|
|||||||||||||
Printer-Friendly
Email this Story
Post a Comment (0)
Herndon, McLean churches share a common bond, pastor
"The church felt like it was dying," recalls Todd Weiss, head deacon at First Baptist Church of Herndon, referring to events of a month or so ago.
When First Baptist's longtime pastor Raymond Spears became too sick to continue in his position, the church's tightly knit congregation didn't know what would happen from week to week.
"People didn't know if what they expect to have on Sunday was going to be there for them," Weiss said. With no pastor to take over for Spears and a congregation that was growing smaller by the week, First Baptist needed help ... and got it, not directly from above, but from down the street.
"We're going to be walking side by side with them for a year," said the Rev. Trisha Manarin, an associate pastor at McLean Baptist Church. Manarin and the thriving McLean Baptist are the saviors of the beleaguered Herndon church. The two congregations have not merged exactly but are sharing pastors and resources for the next year, and are planning events together.
"When a Baptist church is doing well, it's normal for them to start a new church somewhere. ... [McLean Baptist] was looking to do that, but instead they're helping us right now," Weiss said.
Manarin is the McLean Baptist pastor who will be working most with First Baptist, and she says she's found the experience valuable so far.
'They're a different congregation than [McLean Baptist], they're closer, more of a community," Manarin said. McLean's large membership comes from all over the Washington area, whereas First Baptist has been serving many of the same families in the same neighborhoods for decades. For 18 years, First Baptist has had the same pastor, so hearing sermons from Manarin and her fellow guest pastors is a new experience for them.
"[Manarin] is definitely different; [Spears] is more of a teacher and a historian. ... She has a lot more vivacity," Weiss said.
"Their morale seems to be boosted. ... I think they're excited about the change,” said Manarin, who has preached twice at the church since the agreement became formal last month. According to both Weiss and Manarin, arrangements like this between churches are fairly rare, and the two groups are still figuring out exactly how it will work.
"We're thinking of maybe doing a mission together, maybe other events with one another," Manarin said.
"I'm hoping we can get to the point where we can maybe help someone else out," Weiss said.
You must be logged in to post a comment.