Church presents profile of ideal pastor

Reflections on the Church

On my way home from a cabinet meeting, I stopped to visit with a church that is expecting a pastoral change. I had made the appointment, telling church leaders that I would like to hear from them a profile of what they needed in a new pastor.
Although I was late driving in from San Antonio (getting through traffic at 6 p.m. is a trial), the church leaders were still patiently waiting to share with me what they believed they needed in pastoral leadership. I suspect that my superintendent colleagues will receive similar profiles.
Here is their list: excellent preaching, integrity, biblically based and visionary leader. They wanted a pastor who sees their potential and is able to lead them from where they are to where God is calling them to be.
Most of the conversation was around these qualities. I was struck by the deep commitment of these leaders to their church and their concern for the future. I know that they will be praying for the bishop and cabinet as we make this appointment that is so important to the future health of their church.
As I pondered their list, I don’t think they are asking the impossible.
We all know that good preaching is key for vital worship.
When I hear that folks want a pastor with integrity, that goes beyond basic honesty. That means to me that they want a pastor they can trust not only with confidentiality but with ordering the life of the church such that the work of the Holy Spirit can take place.
Integrity means telling different people the same thing, when it is welcome and when it is not. I was reminded of the saying that pastors need the heart of a child, the mind of a scholar, the hide of a rhinoceros and a high tolerance for ambiguity.
The room at the church was filled with strong leaders.
 Over and over, I am continually impressed by the strength of the commitment I encounter in our laity and the fierceness of their love for their church. I hope that you will keep the bishop and cabinet in your prayers always but especially in this appointment season.