I know that I haven't posted much and you guys really don't know me but my DH (Ben) and I could really use your prayers right now. We are part of the United Methodist Church which we both love. In June, the UMC makes appointments for new pastors. This year, we were one of the churches that welcomed a new pastor. He has been with us for exactly five weeks and in those five weeks the whole face of our church has changed. There has been NOTHING that has remained the same. Don't get me wrong, I am all for change!! But, this man has killed every program in our church and hasn't started any new ones. He has done this single handedly. The decisions in our church are made by an administrative council. The pastor has totally bypassed this committee and killed these programs without any discussions with the council at all. We had a meeting last night that got pretty heated. Throughout the meeting the pastor continually justified his actions. It is with heavy hearts that B and I have decided to leave that church. We love the people there but don't feel as though we can worship with that man standing up front anymore. This is not typical of our denomination at all. I have no clue how this man has continued to be a preacher! Anyway, B is just not acting like himself. I saw a lot of anger this morning and really just want him to be able to move on peacefully. Please pray that God will give him a peace and that he can let this anger go (and me too).
I really feel for you and your church. My fil went through the very same thing. Please say you aren't from NC or I will think you got the pastor who recently was moved from my fil's church. That pastor came in and took over. He spent money on big items without getting the approval of the church. He even bought things for his father using church money. My father in law is the most easy going man in the world and this tore him up. He felt like this man took over everything they had worked so hard to build up at his little country church. This went on for two or three years I think and thankfully the pastor has been moved now. My late mother in law's family donated the land the church was built on so leaving would have really hurt my fil. I will be praying for your family and your church. Beth
I will pray for you and your DH during this difficult transition. I attended the same church from 3rd through 12th grade and every time I went home to visit my mom. That was "my church". Something happened to the pastor about 3 years ago and the whole church is now falling apart due to his bad decisions. It's so hard to watch your spiritual house crumble. It still breaks my heart and I haven't set foot there in years.
Oh how sad! Can this be taken to the larger general conference of your church (or whatever it is called)? This can't be allowed to happen....do they want people leaving the church because of the pastor they sent? He needs to be chastised for his actions, not allowed to move and wreck another church! I am praying for you and dh!!!
I'm so sorry this is happening at your church. You are in my prayers as you decide what the best thing to do is and move through and beyond this situation.
