When To Consider Calling Another Pastor

During one of the last conversations I had with Vicar Hinojosa before his time of service ended at Zion, he asked me, “How has Ministry changed for you these last ten years?” At first, I didn’t think much of the question, but over the next few days it kept popping back up in my mind. Vicars get to know some of the struggles pastors have, and one such struggle for me has been managing the transition from “building” a culture at Zion to “maintaining” it. The “building” phase was very exciting to me. I got to witness people grow in their faith centered on Word and Sacrament, and watch our practices align with our doctrine and confession. As the relationship between pastor and parishioner grew, so did the mutual trust. Probably the most encouraging thing to me has been witnessing families “buy in” on the idea of doing home devotions and catechesis. The “church family” community has grown closer together, making visitors feel so “at home” that almost every single one tells me how much they appreciated your warm welcome and hospitality. Praise be to God!

Once the culture was established, the next “phase” naturally is the maintenance of it. This is much more difficult for me, because I’m not the type of person who likes to manage. I like to be on the front lines, as it were. Ministry-wise, I’m simply more enthusiastic about building a culture than managing one. After sharing this struggle with Vicar-emeritus Hinojosa, he asked, “Is that why you feel such a desire to help other congregations in the area?” If I’m being honest, I think the answer is yes.

As we have grown over the last eleven years, my workload has continued to increase. As members grow more comfortable talking to their pastor, they are more likely to contact him for counsel, desire to meet with him, or just simply message him to chat as friends. Moving from “building mode” to “maintenance mode” is, in large part, because I simply do not have time for more things to be added onto my plate. With a Synod-wide pastor shortage and an ever-ripening domestic mission field right here in Ohio, I introduced the idea of calling another pastor to both the elders and the stewardship board at last month’s meetings. When does a congregation consider calling another pastor? I think the conversation should start before it’s “too late”, that is, before we feel the sense of urgency. Yet the external need is there as we have SIX vacant churches within an hour drive of Columbus, at least three of which are very unlikely going to be able to call their own full-time pastor.

Zion is an absolutely amazing congregation. We have so many blessings to share that could help the Church, broadly speaking. We could be such a positive influence for other churches in teaching them what Word and Sacrament ministry looks like, modeling for them a faithful congregation that trusts God to provide for it through the very means He instituted for such growth. If Zion continues to experience the growth it has experienced in the last couple years, we are going to need another pastor. But even if the trend does not continue, there is still a need outside Zion’s walls where we could help provide.

Here is where I want to at least get the conversation going. I’d like us to consider calling a “Circuit Rider” pastor, who may be bi-vocational, but could also serve our fellow congregations, while also assisting at Zion as needed. If we managed this properly, and by God’s grace, we could even keep the vicarage program as well.

Both American seminaries offer Specific Ministry Programs, which is precisely what this “Circuit Rider” concept entails. It would be a very specific ministry to serve the Southeast region of the Ohio District, from Marion to Chillicothe to Alderson, West Virginia, for example. Zion in Columbus would be a perfect, centralized location. Prayerfully consider this with me, as I truly believe this is a Ministry worth exploring. If, in time, we decide this is not what the Church broadly speaking needs, what we need, or something we can feasibly do, at the very least we are commanded by Christ, to “pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Mt 9:38), for “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” If this was true in Jesus’ day, the problem we face is clearly nothing new. The Lord will provide, whether it’s through Zion or not. So let’s pray to Him about it! He is faithful!

Your servant in Christ, Pastor Hromowyk

PS – I don’t say it enough, but I love you all. Next to my family, you are the greatest blessing the Lord has given me!