Foundations of Faith (5)
Interim and More Growth!
In February 1994 -- one month less than his 14th year with Our Saviour -- Pastor Gary Lyerly accepted a call to the Virginia Synod. During his tenure, this congregation grew into what is known as a "program congregation" -- a size where ministry takes on a new and different look. The pastor no longer can be involved in every little detail like he once could. "Program ministry" required the involvement of many lay leaders to take up the different forms of responsibility normally handled by the clergy. Church growth scholars suggest this is one of the most difficult changes (to go from the "pastoral" church to the "program" church) of all to make. Pastor Lyerly had set the tone for this to begin
From May until mid-September of 1994, the Reverend John Bollinger came as the interim pastor. For those few months it was simply a delight to have him and his lovely wife, Nancy, here helping lead us through this transitional time. Pastor and Mrs. Bollinger were, incidentally, from North Carolina. An amazing thing happened while Pastor Bollinger was at the helm. Typically, congregations who are without a pastor tend to -- at best -- "break even" when it comes to membership growth, income, etc.. In fact, a number of congregations in such a transitional period can lose members. This was not the case with Pastor Bollinger! He was an avid visitor of member and prospect alike. There was actual growth in the congregation during his months here! There were 24 additions and six confirmed during his tenure!
Searching and Growing
A Call Committee was formed. Barbara Diehl was chairperson; others who served well were Joe Mattson, Larry Ecklund, Kevin Belt, Tom Walters, Angie Anderson, Brenda Gentry, and Ginger Petering. They traveled a good amount, and visited a handful of prospects. Some were in the Southeastern Synod, some were outside our Synod. Nonetheless, it was a very strenuous six months for them!
We are grateful for this year, 1994, for so many lay persons stepped forward to take on many tasks that had been done by pastors through the years. Not only was there a great interim pastor, but the congregational council and the whole parish herself worked diligently to keep ministry going and keep people interested and involved. One aspect of interest was the attempt to bolster up the Sunday School ministry. Attempts were made -- before the new pastor would come -- to try and strengthen a sagging ministry of Christian Education. The challenge was there, and, there were people anxious and willing to take on that challenge!
