New pastor

Yesterday at my teaching congregation, Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Roseville, we celebrated our first Sunday with our new pastor. The last called pastor of this congregation, with whom I worked during my first year of seminary, was here for 25 years, so it's a big change to switch pastors at that point. Our interim pastor served well for the last year, and really helped facilitate the self-study and call process. And now we welcome Pastor Tim Bernard, who returns to Minnesota from Michigan, along with his wife and four children.

The call process is a funny thing. You really have to trust the committee designated to handle it, because the rest of the congregation has no input until the final stages, where they vote on the recommended candidate. The congregation has to trust that the committee, through multiple interviews, a visit to the candidate's church, and prayerful discernment, has made the best choice for the congregation.

In this case, I think we're in good shape. This congregation did some thoughtful work on their self-study. They recognize their strengths and weaknesses, and they're open to new ideas (at least most of them are). I think Pastor Tim recognizes their strengths and weaknesses as well, and is eager to help them cultivate the new ideas they need.

He mentioned at the beginning of his sermon that people had asked him if he was nervous. He said yes, but not as nervous as the call committee probably was, since they'd have to take the heat if he failed somehow! But, no worries. Pastor Tim preached a good sermon, he has a warm and relaxed presence, and he seems to have energy around integrating children into worship, all of which is good for this congregation.

I'm only hanging around here a couple more weeks, but I'm looking forward to returning in a year and seeing what exciting new things are developing!