Revitalizing Wesley United Methodist Church by reclaiming a biblical understanding of the role of pastor

This project sought to address the need for revitalization and restoration of church health at Wesley United Methodist Church in Wausau, Wisconsin, following a decade of high turnover of pastors. The results of this high turnover included conflict within the congregation, mistrust of denominational leaders, and mixed and often contradictory expectations of the pastors.;To address these issues and to seek a remedy, the project examined the role of the shepherd-pastor through biblical and theological literature and in a general review of contemporary literature on the subject. Next, the project presented a six-session class for the church members to share information about how a biblical understanding of the role of pastors is critical to church health. A six-part sermon series, utilizing the class material, was also part of the project. Interviews with key congregational and denominational leaders contributed rich insight into the issues involved and the need for the revitalization which the project hopes to achieve.;Few church members and leaders chose to participate in the class. Lack of participation did not render the effects of the project as null, however, but revealed the depth of the issues ingrained at Wesley United Methodist Church, which the scope of the project was unable to fully address.;Revitalization through this project as applied in future ministry contexts can offer hope of church health and even growth, using God's plan of leadership.