“Before this intervention, we did not have a clear mission and vision statement for the church, but now when he came in, we learnt to come up with the mission and vision statements and we have managed to put up systems that can sustain the church even in the absence of the pastor. Right now, many ministers we have in church know what to do. They are self-driven, and they can do what is expected from them”, says Pr. Dickson.
PDN’s Interim Pastors are adequately equipped in ministry competencies to ensure effective ministry support to the church they serve.
“It’s now a healthy church. They are growing spiritually and physically. Everyone is enjoying what he/she is doing because they know what they are doing. They are served. There is life in the church now. The numbers have increased. More people are coming in now. There are now systems which allow people to come in and stay, which was not there before”, Pr. Dickson happily tells us.
Some of the competencies brought into the deployment are; Vision and mission development, Theology (introductory), Inductive bible study, Biblical communication, Discipleship, Servant Leadership, Resource mobilization, Conflict resolution, Counseling skills, and Children and youth ministry.
“As a Pastor, it has relieved me of the burden I had. I was carrying the church alone. I no longer carry that burden on my own. I have free time now. I have time to do other things and yet the church is running. It is no longer depending on one person. I now even get time to rest. I get more time to attend to my family. Now things are balancing. I can now balance ministry and family”, says a relieved Pr. Dickson.
A successful Interim Pastoral deployment helps the church become stronger during the transition. The Lead Pastor or Leaders can regroup, be renewed spiritually, clarify its values, and refocus its vision. Consequently, they are then in the best position to grow a healthy church, which in turn builds a health community and healthy nation.
“Even now that the deployment ended, PDN is still helping us. And I participate in everything that they invite me to. I am now also in the IPM program and can be deployed. I am also participating in the establishment of discipleship hubs and training in these hubs”, says Pr. Dickson enthusiastically.