Observations, Discerning Options, Planning Future


It has been my joy and privilege to serve as temporary pastor for the Pine Island Church for the past five months.  I share here a portion of my end of year pastoral report.

Observations: Pine Island is a vital congregation with meaningful and joyful worship.  You have vital ministries with the literacy council, Ministry with Community and ISAAC, with Loaves and Fishes, and our Hope Garden.  You are readers and engage learning by Bible study and book discussions.  The fellowship, caring and support are particular strengths.  Many members have expressed they do not know what they would do without this congregation. Hospitality, welcome, and support extended by church members are what has attracted members.  This is a vital strength on which to build. Our Cameroonian families bring youthful spirit and energy to the congregation, without which, you would very likely choose to close.  They are a gift God has given you, and are the key to your future.  At the same time, they are very busy with family, work, and continuing education and do not have the availability which other members who are retired have.  Members who have been the strength of this ministry are transitioning or soon will be transitioning from the ‘Go, Go” years into “Slow Go” stage of the life cycle.  This is normal and no guilt whatsoever should be associated with it.  It just is.  But how we will sustain what you have been doing is the question on many of your minds.  Either new folks will join us, or we must adapt expectations and planning for congregational activities.  Over the years you have tried a lot of different tactics for outreach to grow the church.  We must be ready to adapt our expectations and programing as needed without losing the healthy positive spirit you now have.  Finally, we cannot sustain the present model of ministry of a 2/3s time pastor and renting this space with the projected income for 2019.  The church has a small financial reserve which will sustain us for a while.  Nor can I afford to serve for less.  Something has to give. 

Options:
Option One:  Further explore the Larger Parish Model as we have begun, sharing human resources between North, and hopefully Schoolcraft and Plainwell soon.  Share one full time pastor between Plainwell and Pine Island, and share pastor team with North and Schoolcraft, with rotating preaching schedule.  If this does not materialize…

Option Two:  Merge with another congregation in August, presumably Westminster.  This would allow you to stay together, continue your ministries with Westminster, without the cost of building rent, and an additional pastor.  Your financial commitment and strength can be leveraged for greater mission support.

Option Three:  Do nothing.  I will serve you through July, while you seek a part time or tentmaker pastor.   Utilize pulpit supply as necessary after July.  Close when your resources run out.  The church property sold and a legacy made.

Option Four:  Yet to be identified.

We will have opportunity to discuss and explore these options and our future at our upcoming Annual Congregational meeting on Sunday, January 13th, and at our Congregational Retreat on Sunday, January 27th.


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