Acts20.com

If you read some of the responses on the Facebook page following the video, you may be able to discern a cultural and generation divide in the direction of his ministry from that of the denomination. Considering his insights into the top leadership of the denomination, he may have come to understand that in his case where God was leading him would only be encumbered by the competing interest of the denomination and its culture. Perhaps the tent was not big enough for a divergent cultural focus. Also, there is a certain amount of time, emotion, commitment and yes, finance involved in the maintaining the hierarchical superstructure of denomination and the institutions which dominate it. I view his action as the final conclusion of why local churches drop the denominational name in the first place. There are unseen fences that keep others out, but also keep us in.Mat

Let me add to my own post, which I did not mean to start in the first place. I thought I was commenting on another thread.However, there is a process for obtaining credentials in the COG. Is there a formal Exit Interview for those who surrender their credentials? It is the loss of a minister in good standing that is of interest. A revocation due to moral failure or lack of faithfulness in reporting/tithing is clear enough. The question I would have as an employer is what are the issues relating to the best employees leaving? Perhaps this is done and the results are being evaluated. Does that influence the organization or simply reinforce the justification for existing polices?

No one cared to give me an exit interview. Charles A. HutchinsSenior Pastor SPWCCongregational Church of Godwww.spwc.church

I just handed mine in, The Overseer said he was disappointed and hated to see me go. But in reality I would have had nothing beneficial to say to him. At the time I had lost all feelings toward God and religion.To be honest, I think there are a lot in my position who have no other means of earning a livelihood and stay, out of habit. Also I don't think most leaving the COG (or any other organization) are interested in answering questions.Unlike Sheepdog, My undoing was MY fault. I do sympathize with SD, he was pushed into a corner, I was not. Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/

I think the issue of a loss of faith is a major factor for those leaving the ministry or denomination. I can understand the pressures leading up to resignation/surrender of credentials. When you are numbered (our ministry literately has a number) amount the vast majority of pastors who labor at small to medium churches in which growth is static, talented people are in short supply and funds to minister are always an issue, I'm not sure the denominational leaders promoting just the most successful pastors as role models is as motivational as they think. Over the years I have seen the role model of the moment used time and again, and than leave the denomination. I do wonder if the leaders who promote these role models (and by association are trying to enhance their own credibility) do not realize the demoralizing effect it can have on those pastors who set in the meeting knowing this was the standard of ministry they should aspire to. I do think there is a since of failure when leadership is focused on the success modeling approach.An exit interview might reveal that the successful role model who leaves the denomination is not leaving because of the other pastors, rather he is braking from the leadership and policies the they are committed to. This will not be the last time a role model pastor leaves a denomination. Leaders will always be looking for that next guy to promote.In my denomination, I have set in such meetings and felt a since of failure in comparison. When the role model leaves I wonder what he knows that I don't, and maybe I should emulate him in leaving. Thoughts about how the work of the denomination is not that important and perhaps they don't value the work-a-day pastor can come to the forefront. You can feel stuck in the system if you stay and have a since of does my ministry matter as a result.Just speaking from the heart.

VERY WELL STATED my brother. Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/

I would say that divide exists on a generational level throughout the denomination [Jesus] will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. - Nicene Creed

I would say that divide exists on a generational level throughout the denomination. Yes, I notice that in our local church, that is a valid observation I am sure. Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/

A few months ago there was much discussion on this board about a local church in AL that withdrew from the denomination. It seems that much of what was posted followed the same questions and line of thinking. If I remember there was some hand wringing as to the whys and wherefores of the departure, along with the vitriolic from various view points.After a just a few weeks that departure seemed to be left behind in the discussions. If I remember correctly the focus became the coming assembly in Nashville and who would get what job, women voting/ordination, and other topics. As I remember from what was said, the names of leaders changed, but the seats of power stayed the same. That is the system in its truest form.Just something to consider.

Oh yes, we see that in our nation's Government. The hot topic is going to be the end of the world as we know it, until the new 'thing', scandal or politician bites the dust. Then that all important thing is gone like smoke.We humans (assisted by the media (of all kinds) have a limited attention span..... Hey Mat, I like your insight and wit. good comments... Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/