Interim Pastor
Our Saviour Lutheran Church Welcomes our Interim Pastor Lance Braun and Norma Braun
Norma and Pastor Lance Braun
On Tuesday February 21, 2012, the Council met with Pastor Lance and Norma Braun after we all enjoyed the Shrove Pancake Supper attended by approximately 140 people.
The Council had a great exchange with Lance and Norma where everyone introduced themselves and we discussed our expectations of how to approach our interim period while we move forward in the calling process. We started with a prayer led by Lance followed by introductions on both sides. We discussed what OSLC is like, the ministries of the church, and the needs we would have for interim ministry. Lance and Norma discussed what they see in the interim period, their availability and how they would integrate into the ministry. The discussion was friendly, purposeful and gave everyone a chance to see if this is a good fit for both OSLC and the Brauns. Subjects included confirmation and youth ministries, worship, caring for the congregation, education and other needs.
We are glad to report that all believe this is an excellent opportunity for us to journey together in the mission of Christ. After a unanimous vote of approval by the Council, Pastor Lance accepted and will be our full time interim Pastor beginning in March. We are very excited about the opportunity have Pastor Lance and Norma as part of the OSLC community.
Pastor Lance and Norma will be finding housing in the area during their time with us.
About Pastor Lance Braun
Lance Braun was born in Binghamton, NY and currently
resides in Woodstock, VA.
He has been married to Norma for 44 years. They have three adult married
children and 5 grandchildren.
He holds two Masters degrees in Ministry (M.Div.) and Counseling
(M. Ed.) and a Bachelors degree in Chemistry and Physics.
He brings over 40 years experience in Parish and Campus
Ministries. He has been
actively in Interim Ministry for the past 7 years.
Community activities include Shenandoah County, VA Department of Social
Services; Founder and Vice President of Shenandoah County Free Medical
and Dental Clinic; Founder of The Masterworks Chorus of the Shenandoah
Valley; Chairman of Shenandoah County Emergency Food and Shelter Program
(FEMA); Visitor Services Volunteer at Harpers Ferry National Historical
Park; Master Gardener with Virginia Commonwealth Extension Service.
Lance has been a Miller and Docent at Burwell Morgan Mill for 13 years
and at Aldie Mill, Aldie, VA, for 5 years.
About Norma Braun
Norma is a retired special education school teacher who likes to spend her time these day on many community activities as well as leisure. As a grandmother to 5 grandchildren, including a new grandchild in the past year, she looks forward to spending time with her children and grandchildren. Norma and Lance travel to spend time whenever possible. Norma also enjoys many leisure activities including watercolor painting.
Please welcome them into our community and introduce yourself.
The understanding of Interim Ministry has changed greatly over the past few decades.
Older View of Interim Ministry -- Filling a Gap. In an older view, the Interim Pastor is merely a caretaker.-- someone who provides necessary pastoral coverage for a congregation which is temporarily without a pastor. The purpose is to fill a gap.
Newer View of Interim Ministry -- Interim Period as a Positive Opportunity. A newer view, based on research from the past few decades, sees the Interim Period as a very challenging and productive period of time in the life of a congregation. It is a time when the congregation has the opportunity to re-evaluate who it is. Typical questions to be asked are, "What is God calling this congregation to be and to do?" and "What does the congregation need to do to prepare itself for its next pastor?"
Advantage of Interim Pastor with Specialized Training. During this challenging period, the congregation can benefit from the assistance of a pastor with specialized training. A pastor with this specialized training is called an "Intentional Interim Pastor."
Intentional Interim Ministry is distinguished from other interim ministry primarily because it is intentional. Intentional Interim Ministry sees the interim period as a unique opportunity for the congregation to determine who it is and what its mission is. An Intentional Interim Pastor can lead a congregation through a carefully thought-out process that helps the congregation to determine its own mission and identity. This process is designed to lead to the selection of its next regularly-called pastor.
If a congregation wishes to consider the appointment of an Intentional Interim Pastor, it should contact the synod office about this possibility.
