This has been a challenging and different week since our pastor resigned last Sunday. I was out of town on family vacation so I was not present for the announcement, but I was made aware of the news. I'm honestly still not sure if it was good or bad that I wasn't there, the only thing I can be sure of from that is that at least it spared me the emotions of the moment.
You may be wondering why I used the term "breakup" instead of resigning? Well, I believe that the relationship between a pastor and a church is much different than that of any other employee and their company. Yes, there is a work and duty relationship between them, but it's also a love relationship and more of a family feel of wanting what's best instead just seeking to earn a dollar like at truly secular company.
I'm sure that many of us have been in unhealthy relationship that were not good for the growth of either party. I'm not certain that was the case at our church since I don't know what the future holds for either of us, but I do hope and pray that we can both improve from the relationship. I've known that Robert's passion is reaching lost people for Christ, and I've seen how good he is at it. I have literally watched him turned almost any conversation to God within a matter of minutes while out witnessing. I would almost smile knowing what was coming as someone began a conversation with an 'ole country boy' not realizing they were minutes away from hearing the gospel.
As for Tabernacle, our attendance has not grown over the past couple years. I'm not sure if that's solely due to the demographics and decline of Christians in our community and town, or more so to an internal problem. Either way, churches should be always growing and that's what we need to work towards. As we transition into this difficult time of change, we must remember that without change you cannot have improvement. We must adapt and begin to look forward, as our friend and pastor leaves to follow God's will. We are saddened by his loss, but we do not grieve as the world does, or as a corporation would upon losing its top executive officer. We have a hope that the church is still the Bride of Christ!
Robert, thank you for all you have done for me over the past few years. Thank you for answering questions, and leaving some unanswered for me to search out myself. Thank you for helping me with things, and for asking me to help with things. Thank you for offering me opportunities to stand in the pulpit and find a new passion and strength for sharing the Word of God. I pray that the Lord strengthens you and provides for you as you continue to follow Him. I hope that our church will unite through this and remember the lessons we have learned from our former pastor and become a place for God's people to gather together and praise the Lord!
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray at this time for our church, that we will come together and grow from these circumstances. I pray for our leaders to have wisdom and strength to lead during this time. I pray for our church members who are losing more than a preacher, and are losing a friend too. I pray for Robert as he seeks your will. I pray for those who are unchurched, that they will find a place to gather and worship you. Let us be reminded how great and wonderful you are! Amen.
You may be wondering why I used the term "breakup" instead of resigning? Well, I believe that the relationship between a pastor and a church is much different than that of any other employee and their company. Yes, there is a work and duty relationship between them, but it's also a love relationship and more of a family feel of wanting what's best instead just seeking to earn a dollar like at truly secular company.
I'm sure that many of us have been in unhealthy relationship that were not good for the growth of either party. I'm not certain that was the case at our church since I don't know what the future holds for either of us, but I do hope and pray that we can both improve from the relationship. I've known that Robert's passion is reaching lost people for Christ, and I've seen how good he is at it. I have literally watched him turned almost any conversation to God within a matter of minutes while out witnessing. I would almost smile knowing what was coming as someone began a conversation with an 'ole country boy' not realizing they were minutes away from hearing the gospel.
As for Tabernacle, our attendance has not grown over the past couple years. I'm not sure if that's solely due to the demographics and decline of Christians in our community and town, or more so to an internal problem. Either way, churches should be always growing and that's what we need to work towards. As we transition into this difficult time of change, we must remember that without change you cannot have improvement. We must adapt and begin to look forward, as our friend and pastor leaves to follow God's will. We are saddened by his loss, but we do not grieve as the world does, or as a corporation would upon losing its top executive officer. We have a hope that the church is still the Bride of Christ!
Robert, thank you for all you have done for me over the past few years. Thank you for answering questions, and leaving some unanswered for me to search out myself. Thank you for helping me with things, and for asking me to help with things. Thank you for offering me opportunities to stand in the pulpit and find a new passion and strength for sharing the Word of God. I pray that the Lord strengthens you and provides for you as you continue to follow Him. I hope that our church will unite through this and remember the lessons we have learned from our former pastor and become a place for God's people to gather together and praise the Lord!
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray at this time for our church, that we will come together and grow from these circumstances. I pray for our leaders to have wisdom and strength to lead during this time. I pray for our church members who are losing more than a preacher, and are losing a friend too. I pray for Robert as he seeks your will. I pray for those who are unchurched, that they will find a place to gather and worship you. Let us be reminded how great and wonderful you are! Amen.
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