Since the year 2000, I’ve served 9 different Mainline Protestant congregations.
Congregational Diversity
I’m thankful for the beautiful diversity of these congregations.
Denominational Affiliation
- United Church of Christ – 3
- Presbyterian (PCUSA) – 3
- Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) – 2
- Lutheran (ELCA) – 1
Location
- North Texas – 5
- Southwest Florida – 4
Size – Average Weekly Worship Attendance
- Family (1-49) – 1
- Pastoral (50-149) – 3
- Program (150-399) – 2
- Corporate (400-999) – 3
Role Diversity
My roles within these congregations varied widely as did my tenure.
Classification
- Pastor – 5
- Lay Staff – 4
Tenure
- Up to 1 year- 3 (interim or temporary positions)
- 1 year or 2 years – 4
- 3 years or 4 years – 2
So What?
When I attended seminary as a traditional student nearly everyone I encountered assumed that those of us who studying to enter pastoral ministry would spend the rest of lives serving local congregations within our denomination or tradition. The month that I graduated with my Master of Divinity degree, I started a new call as an associate pastor in a congregation affiliated with a denomination that I’d read about but never experienced. From that point forward, my discernment process for new opportunities was never limited by denomination.
As I start the new year of 2019, I’m allowing myself a little time to reflect on my past ministry experiences (including those outside of a congregational context and the scope of this post).
I invite you to share one way your understanding of the Way of Jesus has been enriched by your experiences in diverse congregations and/or by working alongside those from other Christian denominations or traditions to serve your community and/or the world.