I have been the pastor of a small older church for 5 years. The direction of about 10% of the body is opposite of myself, (I am instinctively drawn to making disciples and reaching out to unbelievers, a number of folks here are uncomfortable with all that). I suggested that the leaders designate me as an interim pastor so that they could start a pastoral search. They were without a pastor for over a year before, and I thought it was the honorable thing to do and would get us thinking positively about it. I also thought we were friends with good relationships and a sense of trust. I was approached yesterday and told to take my stuff and go now- as in today. Yesterday became a crazy day as we moved both my wife’s (best CE person I have ever know) and my operation out of their building, it’s amazing how much stuff you have in your office, all now in my crowded living room! I think my head has stopped spinning by this morning. Now I’m sitting here grasping what happened yesterday.
I guess I had kind of a gut check that this could happen, a couple of the guys have been in that place, but it really hurts that they had no consideration whatsoever for the devastating impact this would have on my beautiful family. I am now trying to tell my children that church does not suck.
One of the leaders made a stunning statement as I was leaving the building. Referring to an elderly handful of people that had abandoned the church because of the usual things, (a sermon was 5-10 minutes too long, didn’t like the music, communion wasn’t done right), he said they: “are the people that need us most.” … I thought people going to hell needed us most.
This to me is a breathtaking statement. These people whom he said need us most are Christians, strong, prosperous, pretty healthy, resentful Christians.
God had lately given this little church a tremendous calling, and as is usually the case, we have seen the fruit right before our eyes. We have seen souls come into the kingdom in the last few months, it has been so exciting. But the leaders have decided that the folks that have been saved most of their lives, and that have abandoned the work because they didn’t like the songs 2 weeks in a row should be the consuming (and it is going to be consuming) focus of the church’s ministry.
And all those neighbors who are destined to go to hell unless they are reached for Christ? I guess they’re not our problem!
As a shepherd I have been putting a little pressure on leaders to be spiritual leaders over God’s flock, not just buildings and rummage sales, I guess they’ve just had enough. It is a very unhealthy body, and has been since long before my time. I’m wondering if it would please God more to confront reality than to sweep it under the rug in the name of unity. Oh well, not my problem any more.
It’s hard to let go when you have been a shepherd. But as I sit here I am beginning to feel a little more liberty in my spirit, what can I do today?
I think I’ll start by listening to this:
“Your love is teaching me how to kneel” – Vertigo – U2
You can rest assured that God has another place for you. The church that rejects the servant’s heart of their pastor is in a sad place spiritually, but as you said, it is no longer your problem. The Holy Spirit will convict those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. Fortunately we are only responsible for our own reactions to the circumstances around us, and know that God is actively using those circumstances to shape us and grow us into the person He designed each of us to be. I pray that you and your family will have peace during this time of change and uncertainty; and may God meet all your spiritual, emotional, and physical needs so that you will know His love and provision.
Blessings,
Mary
Thank you for the encouragement. Especially about taking responsibility for reactions. We had a little Bible study this morning from 1 Peter “These have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” All for Him!
Hey Mark just a note to say how much you will be missed. I am so bitterly dissappointed and ashamed of the elders and the few malecontents in BHCC that I cannot believe it. You have been a fine minister to that body and have brought new people into the services and into the body of Christ. I do not know what basis they think have to tell you how to do your job or to ask you to leave, but I think they would do better to concentrate on what “elders” are supposed to be doing, like visiting and laying hands on and praying for the sick (which I have never seen or heard of them doing – possibly they do but not on any regular basis) being hospitable, (have you ever been invited to their truncatedhttp:/wp-admin/comment.php?action=comment&c=132
Just me again, hope this helps you all feel better about things. May God show you unmerited favor in the days to come and shower blessings upon you that you have dreamed of. I love you guys and I will miss your ministry.
Sue Cowen
Mark. The news I heard that day came as a shock to myself and my family. What once was my families place to honor and praise God together is now just a bulilding we drive by. Its not that we are discouraged but we are extremely ashamed of the elders of the church to act out like they did when they just don’t get what u were doing in not only elderly peoples lives but younger generations were getting brought in by the music they could associate with and the way you told your sermon so everybody could understand. And that’s the whole goal is to keep the elderly people who already believe and have strong relationships with God and to bring the next generation of young people in so they to can develop that relationship they need with God. As long as its being done which it was cuz its because of u the way u said your sermon why we were brought over to the church and became new strong believers and accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior. And for that my family and I consider u our Pastor and friend and will help u in any way to keep you spreading the good word like you were so that others like myself and family can become new believers. Even if we have to hold service in our home with you Pastor Mark until we can get a new thing going so that people know that what happened to you was wrong and that’s not what church is about. Its not the building that people come to too hear the Good Word of the Lord to be spoke but its the way its spoke to the people that keeps them returning and that’s what was happening. You r a great Pastor and friend Mark and my family will join u anywhere and help u to start new again. Thank you for all you have done Mark. Anybody else who feels the same is welcome in my home as well to hear u speak Mark. We will make room because we will not do as others and shut the door on people just because they want to be out of church at a certain time or didn’t like a song. You keep doing what you were doing Mark and keep your head high and great things are going to happen to you.
Hey Uncle Mark.
We got you coverd over here.
We just started a new week of 24-7 prayer,
so we ALL are holding you guys up over here.
Im not ashamed to call you my brother.
1peter.3
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.
love you guys.
-Daniel Thompson
Mark,Just want you to know how much I love you and how I hurt with you and your family. I want you to know the how much you have meant to my spiritual growth. If not for your encouragement and challenging words I would not have learned how to listen for the voice of God. I would never have learned to step out of my comfort zone and ever talk to a single stranger about the Lord. Jesus has used you to set a fire in my heart for the lost and that my friend is what it is all about. You have helped me grow in the freedom of worship, so much so that I can in no way fit back into the small box I came out of. You are an amazing, faithful man of God with a heart for seeking the lost..a kindred spirit..How I enjoy being on your team.
Hey Mark I have an idea!! It looks a lot like John Beetem’s!
Each one of God’s great chosen men have done their time in the desert,
time to let the angels tend your wounds,
then let’s go touch some lepers!
I love you brother see you soon!
Shelly