HOME | CHURCH JOB OPENINGS | ABOUT MMI | CATEGORIES OF INTEREST | CONTACT US

arrogant pastor

Arrogant, Immature, Ungrateful Pastor

Orginally published on Monday, May 01, 2006 at 11:00 AM
by Todd Rhoades

The words in this title are just some of the words leveled at Pastor David Gardner of the Poplar Grove Solid Rock Church.  Imagine reading this in your local newspaper’s public forum about you or your pastor:  Pastor Dave Gardner of Solid Rock Church in Poplar Grove is a perfect example of what is wrong in the world: no gratitude and an arrogant attitude of entitlement…

North Boone School District graciously offered Pastor Gardner a three-year lease for $l a year to occupy a building on School District property so he could get his congregation established.

In that time, a mature person would have used the free rent to raise funds and solicit help from parishioners to buy or build their own church in which to worship God.

When the School Board, after two years of generosity, tried to reclaim the property, Pastor Gardner hops on his high horse and blasts the School Board for terminating its generosity and threatens to bring parishioners to a meeting to complain.

Pastor Gardner further demonstrates his anger by outrageously threatening to form a committee to monitor the School Board?s decisions.

Please, Pastor Gardner, send the Boone County School District a gracious thank-you note and get on with the business of leading your parishioners in a charitable, mature manner.

It seems that Pastor Gardner and Solid Rock reached a three-year deal two-years ago to lease an old church that was owned by the public school for $1 a year for three years.  Since then, the school board finds themselves in a levy situation, and wanted to end the three-year agreement one year early.  Pastor Gardner's response is included in this article from the Rockford Star Register:

Pastor Dave Gardner plans to retaliate verbally and politically against the North Boone School District Board after its members gave his congregation the boot.

Gardner?s disappointment follows a 4-3 board decision last week that gave members of Solid Rock Church 120 days to vacate a building it uses that belongs to the district.

Gardner blasted the board on Thursday, calling members very irresponsible two days after they sent the congregation packing.

The board, meanwhile, said the agreement between Gardner and the School District was only temporary and was not meant as a permanent solution for either side.

?It was a short-term solution that served them well over the last two years,? Superintendent Michael Houselog said. ?They really don?t have a plan in place, and the expectation was that they would have a plan by now. Hopefully, they will be able to work something out.?

The congregation signed a three-year, $1-a-year lease on the property, a former church the district has owned since 1998 which sits near Poplar Grove Elementary School.

It had sat in disrepair. The district for years had talked about making it into administrative offices or demolishing it. But costs for either option nixed that idea.

In return, members of Solid Rock put in hundreds of hours to fix the dilapidated facility. They paid the utilities and invested money in the building. They host services, after-school programs, community groups, a Christian radio station and more from the renovated building.

Don Ward was one of three board members who voted against making the growing congregation move.

?I felt that because we have no immediate use for the building that there was no need to give them a 120-day notice at this time,? Ward said. ?I asked the superintendent if he intended to move into the building, and he said no. We don?t have the money to demolish it.?

The district planned to tear down the building if a March referendum asking for $10 million for improvements at district schools passed. That request was defeated. The district plans to go to referendum again in November.

?They simply wanted to get us out of the equation before the next referendum,? Gardner said. ?They kicked us out so we won?t be an issue anymore. We are disappointed and heartbroken.?

Gardner said he?ll form a community committee that will monitor the board?s decisions and make sure it represents the needs of the commun-ity. He also plans to take members of his flock to the School Board meeting in May to complain.

Although Ward sympathizes with Solid Rock?s plight, he said its leadership knew this was coming.

?We?ve encouraged them at public meetings to come up with a plan,? Ward said.

?To think this was anything more than a short-term solution was not very responsible. We?ve encouraged them, but they have been against anything other than staying there.?

FOR DISCUSSSION:  So... is Pastor Gardner guilty as charged, or is he right to fight?  What future ministry opportunities will be lost in that community by fighting to stay in the building for one additional year?


This post has been viewed 638 times so far.



 TRACKBACKS: (0) There are 18 Comments:

  • Posted by

    Sounds to me like the pastor and church didn’t just sit on their hands doing nothing, they had a plan that the board short circuited. They have many outreach programs and could have had the finances raised in time for the end of the original contract.

    If the board cancelled the contract because of the bond issue, that failed, why not just continue as status quo for the rest of the contract?

    The church on the other hand surely should have been making a list and checking it twice, especially since they know the contract is short term and ending soon. To put up a fuss over a great gesture by any school district for a religious body does show some degree of arrogance, immaturity and ungratefulness.

    Only to pray that we find ourselves in this type of relationship with the school board here in NY. The understanding has to be that this is temporary and thanks for the building upgrades, but we let you meet here for 104 weeks and now you must (see Phase 1) catch a vision to promote yourself out of school into the community.

    It sure would be a divisive thing in my community. The church would be looked upon as being ungrateful, arrogant and immature.

  • Posted by

    Regardless of how much they put into the building, they got a sweetheart deal and he ought to have been gracious and thanked them for their generous time and help. If they rented anything else they would have paid thousands of dollars for a space where they would have had to set up and break down weekly, and store their equipment off site. They have 4 months to plan, which is something they evidently have not done much of, and they ought to be able to find another location which unfortunately will give them a taste of what normally happens with church plants.

    Pastor Gardner is way out of line.

  • Posted by

    I am confused why they kicked the church out of the building?  I think the most profitable thing for both of them would be to have the church buy the property.  The school obviously does not need it, so why tear it down?
    As for the Pastor’s actions, I wonder if there is something more going on here.

  • Posted by

    This is the sort of behavior that continues to distort and destroy our Christian witness, particularly in the Western world. So they invested money and sweat into the facility - whoopdedoo! We’re called to be salt and light, so we’re supposed to leave things better than we found them! That doesn’t entitle us to special treatment, or allow us to act like the world. This sense of entitlement is destroying our culture and it saddens me when a group acting in the name of Christ operates with this same idea of entitlement. Sounds like they managed to successfully establish lots of programs in two years. Programs aren’t bad in and of themselves, but I don’t recall “programs” being part of the Great Commission. If a true Church has indeed been founded here, they should already be living life together in small groups and clusters, so transitioning to a different dynamic shouldn’t be that difficult and the programs can be modified as necessary. Wipe the dust off your feet and “dig another well”, to use a Jacob metaphor. We’re dealing with property issues in the Anglican church now as we (Bible-believing conservative Episcopalians) face the next General Convention and the eventuality of a schism caused by the non-orthodox views held and acted upon by ECUSA. We have a plan for how to deal with losing the property, which rightfully belongs to the diocese, but are steadfast that neither will it stop us from doing God’s work nor will we engage in a legal battle that might smear the cause of Christ in our community.

  • Posted by Randy Ehle

    Wise words, Cindi.

    “I wonder if there is something more going on here.” Clearly, there is - and from both sides.  We certainly don’t have enough information to make too many valid judgments.  I don’t like the idea of the pastor leading efforts to form a “watchdog” committee for the school board, but I do like the idea of the church buying the property...if it fits their long-term needs.  (And if they can’t figure that out, then they probably don’t have enough of a plan.) BTW - any new church that’s two years into a three-year contract better be well into planning for year four, and it doesn’t sound like they are.

    Maybe the school board was facing threats from staunch church-state separatists complaining that the $1-a-year lease violates the establishment of religion clause in the Constitution. 

    BTW #2 - What is it about Rockford, IL?  Isn’t this the same town that had the billboards proclaiming “Church the Bible Way” and “We Don’t Do Entertainment”?!

  • Posted by Randy Ehle

    FYI - Links to the church’s website: http://solidrockpentecostalchurch.com/SRCC/home_page.htm

    and David Gardner’s blog: http://pastor4him2.blogspot.com/

  • Hi everyone,

    I thought it would be only fair that you hear from me regarding the issue with the School Board. I have went on record appreciating the School Boards allowing us to use the old Church. Our Church has been blessed by being in Poplar Grove. The Church property was in disrepair with windows missing, dead animals, and was abandoned.

    We asked the Board for 5 years so we could plan our building program.

    The Board countered with a 3 year lease and we agreed. We spent hundreds of hours and several thousand dollars to make the building ready using 3 years as our goal..(The School Board was not able to repair the building due to funding) In addition we agreed to pay all utilities and insurance on the property which would release the Board from any further debt.

    We are in the process of buying a property as I write. The School Board has never bothered to ask us what we are doing.

    As for my anger I must confess that it steamed me when the School Board blamed us because the community voted against the 10 Million Bond and voted to kick us out.

    I Voted no as a citizen because the math is bad and it will cause hardship to residents when the balance of 51 million comes due. Check past articles in the area any you will discover that The School Board has a history of being untruthful in this area and by the way they handled our church was a direct political move to silence my voice not as only a Pastor but as someone who cares about our community.

    Here is a point to ponder…….The School Board promised to work with us and I have made repeated attempts to work with them via phone calls.

    Here is yet another point to ponder..... Was I wrong to respond to being treated unfair?
    Do you agree that the School Board should have sat down with me and my Church Board to discuss our moving out before suddenly voting to evict us at a Board meeting?

    Was I upset? you bet I was. If the North School Board does not want to deal fairly with me then I can live with that but, what about those we serve?

    Here is another point to ponder… The building will now sit empty with the hope that now that we are out of the way they will get the 10 Million Bond. I plan to continue speak out on bad government and If the School Board is right I will support them but If they are wrong I will continue to oppose those issues as a taxpayer. (I also never said I would retaliate but I would like to see a community group watch this Boards future actions).

    Please don’t judge me by an Newspaper article.

    God Bless,
    Pastor Dave

  • Posted by

    Thanks Pastor Dave. Now this is a horse of a different color, sounds like the SB needed a scape goat for their failure to “slickie” the people.

    The church web site is very well done and the ministries that are at Solid Rock are ones that we all can sink our teeth into.

    Will be praying for you and yours Bro Dave.

  • Posted by Brian La Croix

    Thanks, Dave.

    I was waiting to comment on this, because I can tell you from personal experience that the media doesn’t always tell the whole story - sometimes the space in the paper or show is limited, and they can’t fit it all in so they cut it down - and oftentimes it can either show a bias or simply ignorance of the importance of inclusion of some details.

    I’m grateful to see that you are responding as both a pastor and a citizen.  I pray that you will have opportunity to be, as one poster put it, “salt and light” to the school board and community at large.

    Blessings!

    Brian

  • Thanks for the encouragement Brethren and I really want to be a good witness of
    Jesus Christ . Here is a couple of early links about the Church leasing the building. Notice that nothing is said by them about short terms or looking to use building. They were going to demolish this landmark but could not afford even the money to do that.

    Blessings,

    Pastor Dave
    http://www.solidrockchurch.us

    http://www.rrstar.com/localnews/your_community/boonecounty/20031222-3846.shtml

    http://www.rrstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041222/NEWS0102/41222006/1004/NEWS

  • Posted by bobby

    It’s nice to hear more of the story from Dave, but even as I read before that I was surprised by the comments made here.  The article clearly stated that both sides had signed a 3 year lease and the building had no plans to be used.  It only seems fair to me that a school board honor their side of a “contract” regardless of how great the deal is for the other side.

    If this had happened to any secular organization, people would expect them to speak out against the breaking of a contracted lease.  Yes, as Christians we are called to be different and think about our witness in the community, but I don’t think that means we should let people walk all over us.  If we just sit back and let people take advantage of organizations because they’re Christians, they will.

  • Posted by

    Well. This is the way I see it. I promise I’ll be short and sweet.
    The title does not fit Pastor Dave. I believe the committee is to blame for what they did. And what I get from it is they ended up doing this not once but twice.
    I believe if it had been me that I would have told them NO the second time around and just left to go somewhere else. I guess that proves that Pastor Gardner is a better man than I am.
    I am proud of him and I applaud him. Keep up the good work.

  • Posted by

    Pastor Dave,

    You ask, “Was I wrong to respond to being treated unfair?” As one who has also experienced being “treated unfairly” I can honestly say that you are not wrong to feel the way you do.  That is only natural. But Scripture advises that we measure our response not from an earthly perspective, but from a Kingdome perspective.  A few verses come immediately to mind”

    “You have heard that it was said, ‘AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.’ “But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. “If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. “Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. “Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. (Matthew 5:38-42)

    Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded? (1 Cor. 6:7)

    The point is, how we respond in any situation, especially in those where we were treated unfairly, will effect our witness for Christ.  I personally think the Board is “out to lunch” and you are perfectly within your rights to respond the way you did. But I wonder if it didn’t do more harm to the cause of Christ than you want to admit.

    I have found Gene Edwards little book “A Tale of Three Kings” to be a great resource when dealing with the many “unfair” situations we face in this life.  I will be praying for you and your church, especially for the process of purchasing a new facility.

  • Posted by

    I’ve been their and done that!  I used a school facility for 5 years in Texas.  The school board gave me a 10 year lease at a set amount and when they saw my congregation growing, they voted to up the rent.  Once they doubled the rent; two months later they decided the vote us out because new buisnesses had moved into the area and they no longer needed the income.  So, here’s some help from a pastor who has been through the same thing.  Move out and rally your people not against the school, but against the forces of Hell.  Remember, you do not wrestle against flesh and blood.  Don’t monitor the school board, stop reviewing like you’re some type of local watch dog.  Use this opportunity to minister grace where it is lacking.

  • Posted by

    Just something to think about… Wasnt it Jesus who upset the establishment because he went against them.
    Why is it in our day and age that when a man of God stands up for what is good and right and fair on behalf of Christ’s church people are so quick to jump on him as mean or angry or “not gentle”?
    My understanding of a shepherd was that they protected the flock from the attacks of ravenous wolves… they used to staff that they carried to thump the wolf on the head in order to protect the flock.
    Maybe we need more servants who will stand up to protect their Master’s belongings, who said that a man of God ever had to be a wimp?
    Not even the article said that this pastor of courage was ever rude, ugly, nasty, disrespectful or mean… what it did say is that he stood up and stood out in order to protect his flock from what was apparently unfair treatment by those who actually did have an underhanded agenda.
    No where did it ever say in the article that he was not gracious - did you ever stop to think that a man of God can actually be rightously indignant and still be gracious? Isnt it even written - “Be angry… yet do not sin...”
    Maybe its time the church stood up for herself and stood up for what is right and quit letting society force us into cowering in a corner like a timid, whipped dog.
    Isnt it written that the church was accused of “upsetting the whole world” because of the stance it took?
    I for one thank this servant of God who took his call to stand up for and protect his flock, to stand up for the church against the forces (evil or otherwise) who would try to prevail against her… to repeat a qoute I read recently -
    “would they have killed Jesus for the thing I am about to do?”

  • Posted by

    Isn’t it time to move on? I was under the impression that either side could break the agreement by simply giving the other party 120 days notice. The scoolboard was more than gracious by giving the church a deal and a marvelous deal at that. Where else could the church get anything for $1 a year? The schoolboard could have just as easy left the place sit. Now I have heard that the good Pastor suggests that they turn it into a national monument. Why, because it is truely ready to fall down anyway.

  • Posted by Ted

    I just found this on line, and I have to say that I feel this situation has worked out for the best regardless of the tactics used by the School Board.  Yes we had some difficulty at first. but we now have a beautiful building that’s 3 or 4 times as big as the old one and much much nicer.  So I have to say that yes, the school board was wrong in forcing us out, but as far as our situation goes, I am very happy we are no longer under the thumb of the school board.

    BTW:  if you didn’t guess I am a member of Solid Rock.

  • Another reason I don’t go to church anymore. Typical in my part of the country.

  • Page 1 of 1 pages

Post Your Comments:

Name:

Email:

Location:

URL:

Live Comment Preview:

Remember my personal information

Notify me of follow-up comments?

Please enter the word you see in the image below: