An interim pastor has arrived at Immanuel Congregational United Church of Christ to help shepherd the 129-year-old Oxford spiritual institution through a journey of self-examination and discovery that will ultimately lead to a permanent pastor.
‘I’m hoping this transition time will be a time for the congregation to renew itself and to make its ministries more visible in the community,? said Rev. Paul Kuntzman, who began his ministry here July 20.
A resident of Vassar, Kuntzman was ordained in 1970 and did parish ministry for 22 years in Benton Harbor, Cadillac, Manchester and Louisville, Kentucky.
He took a number of years off to work as a nursing home administrator and enjoy some early retirement with his wife of 34 years, Ruth, but then decided to undergo interim ministry training in 2003.
‘It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,? he said.
Since then, Kuntzman has served as interim pastor at churches in Warren, Owosso and Chelsea. Interim pastors usually serve 12-18 months, but can stay in one place for up to two years, if necessary.
‘This will be my fourth interim pastorate,? he said. ‘It’s a good congregation (at Immanuel). It has a long history of involvement in education and ministry to the community.?
Normally, Kuntzman will be at the church on Sundays through Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
His main role will be to assist the congregation in developing a process that will result in a successful search for a new pastor.
To accomplish this, he said the congregation must look at where its been, not just in the last five or 10 years, but throughout its entire history.
The gifts and resources of the congregation as it is today will be assessed to find out what’s ‘unique? and ‘distinctive? about the church in terms of what it has to offer when it comes to meeting the spiritual needs of others.
‘Christian ministry begins at the local level,? Kuntzman said.
The congregation must redefine itself in terms of understanding its ministry and purposes in the community and use this as ‘kind of a template? in the search for a new pastor.
‘What do we believe God wants us to do now?? is the main question Immanuel’s congregation will have to ask itself, according to Kuntzman.
‘That’s not an easily answered question,? he said.
But its a question that must be answered and it must be answered in the context of the community because that’s where ‘the life of a congregation takes place.?
‘The quickest way for a church to die is to be only concerned for itself and its own survival,? Kuntzman said. ‘The church is always about service and ministry to others. If we forget that, we lose an essential part of our purpose.?
Kuntzman made it clear he’s only here to help develop and guide the congregation’s search process. He’s not here to tell them what to do.
‘I don’t come in with any preset plan of A, B, C, D,? he said. ‘Each congregation is different. You have a different set of circumstances, different histories. You cannot come in with a preset plan of how you’re going to do ministry in that church.?
Kuntzman described himself as open to others, outgoing, friendly and non-judgemental, all qualities he believes are helpful in the interim pastor role.
He likes the fact Immanuel has a small congregation of about 100 members and approximately 50 worshippers on Sunday.
‘There’s something really wonderful about a congregation this size because you have the opportunity to know one another, to have a real sense of community and care for each other,? Kuntzman said.
This is something the pastor believes is ‘very much lacking? in the world today as society becomes increasingly ‘atomized? and people are quick to shelter themselves from others in their search for peace, quiet and privacy.
To Kuntzman, the most visible sign of this is the disappearance of front porches where neighbors used to sit and talk to each other and people passing by.
Front porches have been replaced with backyard patios and decks which are more about isolating and insulating people from each other.
Another great thing about a small congregation like that of Immanuel’s is it really requires everyone to roll up their sleeves and pitch in.
‘When you decide to join this church, don’t plan on hiding in the woodwork and letting somebody else carry your water for you,? Kuntzman said.
As always, Immanuel Congregational Church of Christ continues to invite everyone in with open arms and hearts.
‘Whoever you are, wherever you are on your life’s journey or your spiritual pilgrimage, you’re welcome here,? Kuntzman said.
The church is located at the corner of Hovey and Dennison streets in the Village of Oxford.
For more information call (248) 628-1610 or visit www.icucc.org.