Seems like the day to make posts.
I voiced concern that we are making a decision for the church that is not wise. (E is demanding that not only do “we” send S on sabbatical, but also that we say nothing about it. So S will just be gone and no one is supposed to notice or worry that he is gone. If we don’t communicate, people will just trust that they don’t need to know anything about why their worship leader is absent for 5 weeks). I said that we need to communicate — actually, have S communicate with the congregation that he is taking a sabbatical.
Anyway, because I voiced that to the elders, E just sent a condescending email telling me to kindly keep my opinion to myself because he, the great one with authority, has spoken and once he has spoken, the matter is completely settled. (I am not exaggerating…crazy, I know).
I have written an email to M, the chairman of the elders, pointing out the foolishness of this policy of when E (or any of the elders) speaks, there can be no other voice. I think he thinks he is the Pope. This email could well be the end of my ministry here.
I have been sitting here with the email on my screen for over an hour. I need to push send. It is important for the church. What does it mean for my family?
I think I am going to throw up.
I too could throw up!
I guess the question is whether Mr infallible does, in fact, speak for the board of elders. If he does, either because they agree or because they are not willing to confront his self-aggrandizing power tripping, then the only decision you have to make is whether it is worth being the focal point of a possible church split or whether it is best to leave quietly. If he does not represent the heart of the board then you may yet be able to accomplish some good there.
I suspect you will discover whether or not E is the pope in pretty short order. In either case, it is not your calling that is at issue here. The issue is whether the board has the will to carry out their biblically ordained responsibility towards the local body. No amount of sound advice from me, you or anyone else will resolve that issue because it is a matter of their attitude towards God and what He holds dear and that is between them and God.
Praying. Chas
Shepherd,
The title of your little piece of the interwebs may well be a place of refuge as well as a perspective through which you may continue to think through these very difficult times.
I read through this installment and wondered just how the process would work to expose the abuse of power. I cannot get Jesus’ image of turning the other cheek as a non-violent means to point out the even footing all people stand on. And, when taken too far there ought be a bit of embarrassment. I cannot think about how this turning the other cheek thing works in this instance. But, there must be some way wherein his backhand is forced to publicly demonstrate his willingness to use his forehand thereby exposing his bullying for what everyone knows it is but is unsure how to move forward.
I suspect you have a fair amount of wisdom. You seem to have a great deal of experience – varied at that. If we knew one another, I would gladly be your armor-bearer and say, as Jonathan’s did, do all that is in your heart to do for I am with you heart and soul.
Thanks a ton!
I sent the email. Who knows where it will go. We are having a family meeting tonight to help prepare the kids.
seriously? he told you to keep your opinion to yourself? And they hired a pastor why? What are S’s thoughts on this? If it works with him I would refer people to him. Let them hear straight from the horses mouth what the other end of the horse is doing!