Searching for a Minister

They announced the name of our new minister at Church, this afternoon. It was the culmination of a two-years search which involved many parish meetings to discern the kind of minister we are looking for, and countless hours of work by the search committee. They combed through resumes, held initial interviews, and met with finalists before reaching a decision. They read candidates’ writings, heard their sermons, and talked to people who knew them well. In the end, they found someone, which is a miracle in and of itself.

My experience is that there are as many opinions about what makes a good minister as there are parishioners. Some people carry wounds from their childhood that shape the kind of minister they’d like, and some want to find someone like the minister they had growing up. Some want someone with an engaging personality, while others want a contemplative soul. Many expect a minister with strong pastoral care skills and a sweet bedside manner while also wanting an administrator capable of making tough decisions. Given that most parishes want someone who can walk on water while delivering the sermon on the mount, turn water into wine while feeding 5 thousand, it’s a wonder parishes find anyone to call as their minister.

It’s a good thing Jesus never had to live up to such expectations. Oh wait, yes, he did. That’s why they killed him.

Afterthought:

Although too simplistic, the search could have come down to three questions: Do you know Jesus Christ? Do you follow him? And can you help us do the same?