What are supply clergy? Are they merely ordained persons who are authorized to use the costume, magic words and hand motions needed to legitimize an hour of worship while the life of the congregation goes along without them quite well, thank you very much?
That appears to be the way they are seen and used by more than a few small congregations without regular clergy. I think there are several reasons for it. First, some supply clergy, mostly retired, see themselves that way. They are disinterested in the pastoral care of the people whom they serve for a few hours, and maybe never again. The life of the congregation is of little concern to them. A bit of extra income and a chance to exercise their rights of ordination are what it's about.
Read Full Article »