LOVE DEMANDS CARE FOR PASTORAL RELATIONS
From our Mission Statement:
WE, THE PEOPLE OF UNION CHURCH, seek to live out our discipleship to God as a community inspired by Jesus’ transforming love. As a gathering of those seeking to boldly and creatively embody Christ’s life and ministry, we commit ourselves to work and fellowship that makes the radical and inclusive love of God, the beloved community proclaimed by Jesus, and the continuing inspiration of the Holy Spirit visible and real to all.
Every church knows that love demands that their pastor be loving. Most churches are also aware that love demands that they love their pastor. Not all churches create a board specifically to care for the pastor and for the relationship between the pastor and the members. At Union Church, the Pastoral Relations Board is there to see to it that the under-shepherd of the flock doesn’t get burned out from too much work and stress and not enough rest and care. They are there to guard the Pastor’s breaks, vacations, and sabbaticals. They meet regularly with the Pastor(s), asking them how things really are with them.
They are also there to work in the other direction. They watch over the flock and act as a liaison if necessary, watching for hints of stress or misunderstanding before it can become a conflict or a conflagration. They actively seek to support and maintain an open and healthy relationship between the Pastor(s) and the congregation.
Their responsibilities include:
- Helping the Pastor(s) seek opportunities for continued professional growth
- Watching over the well-being of the Pastor(s)
- Watching over the well-being of the congregation, particularly as it relates to their relationship with the Pastor(s)
- Promotion of mutual ministry between the Pastor(s) and the congregation.
- Members are: Steve Bolster (chair), Laura Nagle, Martin Hensley, Peggy Patrick
