Interim pastors often devote time to interviewing key people in a congregation to get a sense of the history that has shaped the dynamics of the congregation. One interim recently reported learning how the behavior of a presbytery staff member had seriously affected his congregation. The elder being interviewed recalled a time when one of the church's staff was involved in an affair with a member of the congregation. Their previous pastor felt he could not turn to the presbytery for guidance because he had learned that a member of the presbytery staff was also involved in an affair. What is happening among the presbytery staff, even in less dramatic examples, affects the life of the whole presbytery.
     It is common for pastoral counselors to tell parents that the best thing they can do for their children is to work on having a good marriage. That same truth could be applied to judicatory staff. If you want to help strengthen the congregations in your care, expend some effort in making sure that your presbytery staff has a healthy relationship with each other. The Committee on Ministry and the Personnel Committee of presbytery should both reflect on what would assist the presbytery staff to remain vital and optimistic.
     Do the churches of the presbytery see a dynamic creative leadership that is enthusiastic about where the presbytery is going? Is the overall vision of the presbytery clear? When the leadership does a good job, are there expressions of appreciation for their efforts? Do they regularly meet not only to coordinate their individual efforts but to both share concerns that they have and to dream about the future? Is there a procedure in place where birthdays, anniversaries, etc. are celebrated? Do they feel comfortable being lifted up in prayer by the congregations when they are facing crises in their families?
     A presbytery could value from occasionally reserving ten minutes on its agenda to invite different members of its presbytery staff to share a dream for the future. Not only would this encourage these staff members to envision new possibilities, but it might also produce some creative new directions. 
 
 

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