50171
By Keith Brake
Brian Cushman, the new pastor at Montezuma United Methodist Church, comes at a time that is very challenging to mainline denominational churches across rural America.
Many of those churches are closing their doors. Others are struggling.
Some are having difficulty finding a pastor and that’s part of why they’re closing or struggling.
Some of it is the age of the people in the congregation, Cushman said.
Some of is related to COVID . . . or other issues facing churches.
He said a pastorate offers the specter of being a stressful job.
“I spoke with the southeast Iowa district superintendent of the Methodist Church, who told me right now 10 churches have no pastor.”
What that means is a “multi-point charge,” – several churches sharing one pastor. “And there are going to be more of them,” Cushman said. “We have more going out than coming in,” and that means pastors as well as congregation members.
Put another way – and simplified – older people who pass away aren’t being replaced one-to-one by new, younger members.
“It started back with 911,” he said. Churches were inundated, he said, but only at first. He said years later, “Along came COVID, and we’ve got people watching us from home. They’re afraid to come back.”
He said live streaming of church services and events has its good side, but the opposite also is true.
“You can’t have community connection when people are sitting on their couch in their pajamas. Since the pandemic began, churches are finding it difficult get people to come back in person.”
“We need a plan,” Cushman said.
Cushman has a personal plan. He puts himself out there, which the self-proclaimed extrovert with a musical background doesn’t find difficult.
“I like going out and talking with people,” he said. “I’m not flashy, but I help where I can. I love ministry and being able to serve those around me.”
He said his goal the first four weeks at Montezuma United Methodist, “has been to gain the trust of everyone.”
He has attended Montezuma games. Expect to see him at more sporting events. “If you don’t support our kids . . .they’re our future,” he said.
“My goal is to let people know I’m here,” the pastor said.
“Our community is suffering with the disappearance of a young man (Xavior Harrelson),” he said.
“I have an orange light in my front window at the parsonage. Xavior’s poster was all over Webster City,” he said.
“I am here to support this congregation and lead them on a Christ-like journey.”
The pastor has an ever-changing toy tractor display in his office. Right now, it depicts “spraying and baling hay,” he said. “I pray for our farmers,” Cushman said. “They’re the ones who brought this town to where it is today.”
Eariler, Cushman mentioned age as having a role in shrinking attendance, but also the splits some denominations are having.
In the Methodist Chuch, there appears to be a split coming between the traditional church, which favors a strict interpretation of the Methodist Book of Discipline, which goes back a long way – and another segment that more openly supports inclusion of gay and lesbian beliefs.
“I am a traditionalist, but a split will hurt,” Cushman said. “It will break up the church either way.”
“I think it’s wrong to hate someone who chooses a different path of life,” Cushman said. “Aren’t we all supposed to practice unconditional love?”
So . . . pastor, what would be reasons to come to Montezuma United Methodist Church during these times?
“Oooh, that’s a tough one!” said Cushman.
But after only a few moments of hesitation, he had answers.
- “To get to know God, and learn what He can do in your life,” Cushman said.
- “To learn how we as a congregation can best serve this community,” had added. And . .
- “The big importance of family,” said Cushman. “As a church, we are a giant family, taking care of each other as brothers and sisters in Christ.”