Resources for EFCA Pastors
6 Principles to foster good "former pastor / present pastor" relationships
When it was suggested the EFCA needed a statement in regard to the appropriate relationship of former pastors to their former church (and the present pastor), it became a project of the Ministerial Association Board. Six principles were identified that help foster good relationships. The recently published Ministerial Forum (Honoring One Another) features articles on that subject.
Principle #1: Every member of the body of Christ should have the opportunity to serve the local church in a positive way and be encouraged to do so faithfully. This includes a former pastor.
Principle #2: The former pastor has the primary responsibility to assure all involvement is a positive experience for the church and pastoral staff. The present pastor has the opportunity to honor the ministry of former pastors in affirming ways, assuring their church involvement is a positive experience for them.
Principle #3: It is appropriate to put in place agreed upon limits to the involvement of a former pastor in the areas of attending, serving, leading, and performing pastoral functions.
Principle #4: The best way to set limits is through the wisdom of leaders of the local church who are urged by scripture to manage the affairs of the church well.
Principle #5: The issue of a pastor returning to a former church to perform pastoral functions is a sensitive subject requiring careful decision making on a case by case basis.
Principle #6: Accusations of misconduct in regard to involvement in the local church by a former pastor who holds an EFCA Ministerial Credential are to be responded to following the discipline guidelines of the EFCA Board of Ministerial Standing.
Annual Reviews
"Healthy Pastors want to "Keep Growing". An annual evaluation, if done well, can provide good feedback and help a pastor identify important areas for personal growth. That is why I recommend Steve Musser’s book." Rev. John Herman, EFCA Pastoral Care Ministries
"Appearing Before the Council, A Guide for Effective Pastoral Evaluations" by EFCA Eastern District Superintendent Steve Musser, PhD.
By providing four unique models for an annual review Steve Musser has given every church leadership team and Senior Pastor an appropriate choice(s) for an effective evaluation of the pastoral staff. The best approach to an annual review is to use one that fits the pastor and the church.
Purity Intiative for EFCA Pastors
Cases of sexual misbehavior make headline news. In spite of the sexual emphasis rampant in our culture, there is a remnant of disgust when a lack of moral purity is discovered in the life of leaders. Written to encourage EFCA Pastors to pursue holiness and moral purity, this helpful single page document has been used to address the use of pornography. This Purity Initiative is just one issue we urge EFCA pastors to face head on in "Address It Now" material.
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