In the book of Acts we are told that the disciples of Jesus gathered in an upper room in Jerusalem to select a person to replace Judas Iscariot. The process is described like this:

“They proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Mathias. Then they prayed and said, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take the place in the ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.’ And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Mathias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.”

As we enter a transition and call process, it might be a whole lot easier if we gathered for prayer and then cast lots or drew straws for the next pastor for this community of faith. Another option might be to go to a website like eharmony.com to find a match for the perfect pastor for LCHT. More than likely, this isn’t going to happen because there isn’t such a website to bring clergy and congregations together. In addition, there is no perfect pastor and there is no perfect congregation but just a whole bunch of imperfect people that God uses to accomplish his mission in fantastic ways.

How will the call process work at LCHT? After the Transition/Call Committee has been selected, their first major task will be to complete a Ministry Site Profile for our congregation. The Ministry Site Profile gives an overview of the congregation and the Kona community. There are three major parts: “Who We Are, Our Vision For Mission, and “Leadership Needs.” This profile will address ministry site characteristics, our hopes and dreams for the future, and the most important ministry tasks you would like a new pastor to address. Of course, there are practical needs that are also addressed such as compensation and the benefits that will be offered. Although much of this information has been gathered through the recent Parish Planning Process, it will be necessary for this committee to have some small-group meetings to gather additional information and input from the congregation. The target date for the completion of the Ministry Site Profile is December 2010 (a copy is posted on the rolling bulletin-board).

Once the Ministry Site Profile is sent to the Synod Office, potential candidates for LCHT will begin to emerge. Besides the Synod Office, names of pastors may also surface from members of this congregation, pastors in the Hukilau Conference, or perhaps even a pastor who has heard of this vacancy from another source. Suggestions from outside the Synod Office need to be funneled through the Synod so that they can check on the availability, the credentials, and the suitability of this pastor for our congregation. Then in January Bishop Finck will bring the names of candidates to be considered by the Call Committee.

After studying the profiles provided by Bishop Finck; after gleaning more information through phone interviews and other media; and after much discussion, prayer, and discernment, the committee will make a decision and bring the potential candidate to Holy Trinity for a final interview. If all goes well the congregation will have an opportunity to become acquainted with this pastor and then vote to issue a Letter of Call. Although this process should not be rushed just to get someone on site, the best-case scenario would be to have your next pastor within a year.

Personally, although there will be a grief process for me in leaving Hawaii and Holy Trinity, I am excited for you and for the opportunities that God will place in your hands in the years to come. God is good and God will be good to you in terms of the partnership and the ministry that will be given to you through a new pastor.

Please pray for the working of the Holy Spirit within the Call Committee, within the heart and mind of a potential pastor, and for this congregation.

                                                                                                Pastor David