WORK OF THE PASTORAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE, WORK OF THE CHURCH by Emmett Johnson

How can strained relationships between pastor and congregation be mediated before a major conflict occurs? What happens when the minister resigns? How does the church move smoothly into a new pastoral relationship? What can the church do to aid the pastor’s professional development and support his or her personal well-being? These concerns, as well as many other situations involving the interaction between pastor and laypersons, can be properly resolved with the help of the Pastoral Relations Committee.

Emmett Johnson explains how to organize the committee, describes its functions, and outlines the benefits it offers to the overall ministry of the church. He addresses such issues as improving communication between pastor and people, hearing criticism and resolving conflict, handling the resignation or death of the pastor, finding interim leadership, calling a new pastor, and encouraging the pastor in professional development.

By opening up free-flowing channels of communication between professional leadership and congregation, the Pastoral Relations committee can contribute immeasurably to the success of your ministry. Emmett Johnson provides the information needed to initiate this important function in your church.