Churches that hire a transitional minister benefit from a pair of “new eyes” for a period of time. Perhaps “lenses” might be a better metaphor than “eyes.” Transitional ministry is temporary, like putting on a pair of glasses or contact lenses.
It’s up to the transitional minister to know what questions to ask, which people to go to, what to name, and what to keep quiet about. When a transitional minister sees something that might need some attention, they are wise to initially withhold their own opinions. It’s best to honor the people they serve by first naming something, calling attention to it, and openly inquiring with a genuine sense of curiosity. This serves to invite and draw others into the space of inquiry and curiosity.
Transition pastors help churches think about who they are and how they can love and serve their neighbors.
The risks are great if a transitional minister prematurely reaches conclusions about what the church “should do” or “must do” without involving the local leaders who have been carrying out the ministry for many years.
On the flip side, there is also a danger in a transitional minister who is just “tending shop.” Someone who is doing the bare minimum of preaching, showing up for meetings, and visiting congregants. Some transitional ministers could be unwilling to ask the congregation to look at themselves, ask powerful questions, consider new possibilities, and highlight the opportunities that are at hand. Transitional ministers who don’t do the hard work are the same ministers who are prone to flatter others and lap up the flattery that is given to them in exchange.
I’ve been blessed and privileged to serve St. Thomas Reformed Church for the past nine months. I will by flying home to Michigan a week from today, Wednesday, April 8. I plan to do just one or two more of these Substack posts about transitional ministry and my time in St. Thomas. Then, I will pivot this to focus on my work in jail ministry.
I’m in the process of handing aspects of ministry to a friend and mentor, Rev. Dr. Randy Weener. He arrived on Saturday, March 28, and is getting oriented to the church and island this week. He plans to serve here for two months, April and May, and then he will return to his home. I think he can best be described as providing an extended pulpit supply. He is half-time and will not have the same job description as I did when I was hired as a transitional minister.
Randy will not have time, nor will he be asked to get up to speed on all of the inner workings of the church. Because of his brief term of service, it makes a lot of sense for him to “tend shop” and to focus on holding things together and helping congregational leaders keep momentum from the transitional period.
But Randy’s very gifted. He is gifted at asking powerful questions. He is a Christian leadership coach by training and in practice these days. Randy is a gifted listener and observer. He carefully considers how to be a “guide alongside” and does not try to be a “sage from the stage.” Randy will serve St. Thomas Reformed church well by nurturing her in biblical faith, in missional prayers, and in loving presence.
Pastor Randy has been a youth leader, a chaplain to a university basketball team, a pastor of an established church, a church planter, a classis leader, and a denominational executive in the office that catalyzes new churches. Now, in retirement, Pastor Randy is focused on empowering the next generation of pastors, church planters, and Christian leaders. His humble, wise, and stable presence is just what STRC needs in the short season of preparation before a new thing begins.
Everything is on track with the STRC search process. The church has prepared a call for classis approval on April 28, 2026. Upon that approval, the candidate, Rev. Dr. Raully Donahue, will give his response.
While Pastor Randy’s time in St. Thomas will be short, just two months, I think he’ll be extremely effective. While his limited part-time contract is focused on worship leadership and preaching, Pastor Randy’s steady presence, wise questions, and deep pastoral love will be felt by all. Pastor Randy will help STRC see what’s next in empowering ways, understand what God is up to, and encourage the congregation to follow Christ in mission.
Friends at STRC, I’m excited for you in your next season. Thank you again for the incredible privilege I’ve had to serve you.
- Pastor Nate DeWard
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