Given the massive shortage of clergy and the broad vacancies across the nation, are there any emerging innovative ideas about how to provide clergy for parishes unable to find an episcopal priest?
We wanted to hire a recruiter to work on behalf alongside the Diocesan Canon - but we were turned down flat. We were just looking to help since the diocese is stressed and light on staff. We’re trying to be creative and supportive and action oriented.
We are now in year 3 without clergy- seeking full time. Our parish has been very healthy over the years.
Any innovative ideas out there? Any collabs with other denominations emerging maybe?
I know the typical substitute roles - supply- transition clergy - priest in charge - they’re old models that work for a while. But they aren’t helping us find a permanent pastoral guide for our parish. And we need a pastoral guide for our families and parishioners.
I’m concerned that we may be starting to see cracks between our parish members and their confidence in TEC.
So - for the sake of our parishioners spiritual health- are there creative solutions emerging anywhere across the country?