We Need Church Hospice Pastors

(A recent post indicating "157 vacant churches" prompted me to submit the following)  

Having spent 55+years doing pastoral ministry in the Christian Reformed Church, I’ve come to the conclusion that our denomination is in need of effective, pastoral interim church hospice pastors. Having served a wide variety of churches, I’ve also attempted to be an interested and involved “churchman.” As someone having served decades as Synodical Deputy and a frequent delegate to Synod, I also always bought the latest YEARBOOK until the CRCNA’s website “took over.” As such, I’ve come to draw some observations and conclusions.  

Meandering as possible on the noted website, I’ve drawn an inevitable and now the openly-stated conclusion indicated in my heading. We need Church-Hospice Pastors. (CHP’s) The CRCNA has an over-supply of churches/worshiping bodies needing healthy closures. Simply “negotiating links” on the Yearbook website from classis to classis, church to church, I noted the frequency or number of churches that, from my experience, have fewer than ten families tithing to maintain their building and support in any honorable way a full-time pastor. I am not aware that recent attempts to approve and expand Tent-making Ministry may have blossomed. The reduced size of these churches or worshiping bodies made me uncomfortable about the disconcerting thought of “their” pastor necessarily being supported by a few “deeper” pockets with the expected and ever-undefined and possibly unhealthy relationships necessitated.

Someone may have actual figures as to how many “churches” have fewer than 30-60 at worship, but my being interested meandering concluded: Too many! If such were church plants growing healthily, I rejoice, but if/when they’re historic or seasoned congregations/groups “just holding on” that description can hardly be healthy, encouraging or inviting to those seeking a vibrant, healthy Christian fellowship.  When there’s no need or any desire for a “Children’s Message,” are we healthy, reflecting our community? When members insist on sitting “where we’ve always sat” and singing becomes almost embarrassing, even with the familiar hymns, are we deluding or maybe even embarrassing ourselves? Would not their seasoned wisdom be better utilized and appreciated as part of a group of new believers learning what it means to be “church.” 

Hospice pastors are a God-given gift of ministry to members whose health is declining and their journey “home” is imminent. As such, these pastors comfort and encourage, making the closing journey more meaningful, gently affirming the life lived along with the meaningful ministry and cherished memories of the patient or parishioner. “Dying” churches on what appears as life support need a similar, much-needed pastoral ministry. All pastors are not necessarily particularly gifted to be hospice pastors. There are appreciated pastors who are not gifted or even willing to help churches conclude or close their ministry pastorally and meaningfully.

 As fellow followers of Jesus, we owe the members of these  churches a pastoral, sensitive conclusion reflecting a meaningful celebration of their contribution to Christ’s Church, including the CRC ones we love and loved. A tears-falling and memory-filled look reflecting makes more sense than closing one’s eyes to an obvious and painful reality. An appreciative acknowledgement and an appropriate celebration of lifetimes of ministry are needed as expressions of love, and as such would be gratefully appreciated. Denial and inappropriate delay have never served anyone well. By our being loving and compassionate, we implement what our frequently-used at life’s ending doxology states, “To God Be the Glory.”

George Vink