Need some advice...

Wow, that is quite a dilemma. Our church manages to maintain unity despite differences. For example, we have been discussing open vs closed communion as a policy without an angry split. It does not have enough support on either side to see the Spirit in it. I think we as a church learned this from painful history decades ago.

Unless the pastor is in some kind of blatant sin or some kind of off the wall theology that changes who Jesus Christ is, then I feel it is the congregation's duty to support him, especially over non-essential and petty differences. He was called there by God, and your congregation voted for the call.

I would not stay at a church that had an organized effort to dump a pastor based on likes or dislikes. There are many, many churches around that would appreciated your ministry, time, and offerings.

 

This story is the perfect example why I believe the Bible does not teach a congregation should run the church. God has put shepherds / elders (plural) to make these decisions, and are ultimately accountable to God.

 

Great point.

 

I am certainly sorry to hear of this situation and I will certainly pray that your pastor and his family will find another church to serve at soon. It also sounds like it is time for you to find another church however it must be the Lord's leading if you decide to leave. It sounds like you are attending church with a bunch of carnal Christians! If they have been doing this for a long time then things probably won't change. They as well need lots of prayer!

As a pastor's wife I know how hurtful it is to find out that people in your church have been telling falsehoods against you and sowing discord. Right now is the time for you to earnestly pray for and support your pastor and his family!

 

Advice?

I used to kick box. I still throw a pretty mean left hook. I'd have slugged the gossiper. :laugh:

Just kidding.

My real advice? Leave. Leave. Leave. And may the next pastor reign down the fire that is 1 and 2 Corinthians on that church. I can't BELIEVE that people are talking shop with non-believers. And according to what you tell us, the people who are being visited say "do NOT bring that man to my house again."

You know what? EVERY church has that one special gossiper. And you will never change them. Only God can. And if He won't, then you'll just have to wait until the gossiper dies or leaves. We got one guy just like that....gossips, causes trouble, makes problems with the weaker ones and with those who are having trouble. We're going to have to go all Matthew 18 on him I guess.

You cannot change that local body and it sounds like they are hateful, back-biting, I-go-to-church-cuz-its-a-social-club types. Leave and find a church filled with loving people. YOu will never find a perfect church, but you can find a local congregation of people that love the Lord and love you. Ask the Lord to show it to you.

 

What was the reason they gave for letting him go?

 

There is no reason to waste your valuable time and ministry life in a church like this. They are going to do whatever they want. I suggest leaving and finding a church that is more suited for being concerned about reaching people and being the Gospel to those who need it.

There is no reason to waste your spiritual vitality, time, or enter the cooridoors of frustration with these people. Move on and be blessed. You've got 1 life...clearly yours will count for the Gospel...no need wasting it with those who want to hold us down.

thanks for the thread!

 

Certainly, this is one case in point. I think we all have seen situations where this is certainly not a good thing, a congregation led church.

 

Unless you could clean house, I think I would have to move on myself.

 

The sad thing, Jet11, is that churches like this are hard pressed to stay this way. One church I have seen has been like this for years, and there isn't much to change it.

Others have eventually seen the work of God, but a lot of people were wiped out.

 

Wow! That's a horrible story about a church. It sure sounds like much of the body is infiltrated with satan's influence. Gossip is a killer of ministry at all levels. If your elder board and/or deacons went along with the membership then, they are weak and should be even more ashamed for allowing such activities to proceed.

IMHO, church business is CHURCH business, not the local population's. Those church members who were discussing this situation should have been brought up in front of the elder board and asked to justify their actions. If they had some contention with the pastor, they should have voiced their complaint to the elders. What you have seen is a spiritual lynching of what you say is a good man.

My last advice to you would be to write a letter to the elders and membership stating why you are choosing to leave their church. Back up your statements with scripture and tell them that you simply cannot fellowship with the unrepentant who are giving Christians everywhere a real bad reputation. This has been satan's playground for some time and it looks like he won this round. Eventually, all of this will destroy your little church which is a shame. But, when the members take on the role of accuser, judge and jury and convict the pastor then execute him with their own vote, they have violated most every standard for governing a church.

Maybe those who weren't real happy with this decision will learn from it and gain some strength to save their church and start confronting those who's lives are governed by the deadly sin of gossip. You have a right to be angry and for all the right reasons. I will keep you in my prayers.

 

This story is a good example of a church that is either poorly organized or not run according to its constitution and by-laws. The procedure for removing the pastor or any staff member should be clearly spelled out with requirements for notification of all members and a sufficient waiting period to make sure that any member who wants to participate can. The fact that the church was able to call for a vote on firing the pastor while he on vacation and without his knowing it is proof of problems.

This reminds me a little bit of the story of Clarence Jordan's expulsion from his church in Georgia. He was away when a report was presented on his activities at Koinonia Farm. The conclusion of the report was that Jordan be expelled from the congregation. At a few moments of uneasy silence, his wife, Florence, rose and moved the acceptance of the report.

I suggest that when you have found a new church, tell the pastor in private about your story. Ask for a copy of their by-laws and constitution. That should help you make a decision.

Tim Reynolds

 

Wow! Talking about your church with non-christians, gossip, etc...

I have to say they are carnal christians. You never talk with non-christians about your church.

I believe the word Ichabod applies here. It's time to leave and find another church home.

Why aren't the deacons doing their job? The congregation shouldn't be running the show.

It's one thing to have a problem with members in your church, it's another thing to gossip.

They should have had a discussion with the preacher themselves. Sounds like mob rule to me.

 

My guess is that this church has probably done something like this before, and probably would do it again.
I'm in agreement with those that suggest you find a new place of worship and service.
I recently pastored a church similar to this and after a while all you can do is leave them to their self destruction and hope that they don't do any more damage to the kingdom of God.