Actscelerate.com

Da Sheik

Ever taken a smaller church?

Acts Enthusiast Posts: 1865 **11/30/17 3:27 pm**

We recently had a discussion here about knowing when it's time to leave your current assignment. I think it's also important to discuss what happens when you are ready to leave. If you have several options, don't always choose the obvious. Most of us would like to leave and get a "promotion" if we're being honest. We would like to go to a bigger church, with better finances, etc. That is perfectly logical. But allow me to share a personal story with you:

Back in the early 90's I reached an impasse with my congregation. Looking back, I can see we both should have handled things differently, but hindsight is 20/20. Regardless, my wife and I were ready for a change (and a promotion if I'm being honest). So we went through the typical process of auditioning for different churches. We had two churches that expressed particular interest. One was definitely a promotion from all outward appearances. They had a nice facility, good attendance, and what seemed to be reasonable finances.

Another church wanted us, but for all intents and purposes, it was a lateral move for us. The church was about the same size as our current one, and historically had never been a thriving church. It seemed like such an obvious choice for us, but after I preached at the smaller church I felt a connection to them that I was not expecting. They were not a big church, but I sensed they really had the desire and the will to grow. So we prayed.

My wife and I both agreed that even though it didn't make sense in the natural, we would miss the mark if we didn't take the smaller church. For the first few years we saw nominal growth. But we were not discouraged. In the third year there, we began to see incremental changes that were very encouraging. By the time we left there, the church was thriving. And the church we thought was our "first choice"....they were almost ready to close down. We could not have foreseen any of that, but God knew.

Cojak

01000001 01100011 01110100 01110011 Posts: 24284 **11/30/17 6:34 pm**

Thanks. Speaking as a PK only, My dad started pastoring in the late 1920's. He was considered a pioneer preacher. I don't think that feeling ever left him. He pastored or started 7 churches in his 50+ years of service. The only church he changed to that was a promotion was the last one.
He enjoyed the 'Building a family.'

I still admire someone who is willing to 'follow their heart and His will.'

I did enjoy the testimony. YOu have good heart my brother! Cool

_________________
Some facts but mostly just my opinion!
jacsher@aol.com
http://shipslog-jack.blogspot.com/

FLRon

Acts-celerater Posts: 782 **11/30/17 7:36 pm**

That was very refreshing Sheik. Thank you for sharing.
_________________
“Hell will be filled with people that didn’t cuss, didn’t drink, and may even have been baptized. Why? Because none of those things makes someone a Christian.”
Voddie Baucham

Cojak

01000001 01100011 01110100 01110011 Posts: 24284 **12/1/17 12:24 am**

It is no secret. That many years ago as the COG grew and pastors were moved every 2-4 years (so no one could 'own' a church (My interpretation)), it was common for pastors to 'climb the ladder' with every change. Many times the pastor who thought he was being promoted in fact was not.

That 'climb the ladder' syndrome is VERY SLOWLY losing its traction with pastors being allowed, or electing to remain and do a better work.

I still believe in pastors praying to be led by his will. I also believe that some overseers pray over appointments. I wish that was the norm, but I am not sure. WE have become pretty business oriented. There is always that elephant in the room of 'your name or your connection'. Cool

But it is a pleasant moment in an overseers life when someone will ask for, or accept a lateral or step down, I would think! Wink

_________________
Some facts but mostly just my opinion!
jacsher@aol.com
http://shipslog-jack.blogspot.com/

wayne

deleted

Acts Enthusiast Posts: 1274 **12/1/17 9:30 am**

delete