March 11: Announcement

On March 11, Phil Taylor, Moderator sent the following email

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE REGARDING FORMER CLERGY Dear Members and Friends of FCCH: One of the recommendations developed by the forty-member pastoral transition team of our church prior to calling Rev. Karla Miller was:  That the Council, in collaboration with the Southern Conference of the UCC, establish a policy articulating boundaries which specify limits to the current pastor’s participation in the life of the congregation or its members after his or her departure. That recommendation was referred to the Human Relations Ministry (HRM), which has been working for several months to address it.  They have studied the process that the UCC recommends, which says there must be no contact of any kind for one to three years after the start of a new pastor, and typically includes the involvement of and approval by the Committee on Ministry of the local Association or Conference. In addition, the HRM has studied the practices and policies of other denominations on this subject. And they have reviewed an article on “Considerations for a Retired Pastor’s Reentry into a Congregation” from J. Russell Crabtree, President of Crows Feet Consulting, who has worked with hundreds of churches. (J. Russell Crabtree is also known as Fe Avis, who guided our transition work.) From all this study, it is apparent to the Human Relations Ministry that a clearer, less ambiguous, and ultimately kinder policy is needed by our church going forward. As the HRM has been engaging in this process, questions have been raised by several members regarding the return of former clergy. The HRM is now prepared to respond to those questions. After months of prayerful discussion and introspection, including careful consideration of the needs of our church, the HRM reached a unanimous consensus to recommend the revised protocol below. The HRM believes this revised protocol is a loving and kind approach to this situation that also strengthens the relationship between a new settled pastor and the members of the congregation. In addition, it provides clarity to everyone involved – new settled pastors, departed pastors moving forward with their lives, and most importantly the members of our congregation.   This morning the Church Council approved the changes recommended by the HRM, which are part of the church Personnel Policies in Section 13.  Protocol for Departing Clergy. In addition, HRM members shared this important change today with Rev. Richard Weidler. They also met with Rev. David Kelly, former pastor of FCC, and Rev. Barbara Rathbun, former interim minister of FCC, both of whom are presently active in our church. The status of David Kelly and Barbara Rathbun will not change. Prior Wording of Personnel Policies Section 13. Protocol for Departing Clergy: Upon departure of settled or interim clergy through resignation or termination, said clergy will have no official contact with FCUCC or its members for a period of at least one year after the arrival of the new settled pastor. It is the responsibility of the departing clergy to advise the congregation of the boundary rule of no contact. Should a former clergy desire to rejoin the congregation, it must be upon invitation by the current settled pastor. Approved Revised Wording of Personnel Policies Section 13. Protocol for Departing Clergy: This protocol is effective as of March 11, 2020. Departing clergy, both settled and interim pastors, should have no contact or involvement with FCUCC or any of its members in any way, from their departure date until one year after the start of the new settled pastor. After that time, social contact between the departed pastor and church members who so desire is approved. The church wants to ensure successful new pastoral leadership, and healthy and uncomplicated relationships between the new pastor and church members. The church also wishes departing clergy to be able to move forward with their lives. Because it can be difficult for former pastors and church members to navigate healthy boundaries in a new kind of relationship, and in order to create clarity from the beginning, the revised protocol, and the most loving thing to do, is that departing pastors are not allowed to attend or rejoin FCUCC at any time. This does not include former pastors who were invited to return to FCUCC before the enactment of this protocol. A person’s choice of pastoral ministry as a vocation carries with it the expectation of leaving congregations and entering into the lives of new ones. Departing pastors who remain in the area are encouraged to become involved in another faith community, and must end their membership with FCUCC, after departing FCUCC.  If you have questions regarding the process of the Human Relations Ministry, or these changes in protocol, please contact one of the members of the HRM - Gary Cyphers, Nolleen Kelly, Tom Kimmell, Sheryl Mendenhall, or Charlotte Shipley. In conclusion, please remember that you are now welcome to renew your social contacts with departed clergy.  Thank you for your understanding and support as we joyously move forward as a healthy, energized, growing, and inspirationally-pastored congregation. Phil Taylor, Moderator First Congregational United Church of Christ 828.692.8630 fccinfo@hendersonville.org www.fcchendersonville.org See what's happening on our social sites: ‌