Being Targetted @ Business Meeting

[USN2Pulpit]

Brothers, last night was a difficult night. I was accused of some ridiculous, petty infraction some four years ago. A deacon - who is very clearly in the minority - who has been bitter ever since I got here finally came out with it last night in public forum. He was, some years ago, the pastor of this church. I have come to believe that the loss of the feeling of being in charge has left him bitter. He made himself look very bad - and in the process, I was forced to quiet him - which I did fairly effectively.

Now I'm left wondering if there will be some members at next business meeting that haven't attended in years. (Everyone knows what that means.)

I have determined that I will leave these things in the hands of God.

 

[PastorSBC1303]

I have determined that I will leave these things in the hands of God.

That is the best thing you can do. No matter who comes to the next business meeting or what else happens the Lord is still in charge.

I will be praying for you.

 

[chuck2336]

I will be praying also.

But I have to know how do you quiet a deacon? I dont think I have ever seen that before!

 

[Tom Bryant]

Praying for you. I agree that you probably haven't heard the end of it.

I agree that you leave the meeting to the Lord, but there are some pro-active steps you ought to take.

Have you talked to him since the business mtg? You might want to just try to guage his temperature as well as some of the important leaders in the congregation.

And change that constittution to disallow the possiblity of that kind of power play.

 

[Trotter]

A former pastor as a deacon? That's a recipe for disaster unless he was already a deacon and acted as an interim pastor. Very few could set aside having been the pastor of a congregation and then serve under another in his former office... and it sounds like dude is not one of those few.

You've got my prayers, my friend. And so does your deacon.

 

[USN2Pulpit]

Have you talked to him since the business mtg? You might want to just try to guage his temperature as well as some of the important leaders in the congregation.

I immediately called a deacons meeting right after business meeting. We met in closed session so that we could get the issues into the open. That went fairly well - I allowed him to vent his feelings, and I even apologized for some early mistakes I'd made based purely on inexperience. I assured him that I desired reconciliation, but that nurturing bitterness and contempt for his pastor was no longer acceptable. The meeting ended well, but I will follow the scriptural admonition, "watch and pray."

 

[Tom Bryant]

You were wayyyyyyy ahead of me.

will keep praying. let us know.

 

[USN2Pulpit]

Thanks Tom...and everyone else.

God is good - He will take care of me...

 

[Salty]

Now I'm left wondering if there will be some members at next business meeting that haven't attended in years. (Everyone knows what that means.)

.

Thats why it is important for the church to put members into an inactive status (non-voting) when they have not been faithful to the local church.

But in the meantime we will keep you and your church in prayer

Salty

 

[SaggyWoman]

I have determined that I will leave these things in the hands of God.

Certainly the best thing to do.

It doesn't sound like you were inappropriate. I will pray for you in the next meeting.

 

[bobbyd]

Been there, seen it, done it, got the shirt and don't wish it on anyone.
I do believe you have the right idea when you said watch and pray, especially the "watch" part, especially in terms of your back. I hate to say don't trust people, but right now put more trust in God than you would people.
And if what you are dealing with is anything like what i've dealt with in your past, pray seriously about your future there before your ministry and reputation gets drug through the mud also.

 

[LeBuick]

That is the best thing you can do. No matter who comes to the next business meeting or what else happens the Lord is still in charge.

I will be praying for you.

:thumbs:

I'll be praying also... raying:

 

[GodsRealTruth]

Praying for you

My Brother I will be praying for you and your church. If you are suffering persecution you must be doing something right.

We will pray for you. Know without a doubt Jesus is with you every step of the way.

raying: :jesus: :smilewinkgrin: :1_grouphug:

 

[USN2Pulpit]

Thanks everyone - Sunday went well, and many people stopped and gave me words of encouragement.

 

[USN2Pulpit]

Just wanted to let everyone know that all has been well during the past month, even with the individual that made accusations and innuendos last month. Business meeting this month went as smoothly as any I've been involved with.

 

[just-want-peace]

Just wanted to let everyone know that all has been well during the past month, even with the individual that made accusations and innuendos last month. Business meeting this month went as smoothly as any I've been involved with.

Amazing how things work out if God is the boss!!:godisgood:

 

[SaggyWoman]

Good. Hopefully, they will all smooth out.