Word Games Don't Excuse Dishonesty
But it is the spirit in a man,
the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.
It is not only the old who are wise,
not only the aged who understand what is right.
-- Job 32:8-9
Wisdom doesn't always come from those in leadership roles. In fact, sometimes that is the last place we find it. Leaders get caught up in their power and fail to recognize they are merely the conduit for God's will. Let the games begin.
"Did you ask the pastor to leave?"
"No. Absolutely not."
Did you ask the pastor to find a new job?"
"Well, yes."
"Then you told the pastor to leave."
A local church (not my own) recently forced their pastor to resign. It has split the church wide open, with lifelong members leaving. The governing body, composed mostly of men who have been around forever it seems, follows no rules and disregards those who compose the body of the church. It is not the first time they have forced a pastor out. It is not the first time members have left because of it. But it is the first time so many of the church members have walked away.
It really isn't so much that the pastor is leaving. It happens. He is a good man with a good family. You could even make the argument that it is time for a fresh start. What has upset so many is the way it was done.
As an outsider looking in, (though I was once an insider) I am appalled at the dishonesty. If you want to make a change, make it. Don't lie about it. Don't play word games. Who do you think you are fooling? Not the people, for sure. And, most importantly, not God.
The pastor isn't the reason the church isn't growing. This church has been through this same argument before, when yet another pastor was forced to leave. It is the governing body that turns people away. If you were not raised in that church, if you don't have a long history there, you truly are not welcome. Oh, they'll smile and be nice. They'll take your money and your covered dish. But do not expect to ever have a voice in leading the church. Do not expect to be welcomed as a teacher or leader of any sort. They hold those positions, that power, closely. And that is what turns people away.
I am now a member of a church with a welcome mat out by the door, if not literally then figuratively. They welcome involvement from everyone. New members are encouraged to join a committee, participate in classes, give input as well as provide labor and tithes. When you feel part of the family, you invest yourselves and your heart into the body of Christ.
I am so sorry for all that has happened at this church down the road. I care so much for the pastor and his family and for many, many of the people who attend. But playing word games, won't change anything. Failing to take responsibility for your actions won't either.
Honesty works. Praying to God and following His lead is the only way to restore unity. That means eliminating pride and making the changes necessary to follow God is all things -- including who the pastor should be.
