Our friend and pastor’s unexpected resignation last weekend didn’t surprise me.
At the end of February, as several families had recently left the church and the more recent additions of our and one other household wouldn’t fill the budget gaps, his position was cut from eighty-five percent of full time to just one quarter. He had sought and found another job, which turned out to be full time–and he has a second child on the way.
As I told him after the congregational meeting Sunday, “I affirm your pastorship–and your decision.”
The church, its numbers dwindling (not a problem as far as I’m concerned, but not much fun for the youth group), is now faced with several options:
1. Hire a new quarter-time pastor and continue what was planned for the coming year: one monthly sermon and a rotation of other Sunday morning service formats. Keep the tithes and offerings coming. Anyone want a job?
2. Continue a monthly rotation of Sunday morning service formats but without the sermon component and without a salaried person at the helm. Creativity take over! A lot of work for everyone involved.
3. Dispose of the church building and divide into house church groups. Real connections, in homes. Extra vacuum cleaner filters and dish soap not included.
4. Disband, with members absorbed into other churches. Can we do without this church? Grab the phone book and randomly point.
I’ll keep you posted.
