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Post by DNJinVA on Aug 1, 2002 21:12:14 GMT -5
Please give me some input. (This is fairly long - sorry)
I was a home missionary for 15 years. Had two separate ministries that were blessed of the Lord.
In January I was contacted by a church who wanted me to come as the assistant pastor. Housing was to be provided by the church. We sold our home, left our ministry, took a $20,000 paycut (I became bi-vocational to make ends meet).
Just this week, as we were getting "settled in" we were told "Sorry, there is no more money. You're fired." On Monday afternoon we were looking at carpet for the church property - on Tuesday night we were let go with no notice.
I told the men that I understood that there was no money - but that the church had made a commitment to God to provide for my family and couldn't we stay in the house for a specific period of time while I searched for a new position?
One of the men replied that I "needed to be a man and provide for your family yourself" and to "quit looking for a freeride".
At that point - I answered in anger. I told this man that he had an angry and bitter spirit that would destroy the church and that he needed to get right with another man in that local body.
He lost it. The fireworks on July 4th were mild in comparison.
In retrospect, I'm sorry that I answered in anger. I'm not sorry about WHAT I said (I do believe it is true), but I'm sorry for the WAY I said it.
I've thought of contacting the pastor and that man and apologizing for my demeanor - but I'm afraid it would make the situation worse.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
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Post by saltcitybaptist on Aug 1, 2002 22:04:27 GMT -5
Hellow Brother,
First let me tell you that you are in my prayers, that the Lord will provide for you soon.
I suppose someone will mention it sooner or later, so I will go ahead and mention Job. Do you suppose he may have had a "few thoughts" about those who lectured him.
My inital thought would be to go to the pastor first and seek his counsel.
I trust the Lord will bless you during this time.
ps, Would you please share your first name with us; as we pray for you.
bob
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Post by ABC_Ron on Aug 2, 2002 2:28:35 GMT -5
Wow,
We have had Brothers share stories like yours several times in the last year or so. I have never been in your situation, but I think there is some steps we can figure out to do. First you've already got your Brothers in Christ praying for you and your God who knows where you are. I am sure you have already spoken with our Lord. Turned your face to the wall and cried like King Hezekiah.
I suppose it was His providence that led you to become bi-vocational.
If I may be so bold as to say The evil one surly is at work here. This is like the Big Bully in II Kings 18 who threatened King Hezekiah:
He reminds us of our inadequate resources.
II Kings 18: 20-21.
He feeds on our worst fears.
II Kiings 18: 26-27.
He makes what we want to trust God for look or seem stupid or foolish.
II Kings 18: 30
He offers a seemingly better deal. (be ready for it)
II Kings:18: 31-32.
He equates the true living God with false gods and promises. II Kings 18: 32-35
Hezekiah's response is an example for us.
He went stright to God
II Kings 19:1
He reminded himself who God was and what he has done for him all his life.
II Kings 19: 14-19
He stood back and let God do the Battle.
II Chronicles 32:7-8.
But, this is simply a three step process.
Remember that God is good,
Remember that God is Great,
Remember steps one and two as needed.
I suggest you pack up, walk out the door, and allow God to lead. Perhaps leave a letter and apologise for loosing your temper.
I do not mean to speak boldly but supportively.
It will be an honor to pray with you. Ron
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Post by CAPTAIN on Aug 2, 2002 10:37:07 GMT -5
Hello, my Brother I would like to say I to will be praying for you and your family. What a trial by fire, remenber by going through the refiners fire GOD makes us stronger and better than before. Even when things seem impossible to GOD everything is possible with GOD. May GOD be with you in your search my brother for a new Ministry andI hope you find one real soon. GOD is for us who can be against us. Your fellow brother in CHRIST. Captain Shaun
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Post by Uth_Guy on Aug 2, 2002 10:56:04 GMT -5
First of all, don't blame yourself for the problems that others have. People like you described will continue to enjoy placing their faults/sin on you. Your reaction was a natural one as you are called first to care for your first ministry: your family.
The suggestion was given to speak with the senior pastor of the church and get his counsel. He seemed to be absent in this process. It would be good to get his take on this situation. Hopefully, he was not at the forefront of the decision. Does your church have any way of handling grievences? IF you are SBC, your DOAM might provide soon good advise too.
IF the men who told you this were involved with the leadership of the church, i.e. deacons, .....well, we have another thread on that issue.
"In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of HIs purpose, interposed with an oath, in order that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have strong encouragement, we who have fled for refuge in laying hold of the hope that is set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast..." Heb 6: 17-19
Hang on to the Anchor and seek the Lord and He'll be there for you and your family. He has been there in the past and He will be there today and tomorrow despite some people. Of this we can be assured. I am sorry you have had to experience this. My prayers are with you and your family.
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Post by jethro45 on Oct 12, 2002 8:52:40 GMT -5
Dear Brother in Christ
As you have read the above comments, and advice, i for one can not add anything to them, But i will be praying for you and your family and ministry. Abide in Christ my brother. Please keep us posted on how God blesses you in this OPORTUNITY He has led u to, for since He has led u to it He will surely lead you through it.
May God richly bless you
john/jethro
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Post by jethro45 on Oct 12, 2002 8:53:17 GMT -5
Dear Brother in Christ
As you have read the above comments, and advice, i for one can not add anything to them, But i will be praying for you and your family and ministry. Abide in Christ my brother. Please keep us posted on how God blesses you in this OPORTUNITY He has led u to, for since He has led u to it He will surely lead you through it.
May God richly bless you
john/jethro
ps. sure wish we had a spell check on this board. LOL
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Post by Uth_Guy on Oct 22, 2002 21:35:57 GMT -5
DNJinVA, How are things? We haven't heard from you for a while. I'm sure many here are praying for you and are concerned about what has happened to you and your family. If you're still around, let us know.
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