Whether you’re playing cards, a board game or a sport, there are rules by which the game is played. And in the Presbyterian church, there are some rules by which we work the process of hiring a pastor.

In a congregational church (like a Baptist or non-denominational church), the congregation can simply vote. It can be a 51-49 vote even, and if it’s favorable, then that church has a new pastor. In a church with bishops (whether it’s Catholic, Episcopal, or Methodist), the archbishop can simply assign a pastor to a congregation and then that church has a new pastor — whether they like it or not.

However, in a Presbyterian church, there is an artful — but very slow and deliberate — process that combines the will of three parties. 1) The congregation, and their elders, have to approve, 2) the pastoral candidate has to approve, and then 3) as a cross-check of accountability, the regional network of churches and pastors (called a Presbytery), has to approve.

This is the process in which we are now fully involved. In the order listed above, our elders are encouraged by our candidate for a shepherding pastor, Tony Myers, but your approval (if you are a member) is essential. Tony has been to Trinity a few times now, and this past week, he has met with various officers, volunteer leaders and members. This coming Sunday, he will also preach so that everyone who attends can hear his heart for Jesus and for His people. Even then, there will be one more step that we need to take, and that is for a congregational vote. For that, we have scheduled a congregational meeting for Sunday, August 25th, after worship. In that meeting, every member will have a chance to express their questions, concerns, or encouragements.

But all of this only covers 1) our congregation. Just as important is 2) what Tony Myers wants. He has had a lot of time with us, so that we can get an assessment of his character and fit with our ministry, but just as important is what he wants. This past week, all of these conversations have not only been for us. Tony has every right to assess whether or not he approves of Trinity.

But finally, 3) if he approves and we approve of him, there is still one more essential step. If our congregation votes to approve a call for Tony, and he agrees, then he still has to go before our collective presbytery to pass theological exams and a verbal exam — sort of a “y’all can ask me anything” gauntlet. Only if steps 1 and 2 are cleared will our presbytery agree to examine him.

All of this may seem exceedingly tedious, but historically, it has all been maintained as a careful system of checks and balances. We are not congregational, and we are not governed by bishops. As Presbyterians, this methodical approach may not be speedy, but it is thorough and careful.

But there is one more important part of this process. Why are we seeking to hire a shepherding pastor? (And what does that even mean?) 

There is a walk-alongside-of component to being faithful to Jesus in which personally I am weak. As a teacher, I am more gifted in the explaining, talking or telling aspects of ministry. But I am personally excited to see a shepherding specialist help me, our leaders, and our congregation grow in the walk-alongside skills of ministry. We have always been a relational church. Our congregational life has always been framed around life-on-life support and growth that God’s Word outlines (see Ephesians 4). The chief goal is to gain help for our elders to better serve Trinity’s people.

This is an area where we could immediately use help. Our leaders do not feel as daunted by the work of discipleship as we do by the time and wisdom required to help people who are in need. To grow and mature in every-member-ministry we need someone with expertise and wise experience. A shepherding pastor could help train our leaders (especially including our community group leaders). A shepherding pastor could help Trinity people as they seek counseling by connecting them with trustworthy counselors in Lakeland. And a shepherding pastor could help coordinate the case load that has grown significantly as Trinity has grown.

All across our congregation, particular cries have been raised about desires for new staff or ministries, whether for men’s ministries or a community group director. But the shepherding needs within our church have been humbling. Seeking a shepherding pastor may surprise some within our church, but from a strategic point of view, getting help in this area would have the widest benefits to most people.