The Long-term pastorate

A number of us pastors were talking at a circuit meeting and I had remarked that, now entering my 17th year in my current congregation, it is hard to stay fresh and not repeat myself. I want to avoid the "Been there, done that" syndrome. It was then that John Brunner, then the President of the Eastern District, brought to my attention the value of the wagonmaster. The wagonmaster led the wagon train every season. The people on the train were excited - they were embarking on a new journey, going to new lands with new possibilities. By contrast, the wagonmaster had been through this journey many times. He knew the trail, and what to expect. He got the party safely to their destinations, and began the journey again with a new group.

I think that pretty much summarizes the value of the long-term pastorate. I've taken this "journey" many times - the three-year sermon lectionary, the seasons, catechetical instruction, and so on. Some of the faces remain familiar, but many others have changed. It may be a new journey for some, but it is familiar to me. I am familiar with the trail, and know its twists and turns. There is value in going down the trail many times.

Part of the problem today is that many pastors do not lead the wagon train down familiar trails. They stay with a parish for a few years, if even that long, then move on. If every trail is new, how can you anticipate the dangers? Certainly, not everyone is called to a long-term pastorate. For whatever reason, God has called me to only two parishes: the first for 8 years, the second for more than 16. I am not immune from fantasizing about trying something "new."

Are you a wagonmaster, or are you just along for the ride? It's something to think about.