I don’t even know where to file this in my catergories area.
I am an (unpaid) associate pastor of a church. Six months ago the Lead Pastor & Leadership Team asked me to launch a “different ” kind of service on Saturday nights. To do this, it took 20-25 hours a week on my part. The service grew and was just as well attended as the 2 services on Sunday, but with all new people, none of which had any connection to our church before Saturday nights.
I came to the Leadership Team and Pastor saying I can not contiune to put in 20-25 hours a week, and still work full time, 4 children, wife, full-time student…with out some type of financial compensation ($200 per week).
They decide they can’t afford it (they can…I know the budget), and to give the Saturday service to the Lead Pastor. Keep in mind, he attempted to launch this service before I did, and had only 15 people in attendence.
I’m beyond broken and angry about this. The team I pulled together, the sacrific my family made, the bigger vision of reaching the lost, doesn’t seem to matter to our church’s leadership. I guess asking for $8.00 per hour was just too much. What’s min. wage now?
I’m feeling extremely lost, and don’t know what to do next. I know all the “Promises”, but am struggling to cling to the in the gray area of life…
Thanks for listening.
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June 13, 2007 at 5:16 pm
alex
morgan, ouch. so are you still serving at the church as a volunteer associate pastor?
June 13, 2007 at 5:23 pm
Morgan
Uh…I’m not sure. This all just happened last night. So I’m trying not to figure things out in this heightend state of emotions. And there’s been no communication from anyone. So I don’t know???
June 13, 2007 at 7:14 pm
surrenderisfreedom
Hi there, just a guy reading your blog. I have paragraphs upon paragraphs of thoughts after reading your post.
I can say that I’m confident that you will be fine. In how you’ve shaped the situation, it seems you might be getting a message from the Lord in WHERE and HOW you are to be putting your time, effort, and service.
Why, because you have a willing heart. God honors that and uses people open and available to Him. You’re frustration and emotional uncertainly is completely normal. frankly i’d be down right pissed, if i can say so.
In all, you are not unworthy or lesser as a result of this scenario. Can i only say I dare you to dream even bigger now. The view at that place seems small from my perspective way out in Calif.
June 13, 2007 at 8:47 pm
alex
morgan, that’s a good idea…to not be impulsive when emotions run high. be gracious and noble. in twenty years, that’s how you’ll want to remember yourself responding in this one episode of your life.
June 13, 2007 at 9:36 pm
Morgan
Thanks guys… I appreciate your encouragement more than you know. I just had dinner with my worship leader (volunteer as well) and broke the news to him about the change in direction. Very tough. I still need to talk to the rest of the team…childrens ministry, food ministry,…everyone. All volunteers, all amazing people to work with. Pray for me if you think about it would you. Also for my wife and I, as we pick up the pieces and see what’s next…and we’re fighting:( Not good. ~Thanks
June 17, 2007 at 10:08 am
Morgan
Well last night was my last sermon…it was pretty tough. I don’t think it was well recieved as I informed everyone that I would be stepping down for “family reasons”, as if that’s completely honest.
So now I find myself moving from the leader to the attender. What does that look like…how do you do that? One thing is for sure, my family will appreciate having me around more. Also…we’re having a baby in 10 days. If you read my adoption post from last year, you will seen that is amazing in of itself.
If anyone has any ideas on how to “do” or “be” in this transition, I’m all eyes.
June 19, 2007 at 4:25 pm
olliespringer
Morgan,
I found my way to your blog via the recommendation on the book, “Three weeks with my brother”. This is a definite purchase on my part and thank you for the feedback.
When I read your entry, I was saddened, yet encourage. I guess we call that an oxymoron
You have received great advise and prayerfully seeking the right response is critical. As Alex shared, you will live with your responses well beyond the next few days. Let me encourage you in this. You have found your shape. Launching a ministry and seeing God’s blessing should bring great joy. Knowing the we fight spiritual battles and the deceiver desires to steal your joy, is another indicator you have found your shape. My thoughts are follow Jesus’ example in loving the unlovely and expect wonderful blessing to follow.
June 23, 2007 at 10:31 pm
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