Well....this is interesting.
Church politics and structures are a funny thing. I used to be a senior pastor, so I know how the murky waters of decision making tend to get slime on everyone and everything. I've seen colleagues in children's ministries get forced out of their positions on little more than the mechanisms of a new by-law. I've always been stunned and, at times, moved to tears by the unexpected move of a brother or sister from their ministry because of personalities and power.
Hmmm...interesting.
Something's going on in my neck of the woods. It seems, interestingly enough, that the leadership wants to consolidate their structure. Okay...cut out the middle man, trim the bureaucracy, hurray small government! I used to be a senior pastor...I've had to endure three hour congregational debates on the color of the new wallpaper. Hey...give the leaders the ability to make some decisions. Amen and amen.
It's just that....well.....
It seems the authority, duties, and responsibilities of my office ("Children's Ministries Director") have been transferred to the elder over me. Interesting. I'm not sure exactly what to do at this point. I keep reminding myself that the ministry ultimately belongs to the Lord, but I am baffled as to why this decision was made. And maybe I'm wrong. I want to give this group of men the benefit of the doubt. God has placed them in authority over me and I do not want to sin against that authority. I'm in the process of meeting with them and writing them and trying to figure out this most interesting turn of events.
In the meantime, pray for me. If I'm wrong, or if the situation changes, I'll rapidly update my blog and set the record straight for all to see. Right now, it will be interesting to see what happens.
"Interesting" is a good choice of words, er, word. Not combative or insulting, but admits it is odd and doesn't fit well. It certainly isn't common, and it's fair for them to know that. I'll pray for you and your leaders for wisdom. Finding out what is driving the decision is critical, there may be a better way to address the underlying concern, and a good open relationship with this elder will be critical to success however it unfolds. If it is a check and balance so you have accountability, that's a good thing. If it is to have two people in charge, you'll be headed for conflict, a two headed animal will devour itself. So asking questions and thoughtfully responding and being honest is the first step... Hang in there. God's up to something, you just don't know what it is yet.
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