resigning soon and needing advice

Will pray.

Until recently, I'd never heard of a Personnel Committee. Is this a common thing? Unique to SBC?

 

I am not sure if a personnel committee is unique to the SBC, but it is quite common in the SBC.

Our church has a personnel committee, but it is nothing to do with the pastor or youth pastor, it deals with the church secretary and custodian.

 

In a small church when there is a problem it rocks the boat more. Whereas in a large chruch the problem hardly affects the chruch and the problems eventually leave.

There is a reason why small churches stay small. It's not usually good.

 

I'm a firm believer that there are two sides to every story. Assuming your side is absolutely accurate, my advice is to just leave quietly. When you can emotionally come to the point where your desire is really for their forgiveness, that you have an honest affection for those "who hate you," and can hoestly pray, "Father, lay not this sin to their charge," it's best not to say anything at all.

 

Every church was a church plant at one time. Every church has problems from the first day. The problem is people. They come with their baggage.

If you are interested in church planting take a look at www.ctkonline.com. The pastor is a former GARB who had a horrible experience. They have planted something like 15 or 16 churches since their beginning about six years ago.

If you want I can tell you more if you Email me. My sister and brother in law came to Christ through that church.

 

In a small church when there is a problem it rocks the boat more. Whereas in a large chruch the problem hardly affects the chruch and the problems eventually leave.

There is a reason why small churches stay small. It's not usually good. </font>[/QUOTE]My personal observation has been that the opposite is generally true. Small churches stay small when they study and expect you to study (whether they are doctrinally correct or not). Big churches generally entertain, having basketball courts, etc. This is not always the case, but often. Also, I'm not saying that providing fellowship areas is a bad thing, but when they're used to woo in the world, and the message has to be watered down to please the world, the church grows in numbers.)

I attended a larger church for many years. The elders wrested control from the pastor, deciding on what he could preach so as not to offend the big donors, etc. The smaller churches, when this has happened, the elders were booted. Rocks the boat? Absolutely. But, the situation was resolved instead of festering as it has in the large churches.

Rick Warren's junk will help a church grow bigger, and it's most certainly not biblically sound. What makes you think that a large church will be more likely to remain sound as opposed to a small church in which oversight is present?

 

Only Jesus can plant a real assembly. Anything else is surely man-made and will not abide through the fire.

Selah,

Bro. James

 

I object to the use the word "assembly."

 

How is that relevant here? First, this is about a resignation. Second, Jesus uses men to plant churches. He doesn't do it without them.

 

Walk away. This church is the way it is for a reason. It will remain that way for years to come. Take the high road and allow them to continue in their path toward a slow but inevitable death. There are too many opportunities to waste time on those who can't get their heads out of their own ... agenda (very selective with word use here)!

 

Your professor needs to read Rev. 2 and 3.

God has not called a number of churches. Certainly he did not call the church of satan in San Francisco. He has not called any church which is led by a false prophet.

 

If you see a brother overtaken in a fault are you not obligated to try to help him see the error of his ways?

 

I agree with the advice given by All About Grace, with the exception that before doing so, you need to make a statement. I doubt that everyone is a "lost cause". Make notes, give a talk, and don't look back, as long as you have peace from the Holy Spirit about it.

 

BroChris,

I will be praying for you over the holidays (I mean Christmas). All in all, church polity has become much more difficult today than it was 40 years ago. And it was not easy 40 years ago.

God bless

Wayne

 

God bless you Brother Chris.

 

Bro. Chris,

Hopefully, this church will leave you and your former pastor alone. That was not the case in my situation. I was forced out Aug 2000, along with my youth minister (who is also my best friend--I had discipled him). He finally found full-time ministry a few months ago, I have not, and am unlikely to find it barring a real miracle.

My former congregation, after I left, has called every church where I candidated and spread baseless lies and accusations against me. One pulpit committee had unanimously decided to recommend me to their church as interim,with a view to assuming the pastorate later. I was given that assurance on a Sunday evening, and by Tuesday, it was all over--my former church had found out, and they made their calls.

Because of this, there are only a few churches who will even ask me to supply their pulpit. We are involved in counseling people now, and teaching Sunday School. I no longer bother to submit resumes to churches.

My wife's health makes relocation not an option.

This sort of thing has happened to several pastors I know--I don't know who is worse, the accusers, or those who believe the tales with no evidence whatsoever.

Chris, if this starts, get out of Louisville while you can.