his ordination vows, not by each individual’s needs or opinions. And could you also write something for new pastors – young or experienced – to guide them as they accept the responsibility as spiritual leader of a flock. It is difficult for a congregation to help him conduct himself with confident humility. He needs to preach God’s Word with boldness and clarity, but he must not consider himself as “God in residence.” As he respects the deep faith, wisdom, and experience of his people – he will in turn gain their respect. Thank you for your words of wisdom, Rev. McCain. You are one of the “good ones”! Thank you for your far reaching ministry to the pastors and people of our beloved LC-MS. May He continue to work through you as you continue to serve Him so well. Blessings, JM

By: John Maxfield

John Maxfield — Fri, 29 May 2009 13:57:25 +0000

This is really outstanding. I’ve asked our secretary to forward it to all church members for which we have email addresses. As I prepare to move from associate pastor here to a new call, our congregation (Trinity, St. Francis) has just installed a new senior pastor (previous one was here 30 years) and this time of transition is really important, and these suggestions are totally appropriate also for a congregation receiving a new experienced pastor.

I second the suggestion that CPH publish this (or a revision) as a brochure.

By: Mason Beecroft

Mason Beecroft — Thu, 28 May 2009 21:42:06 +0000

Father McCain,
Excellent advice. You should publish a CPH brochure like this and make it available to every congregation. Thanks,
+Mason

By: Michael Mohr

Michael Mohr — Thu, 28 May 2009 18:22:55 +0000

“Your pastor is not a mind-reader. He will not simply “know” or “sense” when somebody is sick or hospitalized or needs pastoral care.”

Neighboring pastor once told me he had a parishioner mad at him for not visiting her in the hospital. When the pastor pleaded, “But I didn’t know you were in the hospital, why didn’t you call me?” she replied (in all seriousness), “Didn’t God tell you I was in the hospital?” She thought God literally faxed a visitation list to each pastor every morning! I still chuckle every time I think about that.

When I was on vicarage, we were in a town that had a hospital. Between the Senior Pastor, the Assistant Pastor, and the Vicar, we checked the patient list at least three times a week to see if members were in the hospital. Now, as a pastor in a small town, it would take me hours to drive the circuit of the three “local” hospitals members usually go to. It is so much easier on the pastor if you call him yourself.

Thanks for publishing these thoughts. A good reminder to every congregation.

By: Good Advice for Congregations & Pastors « The Shepherd's Study

Good Advice for Congregations & Pastors « The Shepherd's Study — Thu, 28 May 2009 15:16:46 +0000

[...] Paul McCain over at Cyberbrethren wrote the excellent post below entitled “Congregations and New Pastors: A How To Guide“. Though it’s geared towards congregations receiving new pastors, as one commenter [...]

By: Pastor Paul Neuman

Pastor Paul Neuman — Thu, 28 May 2009 15:15:17 +0000

With the Bible references cited, I was a little disappointed that Matt. 18 wasn’t mentioned when encourageing people to speak with their pastor (paragraph 4). The personal, brotherly love approach seems to be missing today and should be encouraged.

Another thought, when it comes to holidays, some pastors may want to spend it with only their … Read Morefamily. I would encourage the congregation to be sensitive to the needs/desires of the pastor and his family (be invited out or let them enjoy family time) and respond appropriately.

On the whole, this is thoughtful, thought provoking, and well worth the read.

By: Pastor Paul Neuman

Pastor Paul Neuman — Thu, 28 May 2009 15:11:16 +0000

Another thought, when it comes to holidays, some pastors may want to spend it with only their family. I would encourage the congregation to be sensitive to the needs/desires of the pastor and his family (be invited out or let them enjoy family time) and respond appropriately.