I also liked his focus on the "fixes" for these two common reasons for being booted off the bus. Mostly I like them because they are humble responses - responses that come from the heart of a servant - not the heart of an authority. It is a lesson that becomes more difficult to live out the longer you remain in a position of authority. We begin to believe our own press. And we shut out our fellow journeyers of the faith from being able to give us a broader, holistic expression of what God is doing or wants to do among his people.
Worth reading!
There are obvious causes in most instances—ineptness, moral failing, malfeasance, age (illegal, but common), and the list, as they say, goes on and on. What about circumstances where none of those things have motivated the ouster.
Here are two “causes” I have heard over and over from disheartened colleagues with some added cautions and potential “fixes” for each.
One, “We’re headed in a new direction.”
This is either about the fact that you "just don’t get it" and should have moved on long ago, or you are being politically squeezed out of the inner circle.
There might have been a subtle shift in the culture and you missed it. You might have suspected it was happening but refused to believe it. You may be an ostrich in clergy clothing!
The fix?
Ask people things! Regardless of your role in the church, keep “teaching” yourself with questions like these:
How do you think we’re doing as a church?
Where do you think we’re headed?
What would you change?
What long running initiative would you build up?
What long running initiative would you sunset?
How can I serve this congregation better?
Is there something to which I just don’t pay enough attention?
I’m good at some stuff, but what stuff don’t I get?
Surprisingly, people may give you really intelligent answers, admire your courage, be amazed that you asked, want to help you understand something, and, maybe, just maybe, give you what you need to survive!
Become an authority on people’s perceptions of how the church is moving forward. Don’t brag about it—just do it!
Two, “We’re having to downsize and get more realistic about finances.”
Churches talk about money all the time. Most often it surrounds the topic of not having enough. Sometimes it’s about how it’s being spent. Often, it’s just about the reality. Whatever it might be for your church, it will, as it often does in marriages, be a major issue at some point. How can you come down on the positive side of church economic issues and perhaps save your job?
Ask yourself these questions:
Do I spend my budget wisely and with an eye on need instead of want?
Do I always approach every program budget item from a point of view that suggests prudent and strategic spending?
Do I embrace sound fiscal practices in my personal life and reflect that in my professional life?
Do I talk about “faith giving” when what I mean is, “I don’t have a clue where the money is going to come from?”
Would I feel comfortable having my expenses and spending put on display on the bulletin board in the lobby of the church?
Would I feel comfortable sharing money from my budget with another program within the church that needs it more at this time?
Invariably, leadership (lay and paid) are drawn to staff who get the realities of “running the store,” and if you’re not one of those people, your job is absolutely on the line—every year!
The fix?
We could all help our churches use better financial sense if we saw ourselves as inventive stewards of income—not spenders—but stewards who step up to the needed responsibility of insuring stability and trust within our faith communities.
I hope you keep your current position until you genuinely feel that it’s time to move on or God actually does call you to a new opportunity. That would be wonderful.
Here’s a motto I have repeated over and over to anybody willing to listen...
“I don’t have to know everything, but I don’t want to be stupid about anything!”
It might not guarantee your position, but it couldn’t hurt!
Blessings
Doug
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