An Interview with Pastor Jack Storry

Faith & Fellowship: How would you describe what's been happening in your congregation recently? You've gone from Rose of Sharon to a rather unique name.

Pastor Jack Storry: Greater Grace in Portland, Oregon has experienced transition over the last few years in three major areas; and we have seen God's grace in very wonderful and tangible ways. Change doesn't have to be scary or traumatic!

F&F: Describe the change for us.

PJS: The first area of change was in our name. When organized (we just celebrated our 50th Anniversary in October of 2008) the name Rose of Sharon was taken because of a popular Christian song which talked about Jesus as the "Rose of Sharon." The name also fit because Portland is the "City of Roses." However, as time went on, it was discovered that "Rose of Sharon" was not a name for Jesus in the Bible. Because our name was unique we were continually asked what it meant; and we had to explain the original intent, but then acknowledge that our name had no real biblical basis. After a lengthy process of considering a name change, the name, Greater Grace, was offered at a business meeting and it seemed appropriate because we are a church that focuses on, and trusts in, God's Grace. The use of "Greater" indicates that God's involvement in the life of the Church, and in our lives, is greater than any other thing which impacts us.

Transition, or change number two: Our sanctuary was in dire need of remodeling and updating. We left the 1960s and now have a new roof, foyer, exterior and interior paint, sound system, dual video projectors, carpet, lighting and updated electrical, window coverings; and our ‘60s orange pews were replaced with chairs. God's grace is seen in our renovations because the funds were provided by an individual who blessed us in her will when she died. Because of what we have experienced at Greater Grace, we encourage members of other churches to leave a portion of their inheritance to the church in which they have grown in their faith. Two individuals have done this for us in the past ten years and it has been such a wonderful blessing to us.

The third area of transition has been in the pastoral staff. When I came to Portland in 2001, an interim non-CLB pastor had served for about a year and a half. This had not been a positive experience, and the church experienced loss of attendance and spiritual vitality. The congregation did not want to go through this again, and looked for a way to find a pastor to follow me when that transition would come along.

While I know that some pastors have the emotional and physical stamina to be a solo pastor in a small congregation, this was not true for me. In 2006, I realized that it would be advantageous for me to turn the ministry at Greater Grace over to someone younger. The decision was made in 2007 to ask our Seminary to recommend a seminarian in his second year for us to consider, realizing that he would be available in the summer of 2008, about the time I would be 66 years old. Steve Paulson was recommended and we asked him and his family to visit Portland in June of 2007. There was an instant bonding between Greater Grace and the Paulson family, and a letter of call was issued and accepted in the Fall of last year. This enabled me to set a target date for resignation without the concern of the possibility of our congregation being served by another interim if another CLB pastor couldn't be found.

Steve began his ministry on July 1st. This has enabled me to be involved in the required Pastoral Candidate mentoring program and to be available to assist Steve as he began his pastoral service. This transition has been wonderful! Since the majority of our congregation is on the "grey hair side" a younger pastor was needed to bring new insight and energy. It has been my joy to watch God use Steve develop over the months, and to clearly understand that he has come to Greater Grace at a time when someone of his age and spiritual gifts are a God-ordained match for our congregation.

F&F: Any final thoughts on change or transition?

PJS: Change and transition can be hard; even when it comes to renovation and name change decisions. We might consider transition or change to be negative, or we can determine to trust in our faithful God to provide His wisdom and grace in each and every situation we face. If we believe God is leading us to change, why not look to the future with anticipation of His grace, rather than dread?

F&F: Jack, how has this affected your personal ministry?

PJS: Over the past few months, Steve's responsibilities have continually increased as I turn areas of ministry over to his care. He will take the lead pastor role on January 1st, and my resignation will be effective January 31st. We have witnessed God's "Greater Grace" in our church, and a renewed enthusiasm, as a new chapter in the life of our congregation has started to be written. As I look to the future for ways that God will continue to use me (I am not retiring but will seek other ways to serve the Lord) I also look back on the last seven years in Portland with thanksgiving to God in how He has provided His grace to us through transition. Change is always good if change is God's will!

Pastor Jack Storry serves Greater Grace Lutheran Brethren Church in Portland, Oregon.

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