A crucial time in a local church’s during life is pastoral change. Often there is a desire to get a pastor as quickly as possible, when the better likely route would be to take a deep breath, spend time in prayer, take some time for self-evaluation and discovery, and seek God’s direction before looking at candidate lists. Having an objective outsider come in to guide in the self-evaluation, self-discovery process can be extremely valuable.

This ministry offers consultation and guidance in this essential process. Gerry Whetstone will come to the church for a full week to work:

• with the congregation through Preaching and Bible Study (helping them to understand the process biblically and to minister healing as they deal with loss and change);
• with the church leaders (both elected and not elected) through private interview and discussion;
• with the Church Board collectively, assisting them in developing a church profile and mission understanding and begin steps in developing a pastoral candidate profile;
• concluding with a written report for both the local church and District Superintendent.

Ministry Transition Consultation:

Our society is rapidly changing and the challenge for the local congregation is to minister in this changing environment. Terms like post-modern and post-Christian, among many others, are being tossed around. What does it all mean? How do we reach the 21st Century person? Must everything about us change in order to have an effective ministry today? Is there biblical direction for any of this?

This consultation ministry is designed to help the local congregation take a careful prayerful look at the world in which they live, the people to whom they minister and themselves. Through a preaching/teaching format, coupled with working with the local church leadership in Spiritual (Servant) Leadership Training, this ministry is designed to assist the local church in getting a grasp on the need to reach a new generation for Christ, take the initial steps in formulating a mission plan, and encourage the church to move through the new century with holy anticipation to participating in what God is doing.

This week long event will be tailored to the local congregation through consultation with the pastor or pastoral team. It is understood that this is a supportive ministry that will assist and support a local church in making this transition. The bulk of the work will be done by the local church after the week is concluded. Cost determined through negotiation with the local church.