Thoughts on Resigning/Retiring

Satan always has his workers who cause you to pray.

 

PITY PARTY, PITY PARTY, PITY PARTY :laugh: JOKE!!!!!

Now that out of the way if you are retirement age and you want to do it. If you think God is leading you go for it. If you are going to succomb to the wiles of the devil, don't ya dare :tongue3:

I'd "try" to put the deacons out of mind and rely on other more "godly" indicators though I am sure the deacons are hard to ignore.

My first thought about young couples wanting younger pastor -- if they are still in your church I'd guess you are adequate to their needs. In my mind there aren't too many youngins that can preach worth a hoot anyway.

Does your constitution allow for a vote of confidence? If so you might consider it but be ready for the outcome if it be negative.

You might want to speak with others that have "retired." Unless you are different than most retirment isn't all that great, most get back busy one way or another or else they sit, get depressed and waste away which is such a terrible waste.

A friend of mine called - similar situation to yours, he is thinking of finding a small church somewhere that needs some help and pastor for a few more years in a small work where he might be appreciated :laugh:

Just some thoughts to blow through your brain quickly.

 

Don't leave because someone is forcing you out. If God is leading you, He will speak to you and not to others, especially those who are rebelling against biblical pastoral authority.

These young couples have come to the church because of how God is using you. It may not be the younger couples who want a younger guy. It may be that these guys do not like the younger couples who are threatening their control.

I know exscentric suggested a vote of confidence. And maybe sometimes that advice is good, but it has been my experience that no matter how the vote comes out, you've lost. These guys will not quit talking and trying to force you out just because they lose a vote. That is just not the "baptist way".

Endure the pressures until God says, "It's MY time for you to leave." Prayand keep doing what you know is God's will for you to do.

 

After reading your post, it would probably be wise to resign as pastor.

 

I think that you sound like your in a bit of a slump...as you know these valleys are common to Pastors. The thing to do is never resign when you are feeling low. If it is the Lord's will for you to move on, you will know it even when you are feeling very positive.
Also, I like what annsni said about her pastor. While Baptists are congregationalists, the Lord still has His pastors in His hands. I would never resign simply because there is a handful in opposition; as a leader, when will you ever have a situation without opposition?
As for the two deacons, I have experienced this sort of opposition first-hand; people who can talk and act spiritually for the crowd, but behind closed doors they reveal their true character. In my experience, I would recommend that you keep serving the Lord where He has placed you. The true character of your opposition will eventually reveal itself (I have seen this happen so many times). Their goal is to get you to resign because they do not have the support to force you out. Keep being humble, serve the Lord and let Him handle the rest.
Lastly, as to your question about whether God is using these men to speak to you...do they seem like the sort of men that would be seeking God and listening to His voice? From the way you have described them, I doubt it. In my own experience, such people go on to prove themselves very unspiritual.
Hope this helps and you are in my prayers.

 

"regarding the vote of confidence issue. I have always felt that if a pastor is in a situation where he feels the need to call for a vote of confidence, he has already compromised his leadership and probably should resign."

If you only have the two detracters it might give them a clue was the thought. Some pastors are required to go through one yearly by their constitution. Gives you that nice secure feeling --NOT!

 

If you don't resign then it's hopeful that your ministry flourishes.

I did not mean to be disrespectful, but what led to my opinion was your posting hearsay and gossip against members of your congregation. I've always thought that folks, especially pastors should refrain from things like that.

But, that's only one opinion among many! :smilewinkgrin:

 

DH 1948;

I hope you do not resign just because of the deacon freaks. When I was on church staff, I had a few demon members who seemed to always want to embitter my soul. If not them, then someone else.

Don't let you age be a determining factor either.... draw in other staff/members who help to balance you out and wherever your 'weakness' is.

When and if you resign/retire, do it because it is the next step in your walk with God.

 

Sorry, but I completely disagree with this assumption. A pastor must listen to everyone else's problems, encourage, counsel, and patiently instruct, yet we cannot offer him the same in return without judging him and condemning him? Pastors are human just like everybody else--the only difference is they are expected never to get discouraged, disappointed, or listened to when THEY need encouragement.

There are precious few outlets where we in ministry can safely release what's on our hearts. There are few who care to LISTEN and encourage. That's what this part of the forum is for, and we need to KEEP it that way, brother, without causing further discouragement to those brave enough to post here.

 

I agree with both your points.
Be praying for you that God will give you confidence and confirmation and direct you in His will.

 

I would not ask for a vote of confidence.