Meet Laurinda Hafner | Senior Pastor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Laurinda Hafner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laurinda, what role has risk played in your life or career?
It has been said that “if you are not risking your job, you are not doing your job.” This must be true for those in the corporate or business world, just as it is for those in ministry. It may seem strange that the world of pastoral ministry involves risk, but if indeed you are doing your job it comes with the chance of church members not liking a decision you make or a position you take. Over the years, the biggest risks I have taken are around issues of justice and peace. What some people may see as being too political, or not a part of the pastor’s job, I see it as living out the tenets of our faith which is to do justice, love mercy, and to walk humbly. The result of such risk-taking has been the engagement and attraction of folks who do not want to be “pew-sitters” but rather activists for transforming their community and beyond toward equality and justice. This has resulted in church growth, vitality, and the creation of a strong, dedicated congregation.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

When I became an ordained minister almost 45 years ago there were very few women leading congregations as a pastor. It was difficult finding a position, and then it was challenging to be the first woman as a pastor in a congregation when a position was offered. It came with a lot of suspicion, wariness, and uncertainty as most folks had only experienced male ministers. As I look back, I think the secret was (as in most positions previously dominated by men) to work twice as hard, rise to the occasion, be prepared, and do your best. It also helps in pastoral ministry just to love the people and be there for them when they need you. There was also some luck in finding churches that were open-minded and ready to accept change in their pastoral leadership. One such congregation, which is probably my proudest work, went from a worshipping congregation of 35 on a Sunday morning, to around 500 each week. That growth came through branding the church as a place of openness, compassion, service, and knowing that all were welcome just as they are and for who they are. I also think that being bold in your risk-taking, having a sense of humor, and enjoying what you do helps to overcome many challenges.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
What a great question! If I had three or four days, I would first and foremost bring them to my home in Coral Gables and show them all the sites of the beautiful area where I live. We would walk to the Venetian Pool, maybe even to Miracle Mile, and grab a coffee at one of the places downtown, returning by some of the smaller streets with beautiful banyan trees. Then to the Biltmore for lunch and maybe a mojito by the pool. In the afternoon, we would go to Fairchild or Montgomery Gardens to get in more steps before going to a late dinner at Bouchon. The next morning, we would head to Books and Books for a leisurely time of searching for new books to read, and of course, to have coffee. In the afternoon, my fingers would be crossed that there is a showing of an interesting film at the Coral Gables Art Cinema across the street. In the evening, we might head to South Beach for dinner and to people-watch on Ocean Drive. The final day we would go to Shark Valley and check out the gators and Everglades. That evening we would go to Smith and Wollensky’s for drinks outside to watch the cruise ships leave port. Then maybe grab dinner at Oliver’s. The next day we collapse and never eat again! P.S. If there is another day and we are still standing, we would go to Islamorada and enjoy a bit of the Keys.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My congregation, the Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ deserves a shout-out for their support and encouragement. They are team players and recognize the importance of being a healthy, faithful, hospitable and engaged church in living out their faith and for helping to make a difference in the community and beyond.