How do you go about getting a pastor to be moved to a different hurch when the stewards and trustees don't wanna admit that it's time for them to go or if there scared of them? Can I as a church member, write a letter to the bishop because my chruch is going down and it's time for someone to get moved

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2002

Answers

I've noticed many posts on this board where people wish to move against leaders they don't approve of. I've been through that type of thing myself twice, and it resulted in a church split. It raises issues of not submitting to God's delegated authority, and rebellion. A church cannot prosper when rebellion exists.

If there is moral or legal wrongdoing on the part of the pastor I'm sure there is procedure to handle it. All need to follow it. As members of a church both the pastor and the members signed up to a set of rules. Of course it goes without saying that anyone who hasn't bothered to become a member should have no voice.

But more often it's simple church politics. Some silly disagreement over the parsonage or music or who gets to play the organ. I have a friend who goes to an AME church here in town, and she reports how their new pastor is making minor changes to the order of service. The 30 year members are griping. It made me think of other posts where people complain the young people are leaving. I know I'd leave if there was a controlling group of lay people.

There is another option though for those who can no longer submit to a pastor's authority, and I've been there too. That's to quietly leave. You'll find there's a whole lot of churches out there, many who have it goin' on with the Lord. If a church is really going downhill, I'd check out one of those rather than rise against God's delegated authority.

-- Anonymous, July 14, 2002

I would encourage you to pray to God about your situation because your church is involved in spiritual warfare. The devil is our enemy and he seeks every opportunity to bring discord to the body of Christ. I would imagine that you have strong feelings about your situation and believe you me if you and the members of your congregation don't humble yourselves and wait for the Holy Spirit to lead you it will result in disaster. Remember, our enemy the devil came to kill, steal, and destroy. He is the father of all lies. The Holy Spirit is the only One that can defeat him. I am learning how to discern the enemy's insidious attacks such as thoughts and emotions which you know are against the will of God. I am learning to " Be still" and wait for the Holy Spirit to go ahead and fight my battles. When He tells me to move then I will move. I am going to pray that the Holy Spirit will lead your congregation to pray in regards to this specific matter and do God's business God's way and not according to the flesh.

Jazzman

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2002

Erika, What about this pastor's family and livelihood? Would a move at this time be disruptive to them? Perhaps you ought to be in more prayer for this pastor.

Be Blessed, Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, July 19, 2002

Dearest Erika, Many of our members are in a quandry due to lack of knowledge of our denominational structure. Purchase or borrow a "BOOK OF DOCTRINE @ DISCIPLINE of the AME CHURCH" or one of the numerous publications concerning knowing your church. Please always remember to try placing yourself in a position of leadership of a group of people you've been comissioned to try to lead to a place they don't know they need to go. GOD BLESS YOU & STRENGTHEN YOUR MIND

-- Anonymous, July 31, 2002