April 20, 2008

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Brockton,

It is with great reluctance, mixed, strange and painful emotions that I announce to you my intention to retire as the Assistant Pastor of First Evangelical Lutheran Church. My retirement will be effective approximately a month before the arrival of your new pastor. The actual date will be determined after the new pastor has been called.

I tell teenagers not to just look to the moment, doing what feels right in the short term, but to see the appropriate long term consequences of an action, or inaction. However, that is often easier said than done. If I could wait until this decision felt good in the short term, it would never happen. I like it here. However, for the long term vitality and growth of this parish, this is something that has to be done. I truly feel blessed to have been a part of this congregation for so long.

As with many decisions, the seeds have been sown for quite some time. When Pastor Fruth was nearing retirement, I knew that mine was a very real possibility when he did retire. It was most fortunate for me that I could stay here this last year and a half, because Pastor Fruth went to bat for me. Also at each major youth event I wondered "is this the last one?" Actually when I arrived in 1980, I knew that my stay here was tied to Pastor Fruth's tenure. For 28+ years, that policy has worked well for me. Now, when I wish that policy was not the case, I cannot toss its wisdom aside.

I'll be the first to admit, I didn't pick up everything in seminary, but we all knew the importance of the beginning, the start for a pastor in a new parish. We were taught how integral that time was for the beginning of a new ministry. A new pastor needs and deserves a fresh start, and nothing should get in the way.

This is a very crucial juncture for this parish, and everyone should be focused on the new pastor in order to make the transition successful for the congregation. Since seminary I have witnessed several botched transitions, including my own first parish. I have tried to broach this idea with some members of the congregation by using the partial analogy from sports: Terry Francona did not have to work with Grady Little looking over his shoulder. A fresh start is important.

My decision has been the result of prayerful consideration, first in observation of the last year and a half; as well as discussions with family, synod, supportive members of First, and my gut.

As I write this I reflect upon my very mixed emotions, it feels reminiscent of those mixed emotions watching our three sons become adults, when very appropriately the role of dad changed dramatically. I knew they needed to make their own decisions, so they could grow into the adults they are.

The whole Hilston compound, along with Rob and family, realizes fully the debt of gratitude to this congregation for its nurturing love, and for me, the gracious opportunity to be a pastor in your midst with Pastor Fruth and Pastor Norris. I know this is the role, the vocation in life, I was created to live out, and I am most grateful that most of that time was here, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Thank you.
The Lord Be With You,

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Kenneth W. Hilston, Jr.,
Assistant Pastor, First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Brockton
a.k.a. PH