Many of you know that, due to some unique circumstances, my family and I have been attending a Southern Baptist Church for the past couple of years. The church in question is only a 3-minute drive from our home and was, interestingly enough, founded by my Great-Great-Grandfather in 1856.We always considered this to be a temporary measure. But as time has gone by, we've become heavily involved. I happen to be on the finance committee. The pastor is a young man of 33 years of age, and has wisdom beyond his years. The church peaked in attendance a few years ago at about 250, and now runs about 150. The personnel committee has been interviewing candidates for an Associate Pastor position that will also encompass the roles of youth pastor and music director. Needless to say, finding someone with this gift mix has been hard. The salary being offered is around 48K, plus free housing on sight (3/2 remodeled home), paid utilities and insurance. We have voted in 2 very qualified candidates who later backed out. Part of the problem has been the obstruction of a handful of very vocal opponents of hiring anyone at all. Their opposition stems mainly from not wanting even the slightest departure from the old school Baptist sound and style of worship service. The piano player is very experienced but cannot play by ear, and refuses to adapt to chord charts and the like. Every song has to be played in the same key to make things easier on her (which I don't get). But she and the current choir director are very resistant to change. A few weeks back the pastor asked me to lead worship while the music director was out of town. I also sang a special using an old Don Francisco soundtrack. The difference was so apparent that the pastor has decided to appoint me worship leader while letting the choir responsibilities remain with the current director. But I still will have to deal with the piano player. After the second candidate for the position backed out, I felt a nudge to approach the pastor about applying for the position. To that point, it had been the furthest thing from my mind. But being on the finance committee I know what we can really afford and it is going to be hard to find this special person. The only area where I will struggle is leading the choir. But I can probably manage. Right now the choir of 20 or so people is mostly 70 and 80-year-old ladies. But there are several talented younger adults who have not joined simply because of the domineering attitude of the current director. The pastor was shocked and thrilled that I was interested. He admitted that he had thought about approaching me several times. My salary would probably be in the 37k range, but the other benefits more than make up for any shortfall. Nothing is engraved in stone. Right now I'd say my chances are 50-50 at getting the job, and that is without the personnel committee having seen my resume. So, we shall see. Please help me pray about this. I made it clear to the pastor that I will not be offended if I am turned down. I only want what God knows is best for my family and the church
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