Some of you may have read a blog I posted regarding the church that my friend is a children's pastor at - about a pastoral candidate who does not support women in ministry...
Well, I just got an e-mail from her asking her to pray - because a staff meeting has been called for 1 pm today, and things are now not looking good for her - some of the people who said they "supported" her (including her fellow staff members) are now backing down. If this guy gets in, she is quitting - she really has no choice. She and her husband just signed a purchase agreement for a house they are supposed to be closing on NEXT WEEK - and without her income, that could be an issue!
So if you read this in the next hour or so (it's 12:45 Central Standard Time), please pray that all goes well in this meeting and that this man does NOT get in!
Update: Well, I got an e-mail from my friend - apparently, the staff meeting was all about berating her for her "negative attitude."
Her current SP is upset and frustrated that this candidate is most likely not going to get in, because he was all set to retire and had his replacement all picked out...and basically is taking out his frustration on her - it's completely misplaced and wrong - and she says this is not like him at all. Like I said to her, it's not her fault that this guy has incorrect beliefs about women in ministry...and she wasn't even the one who asked THE question in the interview - it was a male colleague.
But now because the SP is upset, the tide is turning and the board and her fellow staff members are all upset with her over it. So even if this guy doesn't get in, she's not sure if she'll be able to work with a board and staff members who are going to have this attitude towards her.
She and her husband are still believing for a miracle and believe that they are meant to stay where they are - but they've got another church that's been headhunting them for months. She sent them her resume this week. The good news for me is that this church is about 2 miles from my house, so I'd actually have one of my ministry buddies right next to me :o).
BUT...that's really not where her heart is right now. She really wants to stay and make it work where she's at! So that's how I told her I'd pray for now...but of course, we're praying that God's will is done.
Firstly, how has your friend become aware of this candidates views re: woman? Secondly, her response has been negative (i.e. already had the mind to quit when he comes on as SP). Thirdly, most new SP's would not come into an established church and swiftly fire people. It would not be wise. Children's pastors are hard to find and if she's good, he would definately want to keep that going! Lastly, I have found that most (even a male chauvanist) people do not mind a female staff pastor. Generally, it's the head pastor thing that ruffles feathers or a SP co-pastor (pw).
I really like Stop runaway conversations by Dr. Michael Sedler and Conversation Peace . CP had some really good things to say about assuming. They would really help your friend speak wisely during times of change.
I had a staff pastor's wife who "assumed" so many negative things about me based only on her thought life. She made so many unfair and judgmental statements based on false evidence appearing real. I learned alot from that critic! But mostly: what not to do. She was full of assumptions. We really need to be sure our antenna's are clean so we read people with humility of heart. God will direct her path if she walks in the fruits of the spirit. Do what's right and it'll be alright.
I will pray for your friends. I think you are all doing a great job. It's hard to find the diamonds in the rough! You're true gems. Just keep open communication with SP and keep in prayer. God will reveal his plan in all of it.
I will say this. One SP we knew 20 years ago had very male chauvanistic ways and today, he's a friend of PD's. So,...never never never...throw the baby out with the bath water! We are all growing and changing! We should be patient, God is not finished yet!
Praying along with everyone else here. Praying that God will lead her where HE wants her to serve. Service is never easy, is it? I am also praying for the church leadership as well, staff, etc.
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Rejoicing in HOPE, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer (Romans 12:12)
I talked to the above-mentioned friend yesterday...the board ended up voting 5-1 NOT to put this guy up for a congregational vote...her SP apologized for going off on her, and they have made peace...and they have decided to stay where they are.
my warning light went on when you said the current SP wanted this guy as his replacement. Just because this happended to us in our home church and the replacement had turned out to be a total nightmare there. They cannot and have not kept staff members because of the replacements insecurities. This issue may have been one that needed to come about so that GOD could have His way in the new SP position.
Twoasone, not sure if you realize that Puppetmaster had a blog previously about this situation and the reason the staff member knew about the incoming "replacement" pastor's views is that he shared in his interview with the board and current staff that he DOES NOT believe in having women pastors on his staff and if he were elected, no woman would be called pastor there or be on staff. The reason she knew it was not gossip or such, it was openly said by the candidate in an interview to the board and current staff members.
I would have been very upset as a staff member to hear that - to know that while I was currently a pastor, if the incoming SP candidate was voted in, I would not be anymore. I would not be able to work under that, but of course I would probably be let go in the situation anyway if the SP didn't believe in women leaders...
I just wanted to say I don't think you realized the situation twoasone, because I know you and your strong stand for women in leadership...just wanted to give you the fyi on it.
