RECOGNIZING THE EXPECTATIONS
A new pastor has been selected. Both the congregation and the potential new pastor are caught up in the excitement. It is the interim’s task to help both to understand the expectations of the other. Unexpressed expectations are a major mine field as the relationship begins. A first task might be to bring some of those expectations to light.
SPEAKING THE UNSPOKEN
The interim could ask the congregation to submit three expectations of the new pastor in writing to the church. These written statements are placed in a common list and sent back out to the congregation for review and response. What this does is help the congregation recognize the varied expectations that are present in the congregation.
At a potluck meal, people can be asked to reduce the list down to a manageable five expectations to be shared with the pastor. This list of five can be shared with the new pastor. s/he can be asked for his or her response.
PASTORS HAVE EXPECTATIONS TOO
The new pastor can also be asked to share five initial expectations that s/he has for the congregation as they begin their life together. They might even be expressed as hopes/expectations for the first year. What type of support does the pastor need as s/he begins the pastorate. What type of feedback is helpful as both adjust to each other. What type of mutual forbearance combined with spoken affirmations might be helpful.
ASSUMPTIONS CHANGE WHEN PEOPLE MEET
It should be made clear by the interim, that this is an exercise in speculation. Once the new pastor is on the field, and people get to know each other, these lists should again be reviewed. Perhaps six months into the new relationship, the new pastor might want to both share the old lists and invite the congregation to form a new set of expectations. This can be done in a fun way but it will also allow assumptions to be surfaced and recognize that all such statements are flexible over time.
