“Earning Our Keep”
1 Thessalonians 2:1-16

Over the last 4 years I’ve been able to experience various aspects and work of presbytery. I’ve briefly been on the Pastoral Relations committee. I’ve chaired the Church In Action, Pastoral Care and Oversight, and Future Directions committees. So with that I’ve also experienced what Presbytery Executive does, which works behind the scenes many times in dealing with churches and other work.

I can tell you the work of presbytery is very diverse, sometimes difficult, and often more personal than we might like it to be. Those of us on presbytery, both clergy and lay people, are people who are trying to do what is best for our churches in this area. Sometimes difficult discussions need to be had and sometimes even more difficult decisions need to be made. Often a lot of this needs to be done in confidence to protect the people involved.

So, as a result, presbytery could be received very differently depending on where we go. Sometimes we are invited to by a church to work with them through an issue, sometimes we are going in because something needs to be taken care of because of what has been brought to our attention. Sometimes we’re welcomed warmly, sometimes, well… let’s say not as warmly. read more…