Our Work Flowed

In 2019, St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Medina, Ohio said goodbye to Pastor Tom as he retired. Because of Covid, the call committee was finally able to start their work in the Spring of 2021. “We were where lots of congregations found themselves during this time,” said Jill Heck, Chair of the Call Committee. “We didn’t know how to get together to do the work of the committee, when and even if we could get together. Covid was quite difficult. It didn’t allow us to have the same access to each other that we were used to having. That slowed the Call Committee down.

During this same time, Rev. Mitch Phillips began his work at the Northeastern Ohio Synod office as the Assistant to the Bishop responsible for the Call or Transition Process. “Bishop Laura Barbins and I have been working on making the call process more contextual.” shared Pastor Mitch. “We want to be able to better respond to situations. Now we refer to it as the Transition Process because call is only a small part of it.”

When Pastor Mitch began his work with St. Matthew their position had been vacant for nearly 2 years. “They were eager to call a new pastor,” he said, “but their particular situation required finding someone who could manage a staff as well.”

“Once we got going as a committee, we were steadfast,” shared Jill. “We met once every two weeks initially. There were times we met weekly. It was really important for us to review the process in the Call Manual for the ELCA and learn it and understand it. We also wanted to act accordingly. It made a big difference because by doing so, we started with growing together spiritually before we started doing the work of the committee. Pastor Mitch helped us in this respect. By being together spiritually, our work flowed so much easier because people felt safe and secure in their relationship with one another. It was a really beautiful thing.”

The committee members worked diligently to ensure they represented what the congregation wanted while also understanding this was a partnership with the synod office. “That was very enlightening,” Jill said. “Hearing from Pastor Mitch the synod’s position with regards to the call helped make it about the greater church, not about a singular church.”

Jill, the committee, and the congregation are grateful to the Synod Office, and Pastor Mitch for the leadership provided to them during their call process. “Although he was new to his position, he was very knowledgeable about the Call Process and assisted the Call Committee from beginning to end. He always had time to answer our questions and give guidance on sensitive issues.”  

“What Pastor Mitch did exceedingly well was to not only guide us administratively, but he was our Spiritual Call Committee leader as he continuously prayed for us and reminded us that we were doing God’s work. Over time, it was clear that his influence helped to mold us into an open, caring group of God’s faithful servants who recognized that we had the privilege to receive the Holy Spirit as we prepared our Ministry Site Profile, prepared questions for prospective candidates, interviewed candidates, and made the recommendation to our congregation.” 

“The process at times was tedious and seemed like we were not making progress, but the thorough preparation resulted in the Call Committee being assured that God was in our midst and that the recommendation to call Pastor Steve Mahaffey was indeed God’s plan for St. Matthew. On February 27, 2022, the congregation voted to call Pastor Steve.”

Your mission support to the Northeastern Ohio Synod makes it possible for the synod staff to walk alongside congregations providing spiritual guidance, coaching, teaching, and process support. Thank you for your partnership in this ministry we share here in Northeastern Ohio Synod.