Response to: Case Study - You have just become pastor of Lancaster Community Church. It was a near unanimous vote …..
In general, the recommended response to the situation would be to collect information, meet with the individuals requesting a meeting, listening but making no commitments nor promises and to take time to assess the situation before taking any action. Reacting without having done the appropriate “homework” would be detrimental. It would also be important for the new pastor not to “panic” as these items are uncovered. The example of Butch Connor in the opening chapter of Emotional Intelligence 2.0 showed how ineffective he was in escaping from the shark when he was overcome by fear whereas when he was able to think effectively he was able to escape from the shark.
Dynamics Observed
As a congregation the church may be in denial or attempting to minimize falling attendance. (Evidence: The church information form indicates attendance of 120 but only 74 are counted in mid-July.)
With the transition in pastoral leadership, the church could have been without a leader for an extended period of time during which lay leadership was not present (evidence: reaction of the secretary)
There are some long-tenured people within the congregation that are likely to be resistant to change (evidence: church organist)
Without leadership, church members may try on their own to remedy problems within the church (evidence: Marjorie’s request to meet and plan)
Lay leadership may be weak or burnt-out (evidence: Ralph’s reaction)
The financial issues facing the church may have causes some division/divisiveness in the congregation (evidence: state of Endowment, Ralph’s reaction)
Information Needed
Sunday worship attendance figures for the last 52 weeks and average weekly attendance for the last 5 years
Church membership figures for the last 5 years
Transaction history on the Endowment and rules regarding the setup and ability to draw on the Endowment funds (e.g. interest, interest and principal)
Financial Records – budget and expenses YTD and for the previous 4 years
List of church officers, list of paid staff members and their tenure
Actions, Next Steps
Meet individually with church secretary, church organist, Marjorie and Ralph – actively listen to what they have to say, ask question, gather information but promise/commit to nothing
Meet with community members, other clergy in the community to get an understanding of the composition and potentially changing demographics of the community; attempt to gain an understanding of the challenges other church congregations might be encountering in this environment
Meet with the board and observe the interpersonal dynamics of the group, attempt to assess their abilities as leaders within the congregation
With the data collected, meeting within the community, meeting with the board and with the various staff/members of the congregation, the “true” picture of situation at Lancaster Community Church should become evident. At that point a plan of action (both immediate and longer term) can be developed.