Pastor a Visionary (reflection from the Pastors' School)

This session was moderated by Rev. Joseph Yesupatham and the panels were Rev. C. Jayaraj, Rev. Devadass Ratnam and Rev. Dennis Raj. I must say that the three panels did a great job. They shared their views and the dynamics involved in the Pastoral ministry especially being a visionary pastor. One main issue that was discussed most of the time during the session was the issue of whose vision is it? For an instance, Pastor A is transferred to a Church. Thus, he prayerfully gives a vision for the Church. The Church receives the vision well from the Pastor and works towards achieving it. However, even before the vision is fulfilled, Pastor A is transferred out of the Church. Now, Pastor B is posted to the Church. However, Pastor B may not share the same vision that of Pastor A’s. So, he may also prayerfully give the Church another direction and vision to follow. Now, the question is, how can there be different visions given to the same Church when different Pastors are posted there? Pastors who are visionaries struggle to share or work within the frame work of their predecessor’s (Pastor’s) vision when they are entrusted to take over a Church from another Pastor. So, the lay people struggle to understand whose vision shall they follow? Whose vision is from the Lord? This is an ongoing issue within the TAC Churches. After a long debate and discussion, the moderator concluded the session by saying that Vision does not change when the Pastor is transferred, but direction and approaches to achieve the vision may vary from one Pastor to another.

As for me, it is still easier said than done. I strongly feel that TAC should formulate a frame work within its transfer system that would create ample of space and time for the outgoing and incoming Pastors to work out and discuss many outstanding matters which also includes the God given vision for the Church prior to any transfer taking effect. A new Pastor should be told and understand the God given vision to the Church. This will avoid many potential misunderstanding and confusion when the transfer of Pastors takes effect. Pastors should also humble ourselves to accept and work towards the fulfillment of the vision that is given by God to our predecessors without any pride and prejudices