Oct 4: Addendum to CCH Report: Statement from Rev. Karla Miller

 There is nothing more sacred to me than relationship—with God, with individuals, and as a pastor, with the congregations I serve. When a minister and a congregation discover a mutual call, they enter into a covenantal relationship. As pastor, my covenantal promises include these:

Preach and teach the gospel without fear or favor, regarding all persons with equal respect and concern, and undertaking to minister impartially.

Honor all confidences shared with me; telling only those who need to know, what they need to know, when they need to know it.

Speak the truth in love, not using my position, power, or authority to exploit any person nor using my position for unwarranted personal gain, including financial gain.

Neither interfere with nor intrude upon the ministry of my successor upon my departure from a ministry setting; and to deal honorably with the record of my predecessor and successor.

These are holy promises I strive to keep every day—in my individual pastoral care of congregants, in my relationships with my colleagues in ministry, in my preaching and teaching and in how I engage with the congregation in our ministry together. When I am in a pastoral relationship with a congregant who is suffering from illness or struggling with a decision, my highest concern is for what the person needs and wishes—spiritually and mentally—which involves an ongoing conversation with the person, and family, if appropriate. As pastor and teacher, I seek balance and equity in my relationships with congregants, regarding each member of the community as a beloved and important part of the Body of God.

I love being a pastor. I also love being your pastor. I re-affirm my promises made on the day of my installation—to serve First Congregational UCC Hendersonville with energy, intelligence, imagination and love. My prayer in these troubled times is that we can heal and practice grace with one another so we can continue to be God’s love, justice and mercy in our corner of the world.

Karla Miller