Monday, August 20, 2007

Hung Out To Dry

Perhaps I am unable to this thing go, but it is still something that I deal with every single day. About a year ago, we shut down the church we had pastored for nearly four years.

Our denominational leadership left out to dry. Our leader told us, at one point, that he had put us on a "sinking ship." Did they help bail water? No. They poured more water into the "ship." They punched more holes into the hull of the ship.

When we arrived, they promised to pay all of our health insurance, which lasted about four months. They continually slashed our assistance. When we offered a plan to restart the church, we were told "no." When we wanted to change locations, so we could get a nicer location, we were told "no." (We did move.)

We were told to keep "anonymous" donors happy. A bunch of old, rich people gave the church money. These people did not attend the church. We had to keep the money happy. Who cares about what is best for the church and community we serve. We had to keep these "anonymous" donors happy. If their names were known, how could they be anonymous?

I just struggle with the way they hung us out to dry. This is something that has bugged me for a long time.

If you are in the ministry, or contemplating going into it, be careful. There are many deceptive leaders out there more concerned with the money than the ministry.

2 comments:

Roy said...

This almost defies words. I hear the hurt in your soul. And I know it is causing you to question your calling. Remember, God is faithful. Even though people make mistakes and hurt each other, the One who calls us is faithful.

Don't give up on the ministry my friend. I'll be praying for your healing.

bishopman said...

Thanks, man.