Looking back on twenty five years of pastoral ministry in one congregation, and looking ahead to the next eight years and beyond in the same church, is intended to help:
• reflect on the 200 year history of the church,
• learn from other pastor sized churches with long term pastors,
• experience new vigor in congregational life and ministry,
• prepare for an informed and satisfying transition to new pastoral leadership in the next eight to ten years.
Major components of the renewal program will include:
• Research and reflection on Baptist history in Maine, and this church in particular,
• Interviews with long term pastors in New England and Old England to explore the unique dynamics of long term pastorates in pastor sized churches.
Renewal will be enhanced by:
• Opportunity for research and reflection,
• Retreating from Freeport to a place of quite and seclusion on Cape Cod,
• Worship and personal interaction with pastors and laypeople in congregations of similar size with long term pastors in New England,
• An extended stay in England that allows for participation in the Baptist World Congress and connection with Baptists from all over the world, as well as interviews with long term pastors in that country.