3 week leave (Full Version)

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hjemerson -> 3 week leave (6/30/2009 10:05:41 AM)

I was just wondering what you all think., Last week our pastor( FT of small church 30-50) people told us he was was taking 3 week off and would not answer his cell and was leaving a nother retired pastor( we all know and has been filling in some) and all this after we just had our 10 yr anv with him , Many are thinking He is looking and trying out another church. Or he is waniting to make the few of the people left he may be thinking of leaving, The pastor came 10 yr ago THE CHURCH WAS DOWN TO UNDER 20 AND NOW WE RUN ABOUT 40 MAYBE LITTLE OR NO GROWTH NO YOUNG COUPLE NO CHILDREN ALL BUT MAYBE 3 COUPLE ARE FROM THE OLD CHURCH BEFORE HE CAME. People come visit but do not retrun due to lack of children activivty etc , (as I see) I have mixed messages from The pastor, I was alway taught to respect the leader and hold him up to the Lord but whan a person does things like this it really mades me wonder /Is he really were he should be? Is he playing with people minds and Hearts?



ta_mosquito -> RE: 3 week leave (6/30/2009 10:10:18 AM)

Ask him if he's looking for a new job. That'll put that rumor to rest.

Our pastor recently took 5 weeks off for a vacation/study trip, with no communication. Sometimes pastors NEED to get away, including cutting off phone calls. (If you're constantly on call, you are NOT on vacation.)

I think the ones in smaller, struggling churches feel much more pressure, so they may need this type of vacation more than others.

So, either ask him outright, or don't harbor/spread a bad rumor.



rawr.ben -> RE: 3 week leave (6/30/2009 1:40:11 PM)

It is really not all that uncommon for a pastor to do this. Being a pastor is exhausting.

I worked under a pastor that took a 3 month sabbatical.



rcjames -> RE: 3 week leave (6/30/2009 2:27:39 PM)

I do believe that ta_mosquito gave great advice if the problem is that the congregation thinks the Pastor is wanting to jump ship.

As far as "Leave", surely we don't begrudge a Pastor taking time to go on a vacation or just take some time off. I mean Pastor's work on Easter, Christmas, Mother's day, Father's day, etc. etc.

In our denomination Pastor's earn "Time Off" (Read Vacation Time) for our length of service as a Pastor for the Denomination. It start like with a week for the first year, two weeks for the third year, and increased with service. Because of my longivity I now could take 10 weeks a year off if I so desired; but I don't.

My wife and I just decided that our 20 years on the Mission field would be suffiecient for us going and seeing things so we dont' take vacations. If I did and the Church decided I was trying to leave them because I was on vacation; I would be sourly dissapointed in them, and in my past teachngs that have might gave them leave to think such.

I guess that some folks don't have much to do except make up stories about the Pastor.

Thanks
RC



hjemerson -> RE: 3 week leave (6/30/2009 2:43:22 PM)

YES WE DID ASK, HE SIAD IAM NOT TALKING ABOUT IT. WE DO GIVE VACATION AND HE HAS ALWAYS WHEN ON SEVERAL DURNING THE YEAR AS HE WANT TO WITH FAMILY AND FRIEND NO QUESTION ASKED, BUT IT JUST MAKES ME AND MY HUSBAND WONDER WHAR REALLY UP , AND WHAT WE WILL BE GETTING IN TO THE NEXT FEW MOINTHS. IS IT RIGHT FOR A PASTOR TO NOT BE HONSET WITH THE CHURCH, (OR STAFF) (WE ARE ON STAFF ) BELIVE ME I KNOW THE NEED FOR VACATION WITH FAMILY/OR TIME ALONE WITH GOD BUT DO BELIVE IT NEEDS TO BE HONSET!



rawr.ben -> RE: 3 week leave (6/30/2009 2:46:55 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: hjemerson

YES WE DID ASK, HE SIAD IAM NOT TALKING ABOUT IT. WE DO GIVE VACATION AND HE HAS ALWAYS WHEN ON SEVERAL DURNING THE YEAR AS HE WANT TO WITH FAMILY AND FRIEND NO QUESTION ASKED, BUT IT JUST MAKES ME AND MY HUSBAND WONDER WHAR REALLY UP , AND WHAT WE WILL BE GETTING IN TO THE NEXT FEW MOINTHS. IS IT RIGHT FOR A PASTOR TO NOT BE HONSET WITH THE CHURCH, (OR STAFF) (WE ARE ON STAFF ) BELIVE ME I KNOW THE NEED FOR VACATION WITH FAMILY/OR TIME ALONE WITH GOD BUT DO BELIVE IT NEEDS TO BE HONSET!


Ow. My eyes. Don't do this.

Why is the pastor being dishonest? Is it your place to know everything about his personal life?



rcjames -> RE: 3 week leave (6/30/2009 3:37:31 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: hjemerson

YES WE DID ASK, HE SIAD IAM NOT TALKING ABOUT IT. WE DO GIVE VACATION AND HE HAS ALWAYS WHEN ON SEVERAL DURNING THE YEAR AS HE WANT TO WITH FAMILY AND FRIEND NO QUESTION ASKED, BUT IT JUST MAKES ME AND MY HUSBAND WONDER WHAR REALLY UP , AND WHAT WE WILL BE GETTING IN TO THE NEXT FEW MOINTHS. IS IT RIGHT FOR A PASTOR TO NOT BE HONSET WITH THE CHURCH, (OR STAFF) (WE ARE ON STAFF ) BELIVE ME I KNOW THE NEED FOR VACATION WITH FAMILY/OR TIME ALONE WITH GOD BUT DO BELIVE IT NEEDS TO BE HONSET!\


Well Bless God, get out the torches and pitchforks and take care of this travesty.[8|]

Thanks
RC



TheTartanTammy -> RE: 3 week leave (6/30/2009 4:12:38 PM)

Some pastors see themselves as no more than hired hands. My guess is, that if this fellow is on his way out, then there ain't nothing you can do about it. Just watch, wait and pray. You may be right, you may be completely wrong, just give him the space he needs then see what happens.

P.S. I am just about to take a 2 week leave, I intend to use my caller id.



saraimay75 -> RE: 3 week leave (6/30/2009 4:43:24 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: rawr.ben

quote:

ORIGINAL: hjemerson

YES WE DID ASK, HE SIAD IAM NOT TALKING ABOUT IT. WE DO GIVE VACATION AND HE HAS ALWAYS WHEN ON SEVERAL DURNING THE YEAR AS HE WANT TO WITH FAMILY AND FRIEND NO QUESTION ASKED, BUT IT JUST MAKES ME AND MY HUSBAND WONDER WHAR REALLY UP , AND WHAT WE WILL BE GETTING IN TO THE NEXT FEW MOINTHS. IS IT RIGHT FOR A PASTOR TO NOT BE HONSET WITH THE CHURCH, (OR STAFF) (WE ARE ON STAFF ) BELIVE ME I KNOW THE NEED FOR VACATION WITH FAMILY/OR TIME ALONE WITH GOD BUT DO BELIVE IT NEEDS TO BE HONSET!


Ow. My eyes. Don't do this.

Why is the pastor being dishonest? Is it your place to know everything about his personal life?

Yeah it hurts my eye too. That and ALL CAPS can be perceived as SHOUTING. I agree your Pastor does not need to talk about it.



Eliana -> RE: 3 week leave (6/30/2009 5:36:42 PM)

From what you have posted, I don't see the problem either. Unless there is more to the story, it just looks like your pastor wants a break.

Our pastor gets five weeks' holiday every year, and nobody thinks that it's because he wants to abandon the church. We just assume that he needs and deserves time off.



Chrio -> RE: 3 week leave (6/30/2009 9:32:33 PM)

I am currently on 3 weeks vacation which will actually come to about 22 days off. (i traveled on a Sunday so i am missing actually 4 Sundays) I have screened calls, emails and text messages. I have called into the office only once, to wish our finance clerk a Happy Birthday. I am available to necessary staff as needed but we have a seasoned, Spirit filled/led staff. The vacation portion is actually over and the last 10 days i am spending in prayer, research, study and more prayer. Upon my return we (staff) will begin working on next year and where God is leading us. (as I have been discovering in prayer and solidifying in my closing days of vacation)

As pastor, I can not go that long w/o working on the ministry but it is necessary that i do step away with my family and then alone with God. My time online is part of my research as I interface with others, do research, read papers & articles, interacting with others & friends in the ministry. Our board of Elders are aware of my plans for this time away and they do receive an update on how my time went, both with family and with God. Accountability is paramount to Godly success in ministry.

I am certain your pastor will say what is happening once he is certain something is happening. To speak too early can do as much damage to the church body as the speculation can. Prayer is such a powerful privilege that we dismiss so easily. When no one else will tell us what is happening, talking with He who knows all is meant to be our peace and confidence. Please for yourself, your fellow church members and your pastor, bathe this season in much prayer and trust it all into hands that brought us salvation without our asking for it.



DoveMinistries -> RE: 3 week leave (6/30/2009 9:59:29 PM)

Original:Chrio

quote:

am currently on 3 weeks vacation which will actually come to about 22 days off. (i traveled on a Sunday so i am missing actually 4 Sundays) I have screened calls, emails and text messages. I have called into the office only once,


Hey, your hjermersom's Pastor, they may very well have had you replaced by the time you try to return. lol
JK
God Bless
R Dove



bolt. -> RE: 3 week leave (6/30/2009 11:53:53 PM)

You seem really afraid of the idea of a pastor transition. Why is that? A search committee is not that hard, and a new face and a new vision might be good for you.

That's if there is a basis for your fear that he is exploring the idea of another position.

Why should he not do so? Should a pastor never move? Or is it right in your eyes that he should tell you his vague thoughts of a future somewhere else, throwing the Church into transition mode, only to later come to the conclusion that God is calling him to stay for now?

In no field do people say, "Hey, I just thought you should all know that I'm thinking about maybe considering another job sometime this year." No -- professional people keep it to themselves, until they have things sure and decided, then they formally inform their company of their intent to quit in x number of weeks. This is usually after they have secured a new position elsewhere. (Quitting with nowhere to go is generally considered irresponsible, especially if they are supporting more than themselves)

There is no dishonesty in that, and there is no dishonesty in your pastor choosing to do it that way, whenever he does choose to take up a different ministry. And he will. Someday. And you will be fine. Christ is the Head of the Church; He will build it, and He's not going anywhere.



Peloton -> RE: 3 week leave (7/1/2009 12:42:07 AM)

When I was in Bible College, our college president advised the graduating class that there is no harm in taking a vacation. He warned that a vacation is taking time from your vocation to do something completely different. There were times we went to Camp Meetings, but that wasn't vacation. My favorites are the islands of Hawaii, Yosemite, or anywhere along the Pacific Crest Trail. My wife has a different desire, like motor coaches, hotels, resorts and all. Usually, there is a happy medium (not a happy fortune teller) we have to come to.

On a less lighter note, if a Pastor wants to leave, let them. It's kind of like an employee you work with looking for greener pastures. Folks either want to escape their situation or think money is the answer to all their needs. I have noticed that the grass is always greener, over the septic tank. That everyplace you go has its problems and issues to deal with. Folks mostly exchange a set of issues for another. The issues may be different, but there is no perfect place as long has humans are running it. Right now it is just a rumor that he might be leaving, and if he does, so what? Form your committees, send out an SOS, tap it out in morris code, hang the flag upside down (signals distress). There is a another equally or better qualified individual out there ready, willing, and hungry to do Gods work in your local church.



TheTartanTammy -> RE: 3 week leave (7/1/2009 5:59:05 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: hjemerson

I was just wondering what you all think., Last week our pastor( FT of small church 30-50) people told us he was was taking 3 week off and would not answer his cell and was leaving a nother retired pastor( we all know and has been filling in some) and all this after we just had our 10 yr anv with him , Many are thinking He is looking and trying out another church. Or he is waniting to make the few of the people left he may be thinking of leaving, The pastor came 10 yr ago THE CHURCH WAS DOWN TO UNDER 20 AND NOW WE RUN ABOUT 40 MAYBE LITTLE OR NO GROWTH NO YOUNG COUPLE NO CHILDREN ALL BUT MAYBE 3 COUPLE ARE FROM THE OLD CHURCH BEFORE HE CAME. People come visit but do not retrun due to lack of children activivty etc , (as I see) I have mixed messages from The pastor, I was alway taught to respect the leader and hold him up to the Lord but whan a person does things like this it really mades me wonder /Is he really were he should be? Is he playing with people minds and Hearts?


Is it just me, or is there a degree of control (or the desire to) in this post? I always try to remember when reading these posts (including my own) that there at least two sides to what is going on!!



musicboss11 -> RE: 3 week leave (7/1/2009 2:04:43 PM)

quote:

YES WE DID ASK, HE SIAD IAM NOT TALKING ABOUT IT. WE DO GIVE VACATION AND HE HAS ALWAYS WHEN ON SEVERAL DURNING THE YEAR AS HE WANT TO WITH FAMILY AND FRIEND NO QUESTION ASKED, BUT IT JUST MAKES ME AND MY HUSBAND WONDER WHAR REALLY UP , AND WHAT WE WILL BE GETTING IN TO THE NEXT FEW MOINTHS. IS IT RIGHT FOR A PASTOR TO NOT BE HONSET WITH THE CHURCH, (OR STAFF) (WE ARE ON STAFF ) BELIVE ME I KNOW THE NEED FOR VACATION WITH FAMILY/OR TIME ALONE WITH GOD BUT DO BELIVE IT NEEDS TO BE HONSET!

First of all: No need to yell (all caps is yelling)
Second: Is it anyone's business what he does on his vacation (as long as it's not unethical, or unBiblical, or something of the like)? Is he not entitled to some privacy?
Third: I don't see anywhere where there is any dishonesty. I see someone who is going on vacation, and people are guessing the "real" motives
quote:

Many are thinking He is looking and trying out another church. Or he is waniting to make the few of the people left he may be thinking of leaving,

Fourth: Sounds like you don't like him regardless of the vacation, and are looking for reasons to be upset



hjemerson -> RE: 3 week leave (7/1/2009 2:54:07 PM)

Frist sorry I was not yelling Did not proof and see it was caps.
2- I love my pastor and truely pray for him each day and Pray he will find what he is seeking,
3- I just see what it has doine to the small church and see the hurt,
(It well may be time for New Ideals be it from another or a refreshed pastor)
4- I do belive if it is God will for any person to move on it is alwa=ys for the best,
5- Control no just wanted to know what other feel and how you handle this.
6- I am a BIG beliver of ALL christian worker take a vacation for self and family needs.
7- But yes I do feel pastor/youthpastor (as mind HD is) Life etc is a open book for people to read,
Thank for all the commints
I sure we will all have peace in a few weeks , I just did not want or how to comfort some of the people that I have talked with, I just resure them all is going as God Plan and we need to pray for a safe lovine time for all!
Yet let them know I do not know any more thing they do.



rawr.ben -> RE: 3 week leave (7/1/2009 3:59:58 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: hjemerson

7- But yes I do feel pastor/youthpastor (as mind HD is) Life etc is a open book for people to read,


I'm curious why you feel this way. Why single out pastors for being open books? Are we not all ministers, evangelists, etc?

Sure, they may have a higher standard, but it is not your job to snoop and observe their private lifes on your own.

Should they have to bring you a report of what they did every night, what tv shows they watched, who they talked to and what about, etc?

Maybe it should be like the Truman Show and you just keep a video camera on them at all times.



PastorSteveMT -> RE: 3 week leave (7/1/2009 4:02:35 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: hjemerson

I sure we will all have peace in a few weeks , I just did not want or how to comfort some of the people that I have talked with, I just resure them all is going as God Plan and we need to pray for a safe lovine time for all!
Yet let them know I do not know any more thing they do.


Nor you or anyone else should be talking about anything that you don't have facts about and isn't public knowledge. This is gossip and could likely damage the pastor's reputation as well as the churches credibility.

The only thing that should be said is "I have no interest in gossip. You need to follow Matthew and if you have an issue or question about him, go see him directly".



buckifn -> RE: 3 week leave (7/1/2009 4:16:23 PM)

Most pastor's take little if any vacation time away where they are not answering phones, cutting plans short for a member, doing at least some pastoral duties during their so called "vacation". If you really care about your pastor offer to pay for another 2 weeks away.

It's nobodies business what he is doing on vacation but his wife and God's.



TMeeks -> RE: 3 week leave (7/1/2009 4:52:54 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: hjemerson

I was just wondering what you all think., Last week our pastor( FT of small church 30-50) people told us he was was taking 3 week off and would not answer his cell and was leaving a nother retired pastor( we all know and has been filling in some) and all this after we just had our 10 yr anv with him , Many are thinking He is looking and trying out another church. Or he is waniting to make the few of the people left he may be thinking of leaving, The pastor came 10 yr ago THE CHURCH WAS DOWN TO UNDER 20 AND NOW WE RUN ABOUT 40 MAYBE LITTLE OR NO GROWTH NO YOUNG COUPLE NO CHILDREN ALL BUT MAYBE 3 COUPLE ARE FROM THE OLD CHURCH BEFORE HE CAME. People come visit but do not retrun due to lack of children activivty etc , (as I see) I have mixed messages from The pastor, I was alway taught to respect the leader and hold him up to the Lord but whan a person does things like this it really mades me wonder /Is he really were he should be? Is he playing with people minds and Hearts?

Projecting that the pastor is considering leaving would fall into the category of fortune telling and that is strictly prohibited by the Scriptures. And, you can see why in that you are already talking about not respecting him if he should do this or that. Very harmful to everyone.

But, more importantly, where the focus should be is on the providence of God to supply the needs of the church. Let's suppose he does leave. That opens the door for any number of possibilities for completely changing the direction of your church. It could even be a wakeup call to look internally at the leadership of the church to see if it is the congregation rather than a pastor that is limiting growth.

There is a reason small churches stay small. And, often it is because they think small. Take this opportunity to see that your God is a LOT bigger than ANY pastor.



jn1010lf -> RE: 3 week leave (7/1/2009 5:34:57 PM)

Hello hjemerson

You say your church has existed for 10 years yet you have less than 50 members? Where is the anointing, the power, the thrust of the gospel or just plain enthusiasm.

I might look for a church that's on fire.



hjemerson -> RE: 3 week leave (7/1/2009 8:10:12 PM)

Well I asked and I got all commint .I thank you But again It not gossip when you confort some one is so all counslenig would be gossip. Thanks for opions and MAY the Lord will more and the peole will start to get on fire for the Lord As for me and my house we are doing what the Lords has asked and told us to or we would not still be in the Chuch He has not told us to move , As for our pastor it is in his contact or what every they call it he has a much time at any time off with full pay so that not a problem , just that Some thinks ( thinking and beeing concerned is not wrong or gossip) The pastor may be unhappy and want to move on. ( which may be) (we are his frist church and it may be time for some change again all in the Lords timing) As I have said and tell all my co worker in my job site if you not happy where you are in your job or walk with Christ time to get it straigh even if you need to move on! All for the Service of the Lord! I have alway lived this way if not happy life is to short move on! Find somthing else to made life and job worth living! Again thanks for everyone ideals!



bolt. -> RE: 3 week leave (7/1/2009 8:37:39 PM)

It's gossip if you comfort them with information that they did not know before and the information is none of their business anyways. It is gossip if you encourage them to speculate about other peoples private decisions before that other person chooses to talk about it openly. It's definitely gossip if you speculate alongside them.

"Thinking and being concerned" is not gossip. Talking to other people about random speculations about other people is -- and it is wrong. If your pastor is unhappy, and if he is moving on, he deserves the dignity of telling people according to his own plans. Speculating and openly gossiping about those speculations removes that dignity, which is why you should not be doing it or encouraging it.

If people approach you with their worries, sympatize with their agitations, and say, "I can see this is bothering you. I don;t think it's wise or godly to be speculating though. We need to let him mind his own business. If that's what's happening, we'll find out the facts soon enough. For now <insert comforting words here>."



MissGizmo -> RE: 3 week leave (7/1/2009 10:58:42 PM)

Is there any chance that the pastor, his wife, or the rest of the family may need to have medical services & just do not want to talk about what is going on? That happened at a church that I attended. The pastor's wife needed surgery & they wanted to keep it private until all was done & she was on the road to recovery. We would have loved to help, but they wanted privacy & were able to have it since they just told us they would be away for the month.

Is he expecting to be paid for his time away?



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