The Way You Shaped Me

By the time you read this, I’ll be just a few weeks from moving back to San Antonio. To say I have mixed feelings is an understatement. I love this community. Each of you have helped shape me as a person and pastor. I am so grateful. 

At first, I thought I’d use May’s newsletter to share all the great things we experienced together. However, I’m going to save that for June. Instead, I want to take an opportunity to lift up Edinburg’s incoming pastor, whoever that will be. 

First, please start praying daily for whom God is sending. Pray that they would have the peace that passes all understanding as they make this move, to a church they most likely have never been to before. Pray that as a church we start making room for this person in our hearts and in the DNA of this community. That they would feel safe to show up as their authentic self and not worry about whether or not they “fit.” 

Here’s how we can help our incoming pastor have a strong and gracious welcome:

1. If you are behind in your giving/pledges, try to get caught up before July 1st. If you are able, make your summer tithes and offerings at the beginning of the season. Summer is typically a time when giving drops off—for a variety of reasons. People are traveling, have planned vacations, money gets tight, the heat reaches record highs, and the cost of air conditioning can be nearly prohibitive. There's little more overwhelming than starting a new appointment and being told the finances are shaky, giving is down, and the church is in the red—but, “Don’t worry! It’s the summer. We’ll probably make it up once school starts again.”

. Make every effort to be in worship every Sunday for the first few months. Pastors are deeply encouraged by your presence in worship. 

3. Help your new pastor get to know you! Invite them to your home for dinner. Organize some informal lunches or dinners with no agenda other than building relationships.

4. For the first few weeks, tell them your name each time you see them. Learning new names and faces can be tough. There's nothing more awkward than knowing you should remember someone’s name, drawing a blank, and seeing them waiting for recognition. Help your pastor out—repeat your name before they have to ask.. 

Lastly, bless your outgoing pastor. Pray for the congregation that will receive me, and pray that they are preparing to welcome me well. Give your new pastor a few weeks before asking for the things I may not have done. (Don’t get sensitive—we all know there were things we didn’t see the same way. That doesn’t mean we don’t love and respect one another.) Find ways to help your new pastor see that you are sending me off with love and are excited to receive them in that same spirit. 

Much love and many blessings, 

Pastor Michelle