(Editor’s note: The following is a submission to The Recorder’s weekly column, “Faith Matters.” Each Saturday, a different faith leader in Franklin County offers a personal perspective in this space. To become part of this series, email religion@recorder.com or call 413-772-0261, ext. 265.)
Thousands of years ago the prophet Jeremiah speaks to the Hebrew people (31:33) “this is the covenant that I will make with the people of Israel after that time, (after the exile) declares the Lord. I will put my Instructions within them and engrave them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” God changed the way the covenant was to be experienced. There are numerous instances in Scripture where God changes God’s mind. If God can change, what about we mere humans; can we deal with change?
Change happens, no matter how much we wish things would stay the same. We age, we get sick, loved ones are born and other loved ones die. Individuals go to school, work, change professions, get married and sometimes divorce, retire. Institutions change as well. Churches change and yet members often act as though they should remain or revert back to the way they were in the 1950s or 1960s. They remember the days when churches were crowded and Sunday Schools were full of children. The members who have stayed active in the congregation mourn what is lost. That is where ministers who are trained Intentional Interims come in.
When a beloved long time minister retires, members experience loss, and Interims can help congregations mourn, celebrate all that the church did under that leadership, envision the future and move on. Even if a minister’s tenure is a few years, the unique relationship that occurs between congregation and minister call for a time of discernment. This chapter of a church’s life is over. How is the future seen that they wish to live into?
Interims can serve anywhere from a year to a few years depending on the needs of the congregation.
Now I know that some denominations place ministers and Priests in churches but I am talking about churches where they operate on the “Call” system. Churches and Ministers alike create “Profiles.” Profiles are resumes plus statements of strengths and weaknesses, and their theology. The prayer is that the right Minister is called to the right church. It sounds simple but it isn’t always.
Interims are not only available in times of clergy change. I have covered for Clergy who were able to take Sabbaticals, which are times for study, travel and renewal that lasted from three to five months. They can return to their congregations with new energy and ideas.
I also am a supply preacher and guest speaker. This past summer I was in different churches the majority of Sundays. I have also covered for clergy who get sick, who are called out of town on family emergencies, or are taking vacation time. I met a woman a couple weeks ago who didn’t realize that her Pastor was going to be on vacation that weekend. She told me she usually stays home when there is a substitute preacher. But she loved my message and was really glad she came. I get to meet a lot of wonderful people.
This fall I have been the guest speaker several times at First Parish in Northfield. They are the oldest congregation in town. Their part-time Minister left at the beginning of the summer and so they have put together a “Search Committee” to look for another Spiritual leader.
Several weeks ago the Religion Page article focused on the demise of denominations. Clearly churches are changing and we don’t always know what the future will bring but as long as we are willing, change can be a positive thing. There is a contemporary hymn that I really love that gives me hope.
“Change my heart, O God, make it ever true.
Change my heart, O God, may I be like you.”
Rev. Dr. Christine Fontaine of Northfield can be reached at revdrcf@gmail.com. She is a Storyteller and Disability Advocate. She manages with Post-Polio syndrome. She has served churches in Michigan and Massachusetts for over 20 years.