When a pastor is fired, it is the shattering of a dream that was present at the calling. In some ways it is like a failed marriage and usually there is enough fault to spread around. There are pastors who act irresponsibly or incompetently. There are congregations who have fallen into a pattern that has been labeled clergy killers. Usually all parties are quick to blame someone else. The reality is that both the congregation and the clergy have been wounded and there is need of healing if God’s work is to continue. Yesterday I suggested a specially designed healing service for the pastor. Today I want to focus on the congregation.
The normal recommendation by the judicatory is that the congregation take some time to step back and learn from these events before calling a new pastor. Often it is suggested that they employ an intentional interim who is trained in working with conflicted congregations.
All of that is appropriate. I also want to suggest that there may come a time when a service of healing for the congregation may be appropriate. Usually the majority of the congregation is only vaguely aware of the events that led to the firing. Some will be relieved, others angry at the church leadership, and many simply passive but a little less trustful of the church in general.
The service I have in mind should be led by someone outside of the congregation, most likely a representative from the judicatory with which the congregation associates. It’s pattern reflects a specialized version of a service of wholeness or healing. It should begin with hymns and prayers of praise and a liturgical reminder that it is God who calls churches and pastors in ministry.
In that context, it is appropriate for a guided prayer of confession that allows members to silently confess their feelings of anger, hurt, disappointment, etc. This is followed by a strong declaration of forgiveness.
Next, if possible, there should be some shared reflection and articulating of the church’s part in allowing this to come about because of a failure to “speak the truth in love” throughout the relationship. This is not so much a focus on guilt as a recognition of our mutual responsibility in ministry.
Building on the assurance of God’s healing and the continuing need to listen for God’s call to the particular congregation, it would be appropriate to have guided prayers for discernment as to God’s intention for the congregation. This would be followed by prayers for the search for a new pastor and recommitment of support for whoever is called.
