| Jan 1 @ 9:41 PM |
What Would You Do?
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Jankia
Posts: 11,902
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Before anyone suggests that I should have placed this in the R&S section,I'm placing it on here to hopefully get a response from some of the good people on here that dont get involved with the horseplay on there.
I'll try to keep it short. 
It only takes one or just a handfull of members to have our churches minister removed.On Monday while doing some work at one of our congregations members home,she told me that a few people that didnt like our minister had petioned the Bishop to remove him.
So,rather than spread what might have been a rumor I asked our minster myself...whats up with that?
He said a few parishoners that didnt like him were finding any way they could to have him removed.
Heres what they found...
1-They had asked him to remove the lady thats our youth coordinator because she wasnt doing her job.He said he wouldnt because she is doing it fine and with our economic problems he wont take her job away.
Her job is part-time and she earns $40 per week.For lack of space in the church I made her a makeshift office in the corner of the library,and I know personally she is committed to her work for our youth.
2-Our church parking lot needed some asphalt repaired.The local blacktop company called him one day and said they would give the church a discount on some unused tar to do the repair work.
By rule he cannot spend money unless authorized so he had the work done and paid for it himself...$600,and did not request to be refunded.
When this completed work was brought up a my trustee meeting I proposed to our president that we should post a thankyou in our newsletter.
Our president didnt ask for a second to that proposal,she only started up about how the minister had no right to do that work without our approval.
I found out later that she is one of those that petitioned the Bishop.
I think those two excuses are only a lame attempt for a few people to get rid of someone they dont like personally.
Anyway,I told the lady I was doing the work for that if she ever talks to any of those that want to have the minister evicted to also tell them they will also be evicting an active member...me.
I wont get into all I do for the church that Ive been in for 40 years because thats not important,but I happen to enjoy our minister,and his family not only for his dedication to the church but as a person.
Would any of you do the same under these circumstances,quit the organization youve been a member of for 40 years?
If not,what would you do?
Thanks and sorry for the long post.
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| Jan 1 @ 9:47 PM |
What Would You Do? |
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willowy1
Posts: 9,192
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fire the president!
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| Jan 1 @ 9:50 PM |
What Would You Do?
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uab_5
Posts: 4,759
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Turn the other cheek as Christ taught us.
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| Jan 1 @ 9:50 PM |
What Would You Do? |
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signme
Posts: 12,586
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I think I'm with you on this one, Jankia. Sounds like some troublemakers are being way too picky.
Our school superintendent went ahead and had some sidewalks put in on the early childhood campus without the school board's approval. Talk about flak!! But the thing is the little 4-5 year olds were walking through ankle deep mud any time it rained. So who was right? If your pastor paid for the repairs without asking for reimbursement, that's his business. And I don't think a thank you is out of place. He sounds like someone who has the church's welfare at heart, which he should.
Good luck.
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| Jan 1 @ 9:51 PM |
What Would You Do?
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thor22
Posts: 3,350
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yeah, right, biaotch...lock & load & if only we could 
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| Jan 1 @ 9:58 PM |
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signme
Posts: 12,586
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?????????? 
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| Jan 1 @ 10:02 PM |
What Would You Do?
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Kenn159
Posts: 4,402
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Sounds like some busy bodies have nothing to do with their time but start trouble.
I'm with you,I see no problems with the minister.
To bad you can't evict the busy bodies.
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| Jan 1 @ 10:07 PM |
What Would You Do? |
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Loreli
Posts: 25,407
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I don't blame you, Jankia...
And-it should be looked into firing the prez.
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| Jan 1 @ 10:10 PM |
What Would You Do?
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thor22
Posts: 3,350
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 loreli
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| Jan 1 @ 10:17 PM |
What Would You Do? |
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missliss78
Posts: 5,190
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Stories such is this is one of the reasons I don't belong to a church.
Having said that, my thoughts on this matter might not mean to much to you, but I'm posting anyways.
One thing is for sure in any situation, you never know when you will be jumping from the frying pan into the fire.
And in this particular situation....I don't think I would want to remain in a church family such as this where a few try to rule the roost...especially based on such flimsy allegations.
It seems to me, the membership or congregation in it's entirety should have more say with the bishop than just this given few.
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| Jan 1 @ 10:20 PM |
What Would You Do?
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Jalon
Posts: 1,611
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It is not uncommon at all for well established congregations (no matter denomination or even religion) to lose members with a "changing of the guard." This is a POLITICAL situation and a fine example of why many people avoid organized religion.
You've been there for 40 years. These people are your family! There are always issues within any family that are touchy, but that doesn't mean you turn your back on them.
Uab_5 has made a good point in "turning the other cheek." I don't see any problem with being vocal about your support, but being stubborn if your minister is ousted will only cause YOU pain. It's a difficult situation and I think left best to God.
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| Jan 1 @ 10:45 PM |
What Would You Do? |
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missliss78
Posts: 5,190
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This is a POLITICAL situation and a fine example of why many people avoid organized religion.
Jalon, I think you are right.....and I don't mean to go off topic....but I have to say this & then I'll leave y'all be.....I've personally known a lot of people who were shafted by "organized religion," i.e. big name churches....and over time, yes, I've turned the other cheek. I just really think it is a shame that a small few can make such a problem the entire congregation.
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| Jan 1 @ 10:47 PM |
What Would You Do?
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willowy1
Posts: 9,192
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You've been there for 40 years. These people are your family! There are always issues within any family that are touchy, but that doesn't mean you turn your back on them.
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| Jan 1 @ 10:49 PM |
What Would You Do? |
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blueyes101
Posts: 12,080
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W.W.J.D. ?
Some can't see the forest for the trees.... 
If you can't stop it, at least make your concerns known ( to all ) before leaving.
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| Jan 1 @ 11:50 PM |
What Would You Do?
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Jankia
Posts: 11,902
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Thanks for all your input so far. 
Heres why I cannot "turn the other cheek" as some have mentioned.
Yes,I'm Christian but I'll never be able to ignore a wrong done to another person by doing nothing.
This is hard for me to say without it looking like I'm thumping myself on the chest and it might seem trivial to anyone for me to quit for that reason.It wont be to the church that has to recruit someone else to do what I do on nearly a daily basis for it.
I really dont see leaving as turning my back by doing it.When something is done in an organization that I belong to and I'm not given a voice in that decision,I see it as done behind my own back.
fire the president! The president behind one part of this problem is at the end of her two year appointment as president of the trustees on Feb.1st.
If you can't stop it, at least make your concerns known ( to all ) before leaving.
Your right blueyes,I intend to do just that.
I allready have the speech I'll give if this is done and he is removed.If I just quit,nobody will know why and the rumors will fly,so I plan on going up to the altar during the announcements portion of our services.
I'll tell them that although Ive enjoyed the fellowship with them all I will no longer be a member of a church that sees it fit to have my friend and pastor dismissed without getting the approval of its active members.
I feel I must add something thats not about this problem...but another Ive had for a few years.
Before this pastor came in our previous pastor send out questionaires to everyone asking them what they plan on doing for the church this year in volunteering and giving.
Those that didnt return the questionaire and that werent active were removed from membership of the church.
Our church pays $225 each year in apportionments to the United Methodist Council of Ministries for each member.
One person I know for a fact did send the church money every year,let me use his equipment at no charge to do needed landscaping at the church and cemetary but didnt attend church except maybe on Easter was removed.
Nobody,including the Pastor visited him personally to discuss his involvement.They only sent him a letter telling him he was no longer a member.
That person was my brother.
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| Jan 2 @ 1:25 AM |
What Would You Do? |
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kattsmeow
Posts: 22,628
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Jankia, my brother did what you are thinking of doing.
he belonged to the methodist church in his town in Ohio. They had a pretty big congregation too.
Now, he was a deacon and so knew everything that went on.
When they ended up with a large amount of money after paying everything up to date for the year, they argued about what color carpet to put in the church.
Now, to my brother that was/is so wrong.
Many people evem in the early 90's were out of work, and needed hep in the town.
he wanted to help other people instead of worrying about carpet in the church.
Well the church was divided and half left to have church in each others homes after that.
Some times you have to do what you think is right ok? I am sure you already know what you will do don't you? I will pray for you and you church. 
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| Jan 2 @ 3:40 PM |
What Would You Do?
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Solitaire
Posts: 1,359
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On Monday while doing some work at one of our congregations members home,she told me that a few people that didnt like our minister had petioned the Bishop to remove him.
Put together a group of church members that like the pastor, the larger the list the better, and deliver that to the Bishop. Add to it, a cost analysis of what bringing in a new pastor would cost in time and money: setting up interviews, moving costs, meet and greets, time spent getting the pastor up to speed on all of the church programs, etc.
Then make a ist of what the current pastor has done that you think is commendable and how it has benefitted the congregation as a whole.
In general, don't threaten the Bishop with quitting, just show him the ways your current pastor is doing his job and how it benefits the church. If there are theological issues or policies at stake, ask if there is a way to resolve the conflict without a dismissal.
Be the voice of reason, rather than the strident whine that your opposition seems to be demonstrating. Be your pastor's strength, not his blunt instument.
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| Jan 2 @ 3:55 PM |
What Would You Do? |
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grumblebear
Posts: 10,559
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Solitaire has the right idea...
it's never a bad idea to be a constructive person, build a coalition of members who might have stayed silent, but are supportive... maybe a petition of support to the Bishop could work?
Sadly I've walked away from groups going through power struggles, issues of power, money, control, ego, etc... should never be a part of our spiritual life..
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| Jan 2 @ 4:13 PM |
What Would You Do?
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Heaveninawildflower
Posts: 18,611
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Life is life and people will be people - I totally agree with Solitaire - it's hard to believe you're the only one who feels the way you do...church politics are probably not much different from any other kind - if you can find the right note to strike, you may end up with the whole choir singing his praises - good luck!
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| Jan 2 @ 6:15 PM |
What Would You Do? |
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lj450
Posts: 9,551
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Those that didnt return the questionaire and that werent active were removed from membership of the churchThose that didnt return the questionaire and that werent active were removed from membership of the church
Thats the problem I have with the Methodist ideology in the first place. You cant "earn your way to heaven". Salvation is a gift. You either accept it or you dont.
My inclination would be similar to Jalon's. Dont give up on your church home because of a disagreement with other members. Communicate and work it out. If this instance doesnt work out the way you want, then dig your toes in and work harder to make sure it does not happen again.
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