A week in the life...

Since Wednesday, there has been much intense conversation in the area of Congregational Development in the Diocese of Western Michigan.

New clergy gathered in their Fresh Start group and invited me into a discussion about the role of Interim Rectors, their training, and the expectations that congregations have of new clergy. Several recommendations were made regarding the interaction of staff at the early stages of a clergy/congregation transition: first, staff need to get to the Vestry before the rector departs, and at least twice immediately thereafter, to share the process, and articulate opportunities for clergy leadership during a transition, and the expectations of the Bishop during a Call process; second, to assist the parish to work identify what needs to happen during an Interim Rector's time, and during the transition.
Also on Thursday, I spent time with an Interim Rector discussing the issues of the congregation during the interim, and I spent time with a fairly new rector, discussion vision and mission strategy for that congregation.


Today the Congregational Development Commission met to reflect on scripture, discuss the questions raised by the Executive Council regarding a strategic planning process, refine the presentation to be made to the Living Stones partnership, and reflect on the book The Great Emergence by Phyllis Tickle. Although we were only able to really spend time on the first two, our next meeting in January will continue the strategic planning discussion and plan the 2009 calendar.