The Pastor Search Committee continues to work quietly in the background, like a box fan whose hum has faded into the general noise of a busy room. Because we’ve been talking to several pastors I’ve been a little reticent to post much on our work. Last week we completed our lengthy look at the Baptist Faith and Message and I think that the committee found it very valuable. The section that generated the most heated discussion (ironically) was the section on peacemaking. We almost came to blows over the appropriate role of non-violence. (Reminding me of course of this clip from Dr. Strangelove). Our church has been unquestionably supportive of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, understandably so since we have several members and even more relatives of church members fighting overseas. But we had some conversations as we looked at several texts about what Jesus had to say regarding peace. Now I’m giving some thought to what we will do next to generate discussion at the beginning of our meetings.
One other thought has been on my mind a lot. I’ve detailed the history of our church and its previous pastor in several posts. Once characteristic of our church that causes me some concern is that our congregation is very willing to be led. Following the pastor is wired into our DNA. More than anything else, that thought has been weighing on my mind and in my prayers as we talk to these various pastors. I’m concerned that we will bring someone in who will repeat the autocratic mistakes of past leadership.
Of course we try to ferret out their views on church polity that out as we talk to them, but most people can talk a good game. They all say some version of “I will work through the existing committee structure of the church.” But at times you wonder.
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12 comments:
Maybe he should start by preaching on peacemaking, just to get everyone into the confrontational mood.
Seriously though, do you think this is typical of churches or just your church? Or Baptist churches? Or southern churches? Or certain size churches?
We haven't really been in our new church (Presbyterian, mid-western, medium sized) long enough to know how willing to be led it is.
Our last church (SBC, mid-western, medium+ sized) was entirely led by the elder board. The lead pastor did not have a strong leadership personality.
My Los Angeles Presbyterian church may not be the best comparison, but our pastor is more a beloved friend who has great things to say once a week than he is a SBC-style leader. All of the incredible things that our church does community wise, mission wise, and prayer wise, were fully functioning and strong before he came around last year, so he's been smart to expand programs without fundamentally changing anything that was already working. When I do compare the church I'm at now with the church I grew up in (and indeed, Mr G, the part of the country, etc), I can only relish the goodness of an automomous, self-propelling congregation, supported by a pastor's strong vision that relies almost entirely on the dedication and action of the congregation. When you add that we meet in a high school auditorium, that somehow only makes it sweeter.
And also there's a lot of really pretty Asian girls.
We are an East Texas Bapt. Church and have had two unsuccessful pastors in less than 5 years. Our first debacle was a charming, smiling dictator who fired most of the staff and ran off others...including members. Finally, he was encouraged to leave. Our next was a former missionary who unfortunately was not taught East Texan before he arrived. He was accusomed to making all the decisions on the mission field and giving his staff their daily assignments. He decided after 15 months that he was "re-called to missions and is in Germany now". Many of us feel badly that he was not properly indoctrinated into our culture and thus we allowed him to make many mis-steps. We now have an intentional interim (sp?) who is Gods blessing to us at this difficult time. I pray for our search committee all the time.
If you have anyone you think wants to stay this side of the State line, send a resume!..a good one of course.
Our church also appears to have many more leaders than followers so we really do need some work with inter-church communications.
Any suggestions.
MG and Bobby,
I think that there are an incredible variety of SBC churches, but (at the risk of stereotyping), the more conservative the church, the more autocratic the pastor and the more compliant the congregation. Maybe there are more of those types of churches in the Bible belt.
I probably would personally be more comfortable with an elder led church, but that’s because I’m wary of centralized power, not because I think it’s the most biblical approach. I actually think there are multiple models of church polity in the New Testament.
Taran, I think that it takes a great deal of honesty on everyone's part to decide whether or not a pastor/church is going to be a good fit. In the same way that pastors tend to gloss over their weaknesses and highlight their strengths, search committees tend to present their churches in a best case scenario. I would be wary of a minister that is too eager or too perfect. It has been with great reluctance that I have taken my last two positions. Also, the best qualified may not be the best pastor. A little humility never hurt anyone. God resists the proud...but he gives grace to the humble. It might be interesting for your committee to do a study of the great leaders in the Bible focusing in on their faults and failures. Many of the men that God has used mightily in the scriptures would not be acceptible to even the most forgiving of committees.
Taran,
Good post. Re: peacemaking, check out a fellow by the name of Shane Claiborne. He has written a book called, "Jesus for President," and "The Irrisistable Revolution." Quite fascenating stuff for guys like us. He will make you think, squirm and reconsider personal philosophies regarding peacemaking.
Check out our church website when you have a chance. Later
DD
Dave,
Excellent thoughts. You've prompted another post I'll try to get up sometime on Friday. Thansk for the study suggestion as well.
DD,
Forgive my ignorance, I've not heard of him. I will definately look into it. I've been negligent in following your blog. The church has been busy. What an incredible work.
Carmen?!?!?!
Carman was da man! I loved him!
"Comin' On Strong" may have been the greatest album by any artist, Christian or secular, of that decade.
Taran,
Thanks for stopping by. I've surfed around a bit, and have added you to my reader. I'm interested to see how things develop.
Blessings.
Bobby,
Ummmmmmm. Nope. (Although I wish I could get me some of that Spirit Filled Pizza!!)
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