Richmond's Rumblings

Richmond’s Rumblings

Since I have announced my retirement for the middle of next April, I have noticed how diligent you have been in setting the stage for a successful search for our next Pastor. You formed an excellent Search Committee that is representative of the different groups within our congregation while also preparing a survey sheet asking us which characteristics of the new person would be preferential. Those are important initial steps that any Disciples of Christ congregation must take to help our MidAmerica Region forward us the profiles of potential candidates who may eventually receive a pastoral call. I would encourage all of us, including our older youth, to submit a completed survey as soon as possible. They will be distributed before church by the Deacons in the back of the sanctuary. 

  Such being said, it is sometimes perplexing to choose between a series of emphases which will help us to sooner than later interview candidates and issue a Call to Ministry. My sense is that this process for small-town Disciples congregations has become more difficult in the last several years, and I remember that it took a lengthy period before I accepted your call to come to Neosho from Pawnee. If, however, a good abundance of us finish the survey in good order, that information will enable us to submit a church profile and start receiving candidates from our Region via the General Church in Indianapolis. I hope to urge you to think about what you are seeking from a clergyperson, be it an emphasis on having “a presence” in the pulpit, worship leadership, pastoral care, weekly or monthly programming, or other portions of service which come with the calling. A Pastor cannot do everything, and still needs time to be with their family, but within those circumstances, he or she will be best able to serve us if they have as clear an idea of what you think is most important. 

In the meantime, I would encourage us to pray and seek God’s ongoing guidance during what might seem like a lengthy process. As we continue to place our lasting trust in God’s direction for our congregation, we can gain more insight into what directions God is finally taking us. Thanks for your time and may God continue to bless you and those you love.

Shalom, Live Long, and Prosper,

Richmond