Surly's Soap Box

Well, a little more in the ole "Changes" department. This last Sunday, my Pastor announced that he was leaving. It wasn't that much of a shock, but a shock none the less.

Spiritually, I understand that the (or a) church isn't built on a man, but on Jesus.

Emotionally, it's been a roller coaster the last few days. I'm not afraid of what will become of the little church I belong to. Maybe we will raise up new leaders from within. Maybe we will bring someone else in. Maybe we will dissolve. Who knows? My wife and I will keep praying and see where God leads us.

One of my concerns is the relationships. I hope that the friendships and relationships we have built weather whatever happens to the legal structure that is called a 'church'. In other words, I hope that the community holds up regardless of whether we have a traditional looking church. Does that make sense? Let me try it this way: The relationship and communal factor are more important than if we have the classic Sunday morning get together with music and a message.

Not that I'm against Sunday morning meetings, music, and messages. Perhaps someday I'll go deeper into it, but not today.

The greatest source of angst for me is the unfinished business. I had a friend and mentor that just decided to up and leave. I guess I'm feel abandoned, like the rug has been pulled out from under me. My struggle is to keep my anger in check, and to constantly plumb my heart to make sure bitterness and/pride doesn't take root.


So there. Yet another peek into my soul.

Update:I talked to my pastor this evening. Once I worked through my personal disappointment and frustration, we found some level ground and had a pretty good talk. The one thing that really stood out is that if this is God's call, then we should rejoice and support him. I'm going to assume that God is indeed calling him to move on, and that leaves me no ground for
speculation regarding his motives.