What if Your Church Voted Yesterday Whether or Not to Keep You?
- Posted by: Todd
- Posted on: Mon, September 21, 2009
- Viewed 186
- (67) comments so far
Well, this did happen at the famous Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. It seems a small group of people (included former pastor D. James Kennedy's daughter) were able to get more than enough Coral Ridge Members to sign a petition that called for a vote on whether or not to keep Kennedy's replacement, Pastor Tullian Tchividjian. The vote did not go their way. The congregation voted 940-422 to keep Tchividjian (who I think should at least get a new last name that I can spell... I mean... that's a worse name to spell than Groeschel).
According to the Miami Herald:
Tchividjian was named senior pastor of the Fort Lauderdale mega-church six months ago. He has come under scrutiny ever since he vowed to the set the church on a different path from that charted by his predecessor, D. James Kennedy, who built Coral Ridge into a religious and political powerhouse on a bedrock of Christian conservatism.
Church members cast ballots at a closed 11 a.m. meeting, and backed Tchividjian by a vote of 940-422, a margin of about 69 percent to 31 percent.
Tchividjian, 37, doesn't preach politics. He is more apt to focus on specific Biblical passages than on the news du jour, prefers drum sets to an organ, and has chosen podcasting over broadcasting.
His approach alarmed some members of the church, who preferred Kennedy's traditional services and his willingness to tackle topics such as same-sex marriage and abortion.
Six church members, including Kennedy's daughter, Jennifer Kennedy Cassidy, were banned from the premises in August after they distributed fliers criticizing the new pastor on church grounds.
By Sept. 9, more than 400 members had petitioned for Tchividjian's removal. A group of church elders then called for Sunday's meeting.
They brought in a member of the national governing body of Presbyterian churches to moderate the members-only meeting. Coral Ridge has about 2,000 active members.
Ten spoke for Tchividjian's removal, according to spokesman Mark DeMoss. They faulted him for not maintaining the legacy of Kennedy and for altering traditions, such as calling for visitors to come to Jesus at the end of every sermon.
Ten spoke in favor of keeping Tchividjian, noting that church membership is increasing and that the congregation should stay united.
Tchividjian did not attend the meeting, but he said his piece during the early-morning service, when he warned the congregation against choosing to honor one man instead of choosing to honor God.
So... what would you do if YOUR church voted on whether you stayed or whether you would go? What if they did this yesterday?
1. What do you think the vote would be?
2. If it was not conclusive that most people wanted you there, would you stay or leave? (Is the result of the vote important to you?
3. What would you do to seek out and work with those who voted for your demise?
(I'd love to hear your comments below)
Also... I'd love to hear your opinion on this: By my math; nearly 1/3 of all the members who cared to vote, voted to expel the pastor. How do you lead with 1/3 of 'active' members wishing you weren't there? How does it change your style of leadership? Do you 'go for it' and take the vote as confirmation of your direction? Or do you pull back, and try to get the other third on board? Or do you say... 1/3 is too many dissenters: "I'm outta here". Those seem to be the three options:
1. Push forward
2. Pull back
3. Leave
What would you do?
Todd
Comments
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Tom on Mon, September 21, 2009
Been there, done that, and got no T-Shirt. Seriously, if a church has a problem with moving forward, there has to be someone to come along and take it there. In my case the congregation knew I was going to change the direction of the church, and voted 100% in favor of it. In a few months, however, some people who were still on the books as members, showed up who didn’t like the fact that somthing new was happening, and even though the church was growing and touching the lost, they tried to force me out without a vote. It didn’t work, I stayed, and we are still touching the lost, and we are bringing in another genreation to Christ. I can’t say I am the best preacher, but my church thinks I am a good Sheherd, and thats enough for me. I am looking forward to a “Well done, my good and faithfull Servant”, not anything else.
Keep the course Pastor Tchividjian, and may The Lord Bless you.
Tony Whittaker on Mon, September 21, 2009
Well, things have probably gone way too far for any realistic healing that would make it possible for him to stay. But maybe other churches, and new pastors, in a similar situation should try to learn from it - maybe things like:
- it’s impossible to find a replacement person who could possibly be even half-way towards being a clone of a respected leader. So don’t try. Especially if you choose someone who is effectively two generations younger in terms of outlook.
- both sides in the selection process should really understand each other and what is being asked
- is it possible to have one-to-one informal fellowship and feedback way before things get serious?
- if you’re consciously moving in a new direction, go slowly with maximum sharing and consultation
- if the leadership team are supporting the leader, and objectors are a tiny initial minority, then the leadership team need to listen to them, but ultimately require them to desist. Maybe also get in an outside person good at conflict resolution and healing.
- if you are a wife or daughter of a deceased respected leader, realise than no-one will ever fill your beloved’s shoes. Consider moving to a different fellowship, however hard that may be, if you have any issues you cannot squelch in your head.
- shouldn’t a variety of people be preaching in any church anyway, not just the pastor. Surely others in the team should be being trained to preach, and other outside preachers be invited to share. Single-person pulpits, be the occupants ever so gifted, can only ever communicate one person’s viewpoint.
Jay on Mon, September 21, 2009
THis happens far too often in large and samll churches. Bill Hybels once told me while I was there for a conference that “We haved the same problems as small churches…just on a much larger scale.” I knew that in the passing of D. James Kennedy that there would be HUGE shoes to fill and Pastor Tchividjian has, I believe, elected to go the best route…to not even attempt to fill the shoes, but to chart his own course according to his own calling. So I must ask the 1/3 disgruntled, who are you to step in and attack this Pastor for following God in the direction He has called your new Pastor and the church?
I’m a Youth Pastor and having stuff like this happen in student ministry is a regular and ongoing thing…even to me. It’s nothing new and, unfortunately, will be around until Christ comes back to take His Bride home…then let’s see who decides to cast a “no confidence vote” against Christ.
don bryant on Mon, September 21, 2009
Reserve the UHaul. This is a battle not worth fighting and will only scar everyone. Pronounce peace, bless everyone, seek the Lord for the future. What could every make this fight worth it? I hope this is one Pastor, for a change, who can make peace and not war.
Pat on Mon, September 21, 2009
Tony Whittaker�
It could be that the pastor would like to bring in a variety of speakers (sounds like he would be of the mind to do things lik that) but may not be in a position to given the current climate. Divisions like this really halt progress.
Rev Eric on Mon, September 21, 2009
Change is very difficult. Changing a culture of any establishment takes time, patience, care, and especially persistence. There are members of this church who clearly do not want change. Their focus is inward and their motivation is in the wrong place.
I don’t know how this new pastor is bringing about change. It sounds like it is happening very quickly. Seems like the people are reacting to something they feel is threatening to what they have. I’m not pointing fingers at the pastor, just making some observations as a life long church goer and a pastor myself.
How would I respond as a pastor? It depends on several things. First, do I believe God has a plan for me at this particular church? Am I prepared to make the investment that will take up most of the energy from my life? One comment above made sense of the numbers… if the church is growing, there may be several people who are attending and involved and simply not members yet with the right to vote. Also, how will this impact his family and home? Is this the right thing to do?
I was in a similar situation at a very small church a few years ago. Two things happened to help me make the decision to move on. First, I asked myself, if I stayed for five more years, how would I feel looking back over the time? My first response was, I should have left three years ago. So I started looking. Second, I felt God very clearly telling me that if I stayed he would protect me, if I moved on he would bless me. I did not want my legacy to be one of simply maintaining a church and being protected. I wanted to grow a church and be blessed. I moved on.
Chris G. on Mon, September 21, 2009
Been there, done that, twice at same church. A Shepherd’s heart longs to lead, heal and ward off wolves. My predessor was still living and actively involved in the division. I was councelled to abandon post by many mentors, I choose to stay. It was the one of the most painful things I ever experienced, yet through it all, God grew people and the groveling went down a bit. Finally, I lead the church to give the property to a hispanic work. The vote was 99-1 in favor. God can see things through if we will stick them out.
Dr Robert L. Varnam on Mon, September 21, 2009
I never cease to be amazed, even after 40 years of ministry, how people confuse Jesus’ Church with Kennedy’s church or anyone elses’ church!
Larry on Mon, September 21, 2009
Though not all will agree… the problems in the American church stem from a refusal to govern their churches with biblical elders who hear God. You can almost predict the problems that that churches will have based on their government and constitution. If this church had BIBLICAL and spiritual elders then there would be no congregational votes and sheep would not be voting on whether to follow the shepherd or not.
He should stay. He has come this far… survived the vote… been a catalyst for change… and is putting distance between the D James Kennedy and the churches future.
Jim on Mon, September 21, 2009
Big church or small church, this kind of behavior is reprehensible. Democracy and church just don�t mix.
This nonsense is slowing eroding the credibility of the church � any church. The unchurched, people who are far from God, watch and read about things like this and feel they are justified in their rejection of Christianity � and who can blame them? No matter what path Tchividjian and the elders decide to take, it will be obvious that the decision to try to �democratize� the church has been destructive once again.
Rev Eric on Mon, September 21, 2009
Jim, What kind of government are you suggesting for a church?
Preacher Mike on Mon, September 21, 2009
I’ve been there and chose to leave quietly. I did not want to be the reason for division. I actually had to defend the leaders who “fired me” to the next Church who called me. I could claim a peace in leaving without violating my integrity and move into a new faze of my ministry with a since of wholeness. BUT if my integrity or purity were being questioned (not personality, leadership style or vision of the ministry) I would have had no choice but to stand and fight. I am sure that the congregation would have confirmed me but at what cost. I was unwilling to pay or have the church pay that price.
Oliver on Mon, September 21, 2009
I agree with the last post, this is the kind of stuff that shows exactly how petty the institutional church has become, first, the charges are ridiculous! not giving invitations! changing traditions, since when is that grounds for dismissal? the 400 need to leave. but more importantly, everyone else need to realize and wake up to what has happened to what we call church. I think christ is embarrassed by this.
Dan Moore on Mon, September 21, 2009
I’m curious about the calling process at that church. Maybe this could have been prevented if the pastor and the church both did their homework. Did he give his vision to the church in the call process so they would understand? Did he understand the history and culture of the church and what he was up against? Maybe this problem could have been avoided…but sometimes people lie to potential pastors as well (and vice versa).
What would I do? Depends on a lot of factors. How much of the leadership is in either group? What other hidden agendas are also in play? The cost has to be counted. From my experience, the first pastor to follow one with great charisma and long term association with a church usually becomes the sacrificial lamb for the very next pastor. There was probably too little time for grief between Kennedy and this new pastor.
Larry on Mon, September 21, 2009
I would like to respond to Rev. Eric, though the question was not posed to me. The difficulty for people in America is that we see the church as just another American institution rather than as the Kingdom of God. The kingdom has a King…. Jesus. Kings do not have votes. The King commands and the people listen. God’s pattern of government has always been to call a man and surround that man with elders who hold him accountable and support him in the mission that the King has sent him on. From Exodus on, this pattern of government has been God’s ideal. Paul told Titus in Titus 1:5 that there is an apostolic element needed in the church to appoint elders in every church. Later, he tells us what an elder looks like. These elders are appointed not elected. They are anointed and called, mature and spiritual and not just good business men.
Until we get back to God’s pattern of government we will not be able to navigate the problems in the church. Because even with the proper goverment, there will still be problems, but if it is done God’s way, a church can survive and thrive through anything.
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