It's About That Time...

Last week, making baskets as they learned about Moses together.

Today is a bit weird, and here's why: normally at this time on a Sunday morning, I'd have been at church for an hour or more, after stopping to pick up some coffee on my way. I'd be going around the church building, from room to room, taking care of all the little things I take care of each week before Christian Ed and worship: things like printing my sermon, and doing one last read-through; one last glance through the bulletin and announcements; etc.

Except this morning is different.

Our congregation and I decided for various reasons this year to reduce our budget pretty dramatically. As a part of that reduction, my time has been reduced to three-quarter time. Very early on in the negotiations for this change, I introduced the idea of a model for ministry I had heard about: the "three weeks on - one week off" model for part-time ministry. My leadership was intrigued, and so that is the direction we have moved.

The first question out of everyone's mouth usually is: "So, how does this work?"

I imagine it is different in each setting.

In our setting, I will work full time for three weeks per month, and then get one full week off, including our Wednesday evening program and a Sunday. For the times I am off, we have raised up a few leaders (for now) and created what we call a "Lay Ministry Team." This group will lead worship and offer a prepared reflection on the readings those times that I am gone. They will also potentially field emergency calls for our congregation (along with our secretary) - triaging those and letting me know about pastoral emergencies if they arise.

This arrangement wouldn't work everywhere, I don't think. But, the more I prayed about it and talked with others about it, I began to believe strongly that it could work - and work beautifully well - at Our Redeemer.

Why?

• Because I believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to draw this congregation together in worship, fellowship, and service.

• Because I believe in these people - their hearts and their commitment to our Lord and to each other.

• Because I believe that God can bless every moment we spend together - whether a pastor is up front or not.

It's a new normal, this new arrangement. It's caused some stress here and there, both for me and for my people, But I'll tell you what - these are creative, they are loving, and they love to serve.

Which means that it's just crazy enough for God to be in it, and just crazy enough to work.