I have speculated, even heard tell of people on staff or in leadership who have difficulties with things going on in our former church. (A few have visited in our new church and it’s only speculation that they may be taking a break where they can be fed, so it’s unfair to assume they are actually having a problem with the former church). When the focus gets off of Christ and on to seeker sensitive doctrines, or maybe veers into contemplative practices, or church is on a corporate style plan rather than into the bible, there may be staff/leadership disturbed by this problem. What are they to do?
We suspect two staff members and maybe a few in leadership positions are unhappy with things at our former church based on a few clues. First, support when we were starting the process of questioning. This/these people listened in a different way. One even addressed our issues directly (not at the church but with an organization our former church is still involved in). Change did occur because of this person’s actions. We believe this person is stuck. There’s family to think of, uprooting kids. In some cases, people in leadership are paid (a minister or some other type person like church administrator, accountant, etc) and have issues with how things are going. They may confront elders/pastors directly or show strong support for the ordinary members who express frustration with teachings and influences being brought into the church. This alone can be risky.
Stay or go? People in leadership/staff positions have much to think about when the church starts to get toxic. Should they stay and continue to provide for their family if paid by the church? Sometimes a person who serves in children’s ministry or in adult bible study…or especially a pastor, can teach truth in a bad environment. Though they may not intend to be “warriors” they may in fact be used to protect and train some of the sheep who find themselves seeking for some spiritual truth in a bad environment.
Also, the staff/leader may need to confirm what is really going on before deciding to take a stand and step out. It’s not something to be taken lightly if their role is visible in the church. It’s easy to fall into tempation, easy to assume too much, easy to leave in a way that does not honor Christ. There are ways to leave without causing more harm than good. I believe each situation is unique and requires much prayer and discussion/counsel. Some may slip quietly out the back door of the church, others may resign and make an announcement at the pulpit (especially asking for forgiveness if they were involved in introducing bad teaching initially). It all depends on God’s will what would be best to do.
A significant chunk of your blog posts are focused on the issues of a church that you no longer attend. It seems you haven’t cut ties with this church, which means that you still have some kind of attachment to it, and perhaps more than one. Is there some bitterness you’re harboring?
Fishdude,
I really am sad about my former church AND have friends still there…some who feel stuck. We have friends we visit regularly and who still attend there.
I also am still processing what exactly happened. I do this with many things in my life. I’ve done it with miscarriage, I’ve done it with my births, I’ve done it with the death of my grandfather, I will do it with the break from my former church. I love those people and love that place. It can take a long time to heal.
I am always checking my attitude about my former church, trust me…your question has not been one I haven’t considered. Yet I wonder the motive for you asking me such a question.
Oh, and Fishdude,
Knowing that there are leaders in emotional turmoil and pain still there really hurts my heart. Really, what’s a leader to do in a church they feel is teaching incorrectly.
Going through what you have gone through, I have the same feelings about my old church. I understand. It’s not anger or anything like that- it’s sadness, it’s praying that some will open their eyes, etc.
No bitterness. But it’s hard to erase a long history of relationships, fellowship, and all that.
You hit it exactly, RN…it’s hard to let go of history…