Here's To You

I’m writing this after a six hour Presbytery leader development day. Ask me if I like six hour meetings. (Do you?) No. I don’t.

But, and don’t assume this will be a regular occurrence, I had a good time. The programming was good and the food was good, but the reason I had a good time is that I was able to spend time with colleagues in a close setting. I got to spend time with some folks who I’ve gotten to know well and always love to see. I also got to spend time with people who I’ve interacted with only by email or Zoom (if at all). I got to talk shop with people who know what it feels like to do this work. At one point, I volunteered the little factoid that Woodrow Wilson’s father was a Presbyterian pastor. It was the first time I’ve said that where people treated it like old news. There’s a certain level of kinship with those who enjoy granular minutiae in that same way.

I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again in the future, but ministry can be an incredibly lonely job. You are often surrounded by people, but the relationship is very different when it is pastor and parishioner (as it should be). Ministry can be an incredibly lonely job. I’ve experienced that firsthand. When I came here three years ago, I determined that I would not let myself be a lonely pastor. I don’t like it, I don’t want it. It’s been my goal to get to know folks and spend time with people who know what it’s like to lead a memorial service, or to preach a bad sermon.

It is really easy to get sucked up into the immediate – sermon writing, blog posting, bulletin drafting – while ignoring the things that make ministry work. I was initially planning on leaving the gathering after lunch so I could come back and write a blog post and sit at my desk and type stuff. But after lunch ended, I realized that I needed more. And I’m back in the office writing anyway, except this time I’m feeling the relaxation that comes with friends.

I’ve been a lonely pastor before, and I’ll let you in on a little secret – I’m not a good pastor when I’m lonely.

I’ve seen it, it’s really not all that spectacular. But this congregation and presbytery have been so gracious in providing opportunity for community that I feel like I’m able to do my best ministry.

Thanks TCPC! And thanks colleagues!

Peace,

Rev. Jeff Fox-Kline

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At Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church, we believe that community makes all the difference — for pastors and for everyone seeking connection, meaning, and faith in everyday life. If you’d like to learn more about who we are or join us for worship, we’d love to meet you! Visit us at 1200 S. Winton Road, Rochester, NY 14618, call (585) 244-8585, or explore more at www.twelvecornerschurch.org. We also welcome you to be part of our community this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for a meaningful time of worship and togetherness. All are welcome to join!