SF, one of the pastors on staff, has worked very closely with E through the years. She has, in her words, become very close with E. She trusts him and considers him a friend. She understands what has happened, but she isn’t sure where it leaves her.
That was this morning.
This afternoon E started emailing her angry emails demanding she still dance to his tune. She is hurt and betrayed.
She is seeing what I saw. I didn’t expect it to happen like this.
I guess rabid dogs bite whoever is near.
This morning, when I told the church staff that E had been put on “indefinite sabbatical” there was a cheer. The room felt lighter.
As we talked, cheers gave way to tears. E has been around a long time and has had daily (and oppressive) interaction with one of the pastors. She has worked directly with him for nearly seven years. She is not sure what ministry will look like without him. How will she get things accomplished? Off of whom should she bounce ideas?
Things got quiet.
“Truthfully, I just got used to doing what I was told.”
Freedom.
It means E doesn’t have control any more. It also means we have to figure out how to work on our own.
We have been told what to think so long, we have forgotten how. We are like battered women who have to learn to manage their own money.
Freedom.
Freedom is exciting. It is also scary.
I get the opportunity to lead the staff to know how to live in freedom. I get to help them experience ministry without a bully.
I am ready.
Tonight, the elders manned up.
They asked E to step down. Well, actually, they put him on an indefinite sabbatical. I don’t know exactly what that means, but they have removed him from all positions of leadership and he is no longer able to teach. M was the prime mover.
These guys made a stand for what was right. Now we see where it goes from here.
I’ll write more tomorrow, but wanted to let everyone who was praying what happened.
Wow.
Today was a blessed day indeed. The morning was spent ‘participating’ in worship with my folks. It’s just weird to not be in front, leading people to God as I have been for the last 8 years. This afternoon though… GREAT!!! My family and the Shepherd’s family spent a few hours breaking bread and sharing wine (and grape juice) around the table. We talked about where we both are in our ministries and what could be happening in the next few days. We also just talked. I think this is how it was when Jesus share bread and wine (not grape juice) with his friend. We finished off our time together pray and singing. It was very good! – S
One of the elders came up to me this morning and said that E had emailed the elders and said he would not be at church this morning because he was “sick.”
My kids all said, “Riiiiiiiiight.”
True or not, I was glad he was absent.
I think I told you, even though I resigned, I am still preaching today.
My wife, SW, asked me, “On a scale of 1 to 100 how apprehensive are you.” 105.
The church knows nothing. It is by design. That is how this church has been led for many years. Just keep them in the dark and tell them to trust us that it is really light.
Today is no different. Only it is me standing in front of them talking about light.
Lord, please give me strength to face the calling you have given me.
Funny thing. Pastors seem to be gullible people. Especially me.
Last Sunday a lady at church said, “I really need to get some sound spiritual counsel because I am thinking about getting involved in a new business.”
I made an appointment in some of the most guarded time in my schedule–Saturday night. Normally I am slowing down and going to bed early ready for Sunday. Tonight I got to listen to a Multi-Level-Marketing plan. Amway all over again.
Nope, I didn’t sign up.
Yes, I did resent being baited.
The guy said, “Everyone has two friends.” I wanted to say, “Until they invite them to one of these meetings.”
I think people really think pastors are a gold mine. Not this one. I couldn’t sell ice cubes in hell.
Rob Bell doesn’t even think it is that hot there. See, even that market is drying up.
Must be the economy.
*****disclaimer….I love Rob. I am just starting “Love Wins” and I like it so far.******
