A couple weeks ago I attended my first annual meeting of this congregation. It was a bit different than any I have attended before. It was not different because of the way it was held or the things that were done. It was different because of what happened.

There were five positions that needed to be filled on the church council. Three of the five were filled by some of the youngest people eligible to fill such positions. Prior to their nomination, quite a few more senior members of the congregation were nominated and declined to serve.

I am pleased that the council positions were filled. I am pleased that we have youth in positions of leadership in the congregation and I am confident that this church council will serve the congregation well. I also understand that no one can say yes to every request that is made for his or her time and talents. Still during part of the meeting I sensed an overall reluctance on many people's part to serve this particular function in this congregation.

What would it mean in the life of a congregation if there were a general reluctance to take leadership positions in the church? It could mean that we aren't having enough fun at our church council meetings and we need to do something to make the meetings more fun. Maybe people don't think we ought to have fun at council meetings and instead join the council looking for an opportunity use their leadership abilities for the good of the congregation. Maybe people don't think their talents will be adequately used in the church council setting. Maybe they think their voice won't count for much. Maybe people are remembering a time when a previous pastor was removed for misconduct. The council meetings during that time period couldn't have been much fun at all. I wasn't there, but I suspect that they were meetings when the people entrusted with the leadership of the congregation did what they had to do, fun or no fun.

That's all speculation. We don't really know if there is a general reluctance to serve. If there is, we don't know the underlying reason. Here are some things we do know.

We know that our congregation elected people to positions of leadership during the annual meeting. They were elected for the good of the congregation. Serving on the counsel can be fun. Serving on the council can be rewarding, and it can be a good way to use your talents in God's service. Serving on the council can put people in the position of needing to do difficult, emotionally draining tasks. What ever happens, council members are elected and will do the things that need to be done.

I am confident that this council will lead this congregation well. I plan to ask for their help in assessing the congregation, and focusing our efforts in areas, which need the most attention. I am hoping that this council will help this congregation prepare the soil, where the Word of God can fall like a seed, and be nourished and grow.

I hope our council meetings are fun. I hope our council members will feel good about the ways their talents have been used in God's service. I hope God will guide and direct the efforts of our council and our congregation this year and always.

May God also shower each of you with an abundance of blessings.

Sincerely,

Pastor Birk