The Five Tasks of Interim Ministry

What in the world will we be doing together in the next two years?

The primary task of the interim minister is to hold up a mirror to the congregation and ask, “Is this who you are?” and “Is this who you want to be?”

This is more than a simple survey. This is sacred work that goes beyond personal preferences.  This is hard work that lifts up the best and worst in our identity and interactions as a liberal religious community.  Where do we start?

Heritage: the past is the foundation of the present.  What are the stories we tell that have shaped and formed Unitarian Church of Evanston?

Leadership: the present is the foundation of the future.  How do we promote the emergence of new leaders and the recommitment of seasoned leaders?

Mission: our mission acts as a filter for congregational decisions.  What are the congregations’ mission and vision, its sense of purpose and direction?

Connections: our connections help us embody our mission.  What are the relationships the congregation builds outside of itself?

Future: this is where the congregation turns its energy toward proactive decision-making.  Who are we?  Who are our neighbors?  What are we called to do?

The interim time is often exciting.  If it’s done right, it will also be unsettling.  The time has come, the future is now, and we’re all in this together.  Take a look in the mirror and tell me what you see.

The joy continues,

Greg