Make him REGULAR

At St Paul’s AGM last year, I outlined the process for “regularizing” Pastor Greg’s call as a Pastor here at St Paul’s.

This followed St Paul’s agreement with our LCA College of Presidents two years ago, to have Pastor Greg assigned to us as a Graduate Pastor. This assignment was for a two year period after which time the congregation, the Council of Presidents, and of course the Graduate Pastor himself indicate their desire to continue the relationship of Pastor and people … or not!

Since the AGM last year, St Paul’s Church Council has undertaken a formal “Review of Ministry” for Pastor Greg. This is required by the LCA for both their Graduate assignments as well as regular Pastors.

Flashback February 2005: Installation of Pastor Greg Priebbenow by Pastor Andrew Brook (acting on behalf of the District), watched by then Senior Pastor Allan Heppner. How the wheel turns: now Pastor Allan works for the District, and Pastor Andrew is our Senior Pastor!

Council appointed a panel of seven St Paul’s members to conduct this review. These people were deemed generally representative of our St Paul’s community and included myself (as Chairman), one other Church Councillor, and a staff member. The process, which included discussion of leadership style, pastoral care, worship and preaching, and work-life balance, was ably facilitated by President Greg Pietsch, using the Victorian District’s Review of Ministry guidelines.

A written summation of this review of Pastor Greg’s ministry was then provided by President Pietsch to the St Paul’s Church Council. It clearly indicated the review group’s strong affirmation of Pastor Greg’s ministry as a great blessing to St Paul’s, particularly during the absence of a Senior Pastor over the last twelve months.

In discussion with Pastor Greg, Church Council also strongly endorsed this summary and indeed his call to St Paul’s. Significant challenge and growth has been evident in Greg’s pastoral formation, for which we thank God. Once again the Lord has provided us with the right Pastor for the time.

Council believes this endorsement will be no surprise to St Paul’s members, as there has been strong congregational appreciation and support for Pastor Greg’s ministry amongst us, including strong affirmation at last year’s AGM. Pastor Greg, Senior Pastor Andrew, Council and staff are now looking forward to the year ahead.

In order to formalise our relationship as pastor and people, we are having a special rite at all the Sunday services today (March 4), and a brief morning tea time between 9 and 11 am services. This rite of regularizing Pastor Greg’s call to St Paul’s will include the exchange of formal Call and Acceptance documents between St Paul’s and Pastor Greg.

We encourage all members to support Pastor Greg with their presence and prayers on this special occasion.

The people speak

We asked around for some honest feedback about Pastor Greg.

• He’s easy to approach and comfortable to be with. Despite this, he has an air of spiritual authority which I like.
• Greg works hard, and is obviously dedicated to his calling and conscientious.
• During the time of my mother’s dying and death, he always made himself available when needed.  At her bedside, he was a sensitive visitor and a spiritual leader.
• He is poised and confident in worship leadership, with good, life-related preaching.
  
• Greg is increasingly in tune with the needs of this congregation.
  
• Pastor Greg is a wise and insightful Confirmation teacher.
  
• He has a genuine passion for youth, and remains a child at heart!