I have a new job.
It’s not officially a new call because it’s an interim position. And I haven’t “left the ministry” although one person has already suggested that I have.
On August 29th I begin a year as the Interim Associate Executive Presbyter for Ministry for the Presbytery of Chicago. For starters, I need a quick and easy way to share my title without sounding like one of the federal government workers who used to be my neighbors in Our Nation’s Capital. (ie The Assistant Second Advisory Officer for Religious Affairs for the White House Task Force of Faith Affairs and Religious Issues.) Maybe something like “Interim Pastor with a twist.”
A couple of years ago in the hallowed halls of the National Cathedral in DC, I was talking with a well known Emerging Church Guy who was introduced to a Presbytery staff member. The entire encounter seemed to sum up all his problems with The Institutional Church.
“What the x#!& is a General Presbyter?” Emerging Church Guy asked me privately and the more I explained it, the more ridiculous I sounded. My description captured more of the administrivia of the position than the ministry.
So, here I am the newly elected Interim Associate Executive Presbyter. This is not something I’ve aspired to do and be, and yet it is strangely right at this time and place. An opportunity to help shift the church in a new way. Please pray I do it with energy, intelligence, imagination, and – mostly – love. So pumped.
A Church for Starving Artists 
Good news all for all!
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You will be wonderful in that position! You are so smart, articulate, passionate, fair-minded, experienced, and have a general love for people and the church! You’re a good listener and a thoughtful leader. I could go on and on, but you get the picture! I’m excited for you AND for the Presbytery of Chicago. They are smart to have hired you!!
Congratulations!
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Thank you Mom – (err, Ruth.) I will be calling you when I need a pep talk.
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Jan: Have fun! Your experience and your insight, as well as your prayerful approach to people and congregational ministry will be such a gift to where you will serve! Again, have fun!
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So funny. I was just this week writing an essay about the year that I became … yep, the Interim Associate Executive Presbyter for Newton Presbytery. Specifically, I was writing about the title of that position! You’ll be fabulous. And what a great way to get to know your new colleagues in Chicago! Congrats, Jan.
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I’m so excited for you Jan! I think it’s something you will do amazing things with, and the Presbytery of Chicago is EXTREMELY luck to have you! Can’t wait to hear more about it as you being this new journey.
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yay!! You will be GREAT in that position. I’m excited for Chicago Presbytery and for you.
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I am so excited to work with you, Jan! Welcome to the Chicago Presbytery 🙂
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Pumped.
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How exciting for Chicago! You will be a blessings. Looking forward to following your adventures and insights!
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I’m glad to hear that your considerable gifts, talents, and skills will be put to good use. Blessings as you lead your Presbytery through the changes and challenges of the year ahead, and, as a fellow outside the box person living within the box of a mainline denomination, congrats on infiltrating the machine.
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