This is an exciting time in the life of ELPC. It marks yet a turn in our journey of transition; begins a new chapter and season in the life of our congregation. It is important for us to intentionally prepare for this new chapter and season, especially in how we welcome our pastor elect, the Rev. Dr. Michael Diaz. Here are a few things I invite you to consider both personally and communally in this upcoming season.
- Pray for our new pastor. I know many of us have been praying for the PNC and maybe even the pastor even when we did not know who it was. If you have been praying, keep it up and if you have not, please begin. What if each of us made a commitment to pray daily for our pastor for the first 100 days of his ministry here at ELPC? If you were to pray for Michael, what would you want him to have or receive from God in his first 100 days?
- Embrace the uniqueness of our pastor. Michael has a distinct personality, a unique set of gifts, and a diverse set of experiences that make him who he is. When the Spirit leads a church to a call a new pastor, the Spirit seldom leads a church to a person, just like the previous pastor(s) or a beloved pastor from its history. It has been said that comparison is the thief of all joy. Let’s work to not compare Michael and grant him the freedom and space to be himself and let his unique image and likeness of God be shared with us.
- Ask yourself what your part is. One thing I heard Michael say is that he is a pastor who believes in empowering others and that is what he is called to
do. We, ELPC, are the body of Christ and we each have gifts, passions, time, and talents that ELPC needs for us to enter this next chapter and season in the life of our church. So, before we levy a concern, complaint, or criticism, let us be sure to see if we are in fact doing our part to use our gifts in service to the church. - Be gracious. Even the best pastors stumble, trip, and make mistakes. There are a lot of expectations for Michael (spoken and unspoken) as he arrives here. Check in with yourself to see what hopes and expectations you may have of him and notice how big and strong they may be. Then…have patience, grace, kindness, and gentleness, allowing time and space for Michael to find his way in these first months and years.
- Practice Radical Hospitality. ELPC prides itself on being a place of radical hospitality. How can you extend that welcome, kindness, and invitation to Michael and his partner as they learn a new city, new church culture, and polity and adjust to new rhythms of life? Notice what is going well and write him a short note of encouragement. Remind him of your name when you greet him. Give him time and space to get settled and oriented.
- Speak positively about our pastor publicly and privately. One of the ways we bring out the best in our pastors is to speak well of them publicly and privately. With most pastors, it is easy to find something to complain about. A healthy pastoral tenure is nurtured when we magnify our pastor’s strengths and assets and then shape a staff team and community of congregants who compliment his leadership.
I pray we can receive Rev. Dr. Michael Diaz as a pastoral leader chosen by us and sent to us to encourage our faithfulness, challenge our presuppositions, and bring out God’s best in us. If we can welcome him with/in humility, openness and grace, I believe the relationship between him and our congregation will be vibrant and effective. As church members, we are privileged to co-labor with Michael in fulfilling our mission to “show God’s unconditional love by providing refuge for spiritual growth, ardently pursuing justice, and extending Christ’s radical hospitality to all.” May God grant us the grace to do so in this next chapter and season in the life of ELPC!
This was adapted from an article, titled “7 Suggestions for Welcoming a New Pastor,” written by Barry Howard, a fellow consultant whom I work with at PneuMatrix and the Center for Healthy Churches, chchurches.org.
—Pastor BJ