What Would You Do if This Was You?

[Sherri]

Originally Posted by ILG

This is a statement that can sting like the dickens to a home missions pastor. Wasn't it Jeremiah who had no converts?

Sorry, ILG, I wouldn't hurt you for the world. My opinions are just that.........my opinions.

[ILG]

Originally Posted by Sherri

Sorry, ILG, I wouldn't hurt you for the world. My opinions are just that.........my opinions.

Thanks Sherri.....since I'm out of Home Missions, it didn't really hurt anymore....but it would have hurt when we were in it. There are Home Missions churches like the one youo grew up in. I think the church I was in before Home Missions was very much like that. But, when we were in Home Missions, we did everything we could to make it grow. But it didn't grow very well. People would say "Well you better hit the streets" in an arrogant know-it-all tone. They didn't see what we had been doing......

[Sherri]

Originally Posted by ILG

Thanks Sherri.....since I'm out of Home Missions, it didn't really hurt anymore....but it would have hurt when we were in it. There are Home Missions churches like the one youo grew up in. I think the church I was in before Home Missions was very much like that. But, when we were in Home Missions, we did everything we could to make it grow. But it didn't grow very well. People would say "Well you better hit the streets" in an arrogant know-it-all tone. They didn't see what we had been doing......

I guess I consider Home Missions different than the way I grew up. Our church had been in existence for years and years and years. Home Missions works are new and have to take time to be built up. But if after 50+ years, if the church is still 40 people, I think there's a problem.

[ILG]

Originally Posted by Sherri

I guess I consider Home Missions different than the way I grew up. Our church had been in existence for years and years and years. Home Missions works are new and have to take time to be built up. But if after 50+ years, if the church is still 40 people, I think there's a problem.

LOL! Well, that's kind of like the church I came into. Now, I won't say they didn't try initially, but I see a real burn out. We drove by there recently and the cross that was suppoed to be lit up on the side of the building they built when it was new (and it is a nice building) still is not finished more than 20 years later. Also, a tree that has a wood ring around it has grown so the ring is lifted about 8 inches above the ground. So, there are points to what you are saying and the shoe does fit some churches and some people. But, some are trying their guts out and having a hard time getting anywhere. For us, the hardest part was all the neighboring pators ( and there were many in this area and we were ASKED by the presbyter to go there) all made sure we knew that their saints were OFF LIMITS to help us out. They were all very tightfisted. It was the beginning of my disillusionment with the UPC. But my love affair still lasted for quite some time afterwards.

This pastor though....it was summed up in another post. If it's God's will to stay, stay and, if not, move on. Nobody's opinion matters.

[Sherri]

Originally Posted by ILG

LOL! Well, that's kind of like the church I came into. Now, I won't say they didn't try initially, but I see a real burn out. We drove by there recently and the cross that was suppoed to be lit up on the side of the building they built when it was new (and it is a nice building) still is not finished more than 20 years later. Also, a tree that has a wood ring around it has grown so the ring is lifted about 8 inches above the ground. So, there are points to what you are saying and the shoe does fit some churches and some people. But, some are trying their guts out and having a hard time getting anywhere. For us, the hardest part was all the neighboring pators ( and there were many in this area and we were ASKED by the presbyter to go there) all made sure we knew that their saints were OFF LIMITS to help us out. They were all very tightfisted. It was the beginning of my disillusionment with the UPC. But my love affair still lasted for quite some time afterwards.

This pastor though....it was summed up in another post. If it's God's will to stay, stay and, if not, move on. Nobody's opinion matters.

Right, I totally agree.

Unfortunately, when I was growing up, most of my pastors only stayed a few years and then moved on. At the time I didn't understand why. As an adult looking back, I think I understand more of what went on back then.

[triumphant1]

I think this pastor--if he really wants to leave--is doing the church a dis-service by staying. Let me clarify, all of us go through times of discouragement and start looking at what we perceive as greener pastures across the fence. But when we lose the vision and passion for the church with NO possibility for it to be re-ignited, it is time to reconsider our involvement there.

With that said, I am not saying this pastor should quit--but at the same time I do not completely buy into this whole, "I want to leave so bad that the roof is caving in but God won't let me go" business. I do not believe that the will of God is to put this man in a dungeon like slavery situation!

I have gone through some trying times in pastoring our church. My flesh has cried out, "LEAVE!!! I want to LEAVE!!!" more than once. But my spirit, and my vision, and my desire for the church NEVER said leave!! Every time my flesh got tired--my spirit kept the faith! And today we are seeing the fruit of staying--with joy and peace!

If this man has completely lost the vision and desire--both in flesh and spirit--all he is doing is running that thing into the ground!

I am sorry this is so long but please bear with me.

This man must rekindle the fire if he is going to stay! I would start with getting a hold on a new vision for the church. That would start with cleaning the place up--even if I had to do it myself! My wife and I have done this on more than one occasion! Paints some walls! Plant some flowers! Clean some carpets!! It will put life into the people just for them to walk in on Sunday and see fresh paint, a new flower arrangement, maybe a new chair and table in the foyer...

Rearrange the platform! Do something new! Give the place a face lift! A new vision and new enthusiasm for the church can start with this simple action! They say, if you want to keep it alive, change the scenery no less than every three years! Even major corporations do this. Church consultants say every 6 months change a color here, a color there, add and replace furniture--let there be a constant rotation of newness in your facilities!

Next, he should seek for fresh vision in the church! STOP DOING THE SAME OLE SAME OLE!!!!

I gotta stop...but let me say. If he can't mobilize himself to action--because his flesh and spirit have both given up--then he needs to leave. God will let him go with no strings attached! And that church will go on with a new leader if it is indeed a part of the Kingdom of God! Otherwise, get up there and do something new--and re-energize himself and that church!

[triumphant1]

Bump for Rhenda....

Did my words make sense? I would love some feedback on them.