The Adventures of Mr. Median - He Ho Mania, Away!

Well, it finally happened; my board has decided not to ask me back to the church where I have been pastoring for the past 12 years. (4 part-time, 8 full-time) In the United Methodist system, the church is "governed" by various boards. The one I report to is the Pastor Parish Board. They are appointed each year, and can serve for a total of 3 years. They are responsible for making a recommendation as to whether or not to keep the pastor. Until this year the recommendation has been favorable. Now, however, the family that has been in control for nearly 40 years is losing their influence and, in the words of bob Dylan, "times, they are a' changin'".

This small group has been campaigning for my release, and it seems as if they might be winning. However, unknown to them, I have been talking to my boss (District Superintendent), and she might want me to stay on and "break the back" of this family group.

I have also asked for a couple more years to merge this church with a smaller one about two miles away; it would be challenging, fun and very interesting. I should be able to pull it off if "Mr. Median" (middle of the road) arrives and stays. If "Mr. Good-Intentions" (manic to the power of 10) shows up, we're in big trouble. There will be dozens of projects, with dozens of procedures and dozens of duties; I'll look very busy, it will look very impressive, with flow charts, and organizational charts, and catalogs, but nothing will ever get done. And if "Mr. Whatever" (depressive) shows up - he hardly ever does (it's usually up to the first two), I am doomed from the start. Worst case scenario would be that I get transfered to another church, which more than likely will be closer to my home.

So I am not worried, but I have to be careful how I treat this transition period. My track record would reveal that I simply idle away the time. However, no time spent serving God is ever wasted, so I'll just "keep on keepin' on".

So far I have busied myself with three projects:

1. Plan the merger of the two churches  

2. Increase sales volume of the books I sell on e'Bay  

3. Develop a training program for pastors with with MI

That is where I am currently. Oh no, it looks like I just heard "Mr. Good-Intentions" at the door - I better secure the latch - I don't know how long I can keep him out.)

Blessings,, 

Winston