interim ministry profile date march, 2016 ... - chris … · association/conference of current...

INTERIM MINISTRY PROFILE

Date March, 2016

Association/Conference of Current Standing: Pennsylvania South East Conference

Personal Information Reverend Christopher A Hart AKA Pastor Chris 29 Park Street Southbridge MA 01550 Email Chris@ChrisJenn.net Web: www.ChrisJenn.net YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/RevCHart Best way to reach me is by Email, or Phone (call or txt) 6107812075 Ordained by: Pacific Northwest Conference Date 12/05/09 Place of Ministerial Standing, Denomination: Heidelberg Association of Pennsylvania South East Conference 1441 Laura Lane Suite 100 Pottstown, PA 19464 4849498774

Intentional Interim & Revitalization Pastor Chris www.ChrisJenn.net Page: 1

Education/Training Academic

Spokane Falls Community College AA & AAS (Sign Language Interpreting) 1997

Eastern Washington University Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies 2004

Eden Theological Seminary Masters of Divinity 2008

Training

Clinical Pastoral Education 1 Unit Providence Hospital Olympia WA Summer 2005

Advanced Boudary Trainning Penn Central Conference 10/2014

Interim Ministry Network The work of the Leader

New Hartford Connecticut 9/13

Interim Ministry Network The work of the congregation

Baltimore Maryland 7/14

Interim Ministry Network Fieldwork Professional Transition Specialist

Lancaster PA 12/14

Boundary Training Massachusetts Conference Boston Metropolitan Association

1/2016

Continuing Education

Lets Ditch Sunday School Center for Progressive Renewal Online Learning Taught by Ivy Beck

Room in the Inn: Getting Ready for Newcomers at Christmas time or Anytime

Center for Progressive Renewal Webinar Taught by Molly Baskette

Interim Ministry Best Practices Best Practices group coordinated by me within the Penn Central Conference.

Community of Practice Interim Ministry in the Massachusetts Conference

Certification

Interim Ministry Network Professional Transition Specialist In Progress, Estimated completions in Spring of 2016

Church Renewal Center for Progressive Renewal

Certificate In Progress, estimated completion is Fall of 2016

Professional Record Intentional Interim & Revitalization Pastor Chris www.ChrisJenn.net Page: 2

Most Recent Interim/Settled Ministries (note, full time/part time and date of service) 1. Elm Street Congregational Church, United Church of Christ 61 Elm Street, Southbridge, MA 01550

*Intentional Interim, Full Time 4/2015 to (Anticipated end date) 9/2016 Judicatory contact (Massachusetts Conference) Associate Conference Minister Kelly Gallagher [email protected]

2. Grace United Church of Christ 1947 New Holland Pike Lancaster PA 17601

*Intentional Interim, Full Time 8/2013 to 2/2015 Judicatory contact (Penn Central Conference) Conference Associate Minister for Pastoral Leadership and Discernment Rev. Dr. Thomas Webster [email protected]

3. Elias United Church of Christ 9 N Sheridan Rd Newmanstown, PA 17073

*Interim, Part Time 8/2011 to 8/2013

Judicatory contact (Penn Central Conference) Conference Associate Minister for Pastoral Leadership and Discernment Rev. Dr. Thomas Webster [email protected]


Skills you bring to Interim Ministry IMBB = Interim Ministry Best Pract ices IMN = Interim Ministry Network CPR = Center for progressive Renewal

Parish selfappraisal Professional Boundary Training

Appreciative Inquire IMN 2014 Advanced Boundary Training PCCUCC 10/14 Fiscal Management Church Revitalization

Daybreak 19972004 “Joel” 2013 & 2014 taught by Lauren Bowers Bethany Children’s Home 2009 Center for Progressive Renewal (Certification) Elias 20112013 Grace UCC 2013 2015

Small group process Church Closing

IMBB 2013 & 2014 Eden Seminary 2003 Transition issues Dynamics of longterm pastorate

IMN 2013 & 2014 IMN 2013 & 2014 Conflict mediation United Church of Christ Polity

IMN 2013 & 2014 Eden Seminary 2003 Daybreak 19972004 IMN 2013 & 2014

Strategic planning MultiStaff Issues

Daybreak 19972004 Daybreak 19972004 Federated, union, yoked/united parishes Following Pastoral Misconduct

IMN 2013 & 2014 Experience with racial/ethnic churches Experience with the ONA Process

Bethany Children’s Home 2009 Elm Street CC 2015 Church size transitions Death/illness of a previous pastor

IMBB 2013 & 2014 IMN 2013 & 2014 Elias 20112013 Elm Street CC 2015

Presence of previous pastor – retired/member Connection with the UCC

IMBB 2013 & 2014 IMBB 2013 & 2014 Worship Changes, inclusive language Organizational restructuring

Eden Seminary 2003 Grace UCC 2013 2015 Lay leadership empowerment Stewardship Development

IMN 2013 & 2014 Elm Street CC 2015 Daybreak 19972004 Eden Seminary 2003 Grace UCC 2013 2015 “Joel” 2013 & 2014 taught by Lauren Bowers Elm Street CC 2015


General Skills You Bring to Ministry: This is a ‘forcedchoice’ selfassessment. Please check only 4 items on this list which BEST describe your strongest skills: Preaching/worship leadership and planning Pastoral care Developing teamwork among staff and/or lay leadership Helping others develop/explore their spiritual side Administration Developing enthusiasm for mission, denominational involvement Stewardship planning and implementation Church growth planning and implementation Develops strong connections to the UCC Helps people work through conflict and divisio ns Healing and grief work Teaching (please specify below your preferred age groups) Interim Experience: Please check ALL of the items with which you have direct experience:

Conducting parish selfappraisal Stewardship development Addressing fiscal management issues Church revitalization Church closing Open and Affirming Congregations Following a longterm pastorate Church staff issues Experience with racial/ethnic churches United Church of Christ polity Following pastoral misconduct Strategic planning Ecumenically shared parishes Conflicted congregation Yoked congregations Capital campaigns Significant increase or decrease in church size Organizational restructuring Developing and implementing Safe Church policies Evaluation and assessment


What size congregations have you served and in what capacity? I have worked with congregations and organizations ranging in size from 15 people to

400 people, in rolls ranging from Consultant to Pastor. Position Size Capacity

Daybreak 75 Leader & Person of Faith

Every Child’s Hope 200 Student Chaplain

Christ Lutheran Church ELCA 300 Youth Pastor

Bethany Children's Home 250 Pastor

Elias United Church of Christ 30 Interim Pastor

Grace United Church of Christ 160 Intentional Interim Pastor

Church of the Apostles 400 Youth Consultant

Elm Street Congregation 75 Intentional Interim Pastor

As an Ordained Pastor I bring the academic knowledge of seminary and the equally important experience applying that knowledge within the lives of people of faith. My Seminary education was well rounded in both my course load and in the diversity of perspectives. My church experiences have been equally diverse. As a counselor and Intentional Interim pastor I bring the gifts of triage truth speaking (in love) skill set that you need. As a wannabe famous YouTuber I bring my creativity to presenting the Gospel in a new language and medium, seeking to share the good news. I am fluent in social media, website design, and technology.

As a follower of Jesus, I remain convinced that though “Church” seems to be crumbling around us, the world remains hungry for what we have; it’s not time to die, but to emerge anew. Lots of things about how we have done church in the past simply don’t work anymore but that does not mean the purpose and meaning of church has become passe, it means it’s time for new ways of being church.

I am a wonderful conglomeration of Nerd, Geek, Leader, and Disciple ready to lead the United Church of Christ into the 21st century. Institutions seeking to be successful in today's changing world need integrated and adaptive leadership; Leadership that can help employees, clients, congregants, and donors to connect with the mission of the United Church of Christ in deep, meaningful, and life changing ways. Mission oriented agencies of today need people who can forge, and sustain relationships with all kinds of people in all places of life. That's what I can do for the United Church of Christ.


Your understanding of interim ministry within the context of ministry in the UCC Intentional Interim Ministry is an adaptive and organic ministry that a congregation and a

specialist undertake together. It is adaptive to the specific context and culture of each faith community, yet challenging and prophetic. Though there may be goals and deadlines, it is a process of rebirth into a God who is forever changing and evolving with us.

I am a great fan of the United Church of Christ, and identify myself loudly and proudly as part of it. Yet in many ways I think we are still learning what it means; we are much more the Uniting Church of Christ, meaning that the work goes on, it's not something we have accomplished. Perhaps it’s more of a recognition that we are always in the process of being United. For many churches our recent realization of the turmoil we are in has forced us to work together in ways that we should have realized a long time ago. We have sought out partners whom we might have dismissed earlier had our budgets not been full and bloated. It’s important for us to remember that the UCC is still a new thing, it’s still an evolving understanding.

At Daybreak, part of my job was training and supervising staff. Our entrance was a large glass door, where we met new admissions. Our ability to intervene with a client began at that door, it hinged on our ability to form a positive relationship. I told my staff again and again that everything we do, every action we take, every response we make was part of one goal, that of building relationship. This is true of my own model of Leadership, it’s all about relationship; our relationships with one another and our relationship with God.

I love how UCC polity fits our diversity. Sure congregations can be “Autonomous” and the national body of the church has no “Authority” over us, and at the same time we are part of a diverse clutch of congregations that know God in thousands of different ways. Being in covenant is making a promise to God that we will follow God’s example and work in relationship with one another. It’s at the heart of our faith because it reflects a foundational understanding of the nature of God and meaning of scripture. Covenant is based on relationship and asks us to extend a hand of mutuality.


Statement on Ministry:

My inception into the United Church of Christ began in my early teen years; and at first I was very resistant to the idea but over time I came to find great meaning there. I began to wrestle with call as I was graduating from High School I needed to choose a path on which to begin my journey. I sought out my pastor, and began conversations, I would take long walks during which time I would pray and contemplate what I might try to accomplish with my life. It all came to a head one afternoon while I was sitting in the park watching a swim meet. Somewhere behind me a child began to cry, why? I do not know. But the crying bugged me, shouldn't someone be doing something, Where was the child’s parent? No one around did anything nor did they seem to care, and still the child continued to cry. It’s hard to explain the turmoil that was going on inside me, I was convinced that someone should be doing something and no one was. Then I had a moment of peace, and the words from one of the hymns we had sung earlier that day floated back into my memory “and I shall hold your people in my heart”. The realization passed through me like electricity; it was I who was supposed to do something. I got up and went to see why the child was crying. I knew at that moment I was called to ministry.

So I began the road towards ordination and headed off to get a college degree. During college I began to get a bigger picture of what ministry meant, I had initially understood ministry as one thing: Pastor of a church, but now I came to know that it could mean so much more. I did my best to consider my options, my passions, and to seek God’s wisdom. I began my studies in Sign Language interpreting, then moved on to Developmental Psychology and Counseling. After this course of study I got a job working at Daybreak, a drug and alcohol treatment center for youth, providing both inpatient and outpatient treatment. During my time there I was instrumental in the formation of a Secure Crisis Residential Center, which is a program that deals with runaway youth brought in by Law Enforcement. This “Job” was life changing for me. I worked with people who had been broken in so many ways, I saw pain I could only vaguely imagine, and I saw Hope and new life from places of death. Again my understanding of call was reshaped. I was good at this kind of work and my natural leadership skills seemed well suited to helping others work effectively in this environment. After nearly 7 years at daybreak I left to attend Eden Theological Seminary in Saint Louis. Part of the Eden program is that each year students are placed in active ministry; during my first year I served at Evangelical Children’s Home as a student chaplain, which reaffirmed my understanding of my call.

After Seminary I went to what I thought was the perfect call for me. A place that combined many of the skills and knowledge I had learned at Daybreak and at Eden. It did not take me long to understand that this call was not a good fit. Long story short I found myself in a small church of twenty to thirty people as a part time interim pastor, an older congregation with only the occasional visit of a grandchild, and I found that I loved it! I am not sure why it surprised me so much, that I loved it, perhaps because I was still reshaping my understanding of call.


After two years there, and many holy moments I left, because my time as an interim had come to an end. So you might ask: How do I understand my call right now? The church of today is in turmoil, things are changing and churches have been slow to respond to the need for new ways of being church. I believe that transformational leadership is essential for church pastors of the future. No one solution is right for our clutch of diverse congregations. This is why I sought the training and ongoing support of the Interim Ministry Network. The church needs leaders that can be adaptive and creative in their skill set. The skills I have learned help me to assess congregational context, set realistic goals for our ministries, and dream about what possibilities God is calling us towards. These skills help me to take action; to see beyond demise and into rebirth and resurrection.

For me Ministry is an art, a creative endeavor that we undertake as a community; it is our response to the leading and prompting of the Holy Spirit within our own experiences? Ministry is this dynamic collision of all of these tensions; life is messy and so is ministry and God says it’s all good anyway. We come broken and God embraces us in love. God is constantly calling to us, inviting us into new understanding of ourselves, new moments of faith, reshaping our call. I am convinced that the message the United Church of Christ holds in trust, is one the world is hungry for. And that although we may feel like we are tumbling into the past, we are actually in the process of emerging into the world with bold new visions of what it means to be church. This does not mean there will not be struggle, change, and challenge, there will be, but hope comes with it all. God is still speaking, shaping us, beckoning us onward into closer relationships, and deeper discipleship. I look forward to sharing my gifts with a faith community, that is ready to find their way into God’s vision for the future.


Availability and Position Sought Date Available: Under contract until September 2016. Contract dates are negotiable National Regions Considered: Northeast Middle Atlantic Southeaster

Great Lakes

West Central Western

Massachusetts Conference Associations: Central Metropolitan Boston Northeast

Southeast Western

Minimum duration of interim expected : 12 months (18 to 24 is preferred) I would be interested in: (check as many as apply)

Relocating Urban/Rural/Suburban Sustaining Interim

Solo Multiple Staff Revitalization Pastor

Transition Interim Senior Associate Interim

Conference Ministry Supply

I am willing to consider any size Congregation. I would prefer full time though willing to consider part time. I need family Health Benefits


Salary/Benefit Expectations

I expect congregations to make reasonable offers based on thier conference guidelines. At the same time I recognize that guidelines are not achievable by all congregations. I expected congregation to be honest and open about where they are financially, I encourage congregations to think creatively when not able to achieve conference guidelines.

I expected Congregations to recognize my 25 years of leadership experience, 6 years of Ordained Pastoral experience, and work to become and be a Professional Transition Specialist and certified Church Revitalization Leader.

Intentional Interim Ministry should not be a time to save money. Generally interim pastors are paid what the previous pastor was paid. What are your criteria for discerning an appropriate call for you?

First and foremost I look to hear the call of God. My experience and faith teaches me to expect the call of God in places that I never would have expected. More than anything I want to partner with great churches , and be involved in the work of revitalizing, rebirthing, rethinking, emerging the church into meaningful and relevant ways of being church in today’s context.


References (Include one judicatory staff person)

Karen Fournier Member in Discernment in Massachusetts Central Association Member of Elm Street Congregational Church [email protected] (774) 2000748 Rev. Dr. Laurene Bowers Conference Associate Minister for Congregational Life & Vitality email: [email protected] 7176521560 Rev. Dr. Jeffrey D. Hamilton Lancaster Pastoral Counseling and Education McGovern Avenue Suite 3 Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17602 EMail: [email protected] Telephone: 7173921007 Amy Eshbach Grace UCC, Council President [email protected] 7174759956


THIS CONSENT PAGE AND BACKGROUND DISCLOSURE STATEMENT TO BE USED FOR ENDORSEMENT PURPOSES ONLY. NOTE THAT ENDORSEMENT DOES NOT REQUIRE A PROFILE, BUT DOES REQUIRE THESE THREE PAGES BE FILLED OUT IN BLUE PEN AND NOT BY COMPUTER. PLEASE SIGN AND DATE ALL THREE PAGES. MUST BE HANDED IN WITH THE ENDORSEMENT FORM.

MINISTERIAL PROFILE STATEMENT OF CONSENT The United Church of Christ Constitution recognizes that God calls the whole church and every member to participate in and extend the ministry of Jesus Christ [paragraph 17]. God also calls certain of the church’s members to various forms of ministry in and on behalf of the church [paragraph 18]. Persons completing a Ministerial Profile bring unique gifts, skills, and experiences. Search committees are encouraged to approach this information prayerfully and respectfully. The integrity of the placement process in the United Church of Christ depends upon supportive cooperation and considerate and appropriate sharing of information among national offices, conference and/or association personnel, search committees, groups and/or persons beyond the calling body, and persons seeking ministry positions. Part I: Statement of Consent

We are called to speak the truth in love. Our primary goal is, in all circumstances, to build up the body of Christ. Relationships between calling bodies and persons seeking ministerial positions require honesty, integrity, and truthfulness for the health of the church. In that spirit:

I attest that the information contained in my Ministerial Profile is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any misrepresentation or omission may be grounds for rejection of consideration for, or termination of, a ministry position .

An open exchange of relevant information builds the foundation for continuing and healthy relationships between calling bodies and persons seeking a ministry position. In that spirit:

I authorize the persons and entities to whom I have authorized my Ministerial Profile to be sent and/or their agents to make inquiries regarding all statements contained in my Ministerial Profile. I also authorize all persons, entities, former employers, committees on the ministry and their agents, courts, and law enforcement and other public agencies to respond to inquiries concerning me, and to supply verification of the information provided in my Ministerial Profile. I understand that such persons may comment on and state their opinions regarding my background and character to those relating to the search process, such as, members of search committees of a prospective calling body or the appropriate staff person. To encourage such persons to speak openly and responsibly, I hereby release them from all liability arising from their responses and comments made in good faith and without malice.

The search process in the United Church of Christ further rests on the sharing of Ministerial Profiles and related information in considerate and appropriate ways with those involved in the process. In that spirit:

I authorize conference staff and the persons and entities to whom I allow my Ministerial Profile to be sent and/or their agents to circulate, distribute, and otherwise share information gathered in connection with my Ministerial Profile. I understand that those gathering information about me concerning my Ministerial Profile are encouraged to share such information with me if requested by me to do so.

________________________________________________________________________________ Reverend Christopher A Hart (AKA Pastor Chris) Signed March 17, 2016


Background Disclosure Use of this portion of the Ministerial Profile is an integral part of the covenantal character of the relationship

between the church and its called leadership. Ministerial candidates are provided an opportunity to make a conscientious assertion about their ethical performance of ministry in and on behalf of the United Church of Christ and are given space for relevant commentary. As with all portions of the Ministerial Profile, it is essential that the following information be reviewed and interpreted with appropriate sensitivity and responsibility. Any practice of routinely rejecting profiles on a perfunctory basis without a complete and thoughtful review of commentary offered by the candidate is strongly discouraged. Such rejection is unfair both to the candidate and to the calling body.

“The United Church of Christ recognizes that God calls the whole Church and every member to participate in and extend the ministry of Jesus Christ by witnessing to the Gospel in church and society.” Through ordaining, commissioning and licensing “authorization is given to perform the duties and exercise the prerogatives” of ministry in the United Church of Christ. United Church of Christ Constitution, Article V, paragraphs 17 and 19.

1. I affirm that the position, power and authority associated with a ministry authorized by the United Church of Christ extends and participates in the ministry of Jesus Christ and is intended to be of benefit to all served by this ministry. True __ Not True 2A. I have never been the subject of official disciplinary review by a conference or association of the United Church of Christ that resulted in the following:

1. growth program and/or counseling True __ Not True 2. censure True __ Not True 3. suspension of standing True __ Not True 4. termination of standing True __ Not True

2B. No official disciplinary review by a conference or association of the United Church of Christ is pending regarding me at the present time. True __ Not True Commentary:

(Questions 3 and 4 include only matters subject to official disciplinary review within the United Church of Christ.) 3A. I have never been the subject of official disciplinary proceedings by another denomination that resulted in disciplinary action. True __ Not True

3B. No official disciplinary proceedings by another denomination are pending regarding me at the present time. True __ Not True

4A. I have never been the subject of official disciplinary proceedings by a professional association, credentialing body, or guild that resulted in disciplinary action.

True __ Not True 4B. No official disciplinary proceedings by a professional association, credentialing body, or guild are pending regarding me at the present time.

________________________________________________________________________________ Reverend Christopher A Hart (AKA Pastor Chris) Signed Signed March 17, 2016


Background Disclosure (Continued)

5. No civil law suit alleging that I attempted or actually engaged in sexual discrimination, harassment, exploitation, or misconduct; physical abuse; child abuse; or financial misconduct has ever resulted in a judgment being entered against me, settled out of court, or dismissed because the statute of limitations had expired.

True __ Not True

6A. With respect to my driving record, I have not had my license suspended or revoked within the last five years due to reckless driving or driving while intoxicated and/or under the influence of a controlled substance.

True __ Not True 6B. With respect to matters not addressed in item 6A above, I have never been found guilty or pled guilty or no contest to criminal charges.

(Do not include acts of civil disobedience.) True __ Not True

7A. My employment has never been terminated because I attempted or actually engaged in: 1. sexual discrimination, harassment, exploitation, or misconduct True __ Not True 2. physical abuse True __ Not True 3. child abuse True __ Not True 4. financial misconduct True __ Not True

7B. I have never terminated my employment or professional credentials in order to avoid facing or to avoid being terminated because of charges of actual or attempted:

1. sexual discrimination, harassment, exploitation, or misconduct True __ Not True 2. physical abuse True __ Not True 3. child abuse True __ Not True 4. financial misconduct True __ Not True

8. In my judgment, there are no facts or circumstances involving me or my background that would warrant further review before my being entrusted with the responsibilities of ministry on behalf of a calling body of the United Church of Christ.

True __ Not True I recognize my responsibility to update this background disclosure in a timely manner should there be a change of status in any of the issues named above.

________________________________________________________________________________ Reverend Christopher A Hart (AKA Pastor Chris) Signed Signed March 17, 2016


Signature

I n signing this form, I agree with the following :

Under no circumstances will I allow my name to be considered as a possible candidate for the settled position at the church where I am serving as an intentional interim minister.

I understand that if I allow my name to be considered, the Conference / Association / Area / Regional Minister will be expected to ask for a Fitness Review of my Authorization for Ministry within the United Church of Christ. (as provided in the Manual on Ministry of the United Church of Christ). Signed _________________________________________________ Date __________________________ Signed: Conference/Association Staff Person where Standing is held: ______________________________________________________________ Penn South East Associate Conference Minister Rev. Sharon S. Morris Phone: (484) 9498774 x302 Date _____________________________ Note: This is not the official United Church of Christ ministerial profile. It is expected that you will

ask for your current ministerial profile to be sent from Cleveland to the appropriate conference/association staff person in those instances when it is required.


Rev. Sharon S. Morris

3-17-16

interim ministry profile date march, 2016 ... - chris … · association/conference of current...

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