I find myself out of work! Long story short, a few influential people talking behind my back and spreading rumors came to a head and out of the blue the leadership decided a change of direction was in order. No moral failures or anything like that.

Anyhow, let me know if you have any leads. Send me a PM and I will forward you my resume. I am conservative theologically and not affiliated with any denomination (though I have served at a Baptist church and am open to serving at other denominations).

Thank you!

Sorry to hear that. God is faithful, and I'm sure He has a great situation waiting for you.

Sorry to hear you are out of a job. It's tough no matter who you are. Good luck.

Have you ever thought that maybe God is sending you to a Kerith Ravine...? Doing something 'in you' because someday He's gonna do something 'through you'...?
Hopefully you can keep from getting discouraged. Do you have a greater sense that God is preparing you for something specific...?

Sorry to hear Dan, your experience is one of the biggest reasons I choose not to go to Church anymore. I would rather spend my time worshiping God on my own than spending time watching people talking and stabbing each other in the back.

Good luck to you.

Go into church planting. Always seems to be a need for church starts.

no Pastor. Most here are looking for money.

Seriously, sorry to hear of this and will surely pray He helps you in you efforts to glorify Him and His. Take care and God bless.

PS what denomination, or does it matter.

I fully trust God is in this and at work in me AND thru me. Really looking to where God will lead us and figured putting the word out here may be a good idea.

Life and ministry will always be messy...the Apostle Paul had many a trial in ministry and considering I am not half the man he was, I won't let this dishearten me. God is bigger than it all!

Church is a screwed up business.

Same here.....

Yep, run by and for screwed up people, and due to grace it helps an amazing percentage of them get less screwed up.

Will pray for you, PastorDan. Pastoring screwed up people is a tough duty... and high calling.

The lady across the street said they were looking for a new preacher, youth director and music director. They ran them all off in a short time span. I started to ask her what they were doing to run them off.

Sorry to hear this. Praying that God has a better place in mind for your devotion and service. Please keep us posted.

Ha, ha. TFF.

PM Sent.

PastorDan,

Don't let it bother you. Churches are the worst place to find reason (outside of a Democrat Convetion) but tomorrow is Easter so I intend to be in a church unless I get so drunk that I don't.

I'll ask around.



Travis

Praying you are led to where God has for you and the actions of few don't souryour tthoughts. It is a difficult season to be without a church family. Growing up a preacher's son I've been on the receiving end of the decisions of a few influential people.
You want to move to Florida? Except the church I know there ran off a guy too. Good thing there is grace.

"Will pray for you, PastorDan. Pastoring screwed up people is a tough duty... and high calling."


This and Amen.

That is up in Mormon country for sure other church's shouldn't be running off pastors when they have to compete with the mormons. I'm a mormon and I been to Idaho falls and Rigby and if you are not mormon you are in the minority. So the good lord might be telling you something anyhow, time to find something better. I hope you find something and pray the lord finds you a better place.

That's one reason I go. II Corinthians 12:9

...especially when I'm screwed up, too!!!

Dan, as a fellow pastor, I'm grieved to hear about this - partly because you've had to endure it and partly because it happens over and over and over and over and over and over and over in the church. I'll keep you in prayer as you move through your transition and celebrate the Resurrection tomorrow!

May our Lord bless you, Pastor Dan. Rest peacefully tomorrow, and know He has the answer. You are needed elsewhere.

Mark

I am SO very sorry to hear of this, and especially now. I have been a part of a church that had a group of folks who were (Unfortunately) really good at running off pastors. The problem lies, partly I think, in congregation led churches where the power and decision making lies in the flock. Who ever heard of a flock of sheep firing the shepherd? Or telling the shepherd where to go? Who did Moses or Paul or any others of the church founders and early church leaders answer to? That would be God himself, and he alone.

You might want to look into starting a BBF, Calvary Chapel or Independant Fundamental Baptist Church. The ones I have been a part of ran wonderfully, did a great job at evangalizing and could move quickly and decisively via not having to run every little thing through some COMITTEE somewhere.

When my pastor decided to let me do my heavy metal Easter show "To Hell With the Devil" a couple of years ago, and give away an AR-15 rifle as a door prize, he got some push back from a couple of members. But, we did it and it was a huge success. If it had been run through a comittee or two and / or a presbiter council or other denominational stuff, it likely would have been watered down to a point of inneffectiveness.

Pastor Owen is often saying that the Denominational age is over, and that independant, seeker friendly, non traditional and non denominational churches are the current method God is using the most right now in this country. I agree fully.

On a separate note, we (a good sized church running two services each Sunday and adding to our building) need an associate pastor right now, and our founding Pastor, Owen Frost, has been battling Parkinsons disease for several years and is going to need to pass the mantle to another someday not so far down the road.

And, FWIW, we are in the middle of great hunting and fishing, and a very gun friendly church. On any given Sunday at least 4 or 5 of us are packing and I have bought and sold a few guns right there in the Foyer of the Church at different times. Not at all unusual during hunting season for a few fellows to show up in full camoflauge, having just been duck hunting or other hunting on the way to church. Pretty much a zero ties kinda place.

Am feeling sorry that you have to go through this - have seen it happen like that far too many times. Service as a Pastor is a wonderful calling but often far more difficult in the people department than most realize. My experience in observing these situations says that God has a better place for your work - and you are likely to be even better at it as well. You are in my prayers.

One more little factoid. According to Barna Research, fully EIGHTY PERCENT of the folks who come to know Christ as thier saviour at a church service, do so at a church that is 5 years or LESS in age! We at Stateline Church are just about ready to throw off a new start up church in Walla Walla, but will send enough of our current members and musicians etc. to make it a viable and working, soul winning church right from the get go. That will need a pastor as well. Best background would be a Bapticostal with a perfect Christian, of course, being one with a Baptist mind and theology, a Pentecostal heart, a Mormon Wallet and Jehovah's Witness feet!

PM sent, from one matted up nasty mess of pond scum covered by the blood, to another! I might be able to steer you to a couple of good avenues and directions. BUT, if I help you find another great job, I will need you to swear on a stack of reloading manuals that you will also help me spread the TRUE WORD of the superiority of controlled round feed actions, good wood for a handle, Barnes Bullets and hyperspeed uberfast cartridges as my 'payback!

MARK

Be faithful, and God provides. My brother wouldn't be walking today if the church in Bozeman hadn't decided as your former church has. Missoula simply had the doctors and hospitals he's needed to deal with erythromelalgia and an (almost) broken back. He serves at a great C&MS church and is back to an active lifestyle along with a great job fit. When we belong to Adonai (as Tony Evans has said) we become His responsibility. Love God always and trust Him to guide.

So happy to hear you lost that job to those that you were serving. They were back stabbers anyway. Good ridence!! You should be more worried if they'd have kept you! Now, go find the job God has for you. It will be better than what you have now. God needs you somewhere. A young church most likely like Safariman said. Our church went from 100 people 10 yrs ago when it started. This weekend we most likely will have 2,000 people including the sattellite churches we got going. You need a church like this. I will be praying for you ( not a cliche) .

Start a home church and get a job outside of the church. Cell groups have more (real) christians in them because they have to give when they go to church not just take take take. To many carrer christians these days and the church should opperate outside of the walls, we might see a change then. Sorry if I stepped on your toes but church is the people not the religious practice and the assembly that americans call church for the most part is a joke. They don't even call easter by its proper name pass over and how is friday evening to sunday morning 3 days? Blind leading the blind. Hope God leads you into something groundbreaking the church needs it! Godbless you and keep you, carry his glory on your shoulders.

whew, it's a good thing there is nothing in the bible about judging your fellow Christians. (sarcasm)

What's a worse sin, being a struggling christian, or being a judgmental christian?

Being a truthful Christian is far better than not pointing out things that are wrong. I'm all for pastors earning their living by holding down a job. It doesn't take a week to prepare a one hour sermon for Sunday. Even Paul was a tent maker and not a burden on other Christians. Playing "church" is BIG business now days and that is not at all the example set by the early church. Not talking about Catholics as that is a whole different situation and does not interest me at all.

Baptists, Methodists and a large mix of independent fundamentalists scattered all around in tiny churches in my area. They don't play well together.

Individuals worshiping under one roof are snippy or worse towards those of the same denomination worshiping in another physical structure.

Get a real job Dan.

Denny.

The company I work for has this site -- sign up for our email notifications:


http://www.churchjobfinder.com

Not a judgment, just an observation.

Already have!

Thank you for all encouraging words and prayers. I know I am better for having been there and been through this and we know God has a place for us. My wife and I are looking forward to where God will lead us next.

"Tent making" was ONE of the ways Paul supported himself for a short while in one location/situation. At other times he received support from other believers. Lotsa room for many ways to do church, a flexible entity.

The idea that sermon prep and delivery is the only time demand on a pastor is a fantasy perception. Real life, real people and their crushing demands will burn a man out soon if grace does not sustain him.

Dan,

I am off to church. I will poke around while I mingle with all the Christians this morning and see what I can find.


Travis

Cell churches are ONE of the ways church can work. They are on the rise in N America, maybe preparing an underground structure for the approaching bad times.

Biblical instructions for church are so minimal and so adaptable and flexible that one of the puzzling aspects of human nature is how so many of us insist that my way of doing church is the only way. I'm not talking theology but merely format of service, timing, etc.

Thank you for assuring us that you were not judging. I'd have misjudged you.

You are not seeing the whole picture. A Baptist pastor is expected to have a Sunday morning and Sunday evening service, and hold a Wednesday night "prayer meeting". In between he is expected to do weddings and funerals and visit sick members in the hospital or in their homes as well as counsel people who are having "problems". If it is done right and the church is of any size it is more than a full time job. If it is a large church, you need an assistant. I have buddy who quit an IT job to pastor a medium sized church. Said he had more free time with the IT job.

Plus you gotta have time to bang the church secretary and a couple of the deacons wives.

Dan,

I didn't actually go to church. I just had the family put on their Sunday best and snapped some pictures for my mom so she would think we went to church.

Sorry.



Travis

Operating a camera while under the influence is a very serious offense.


Denny.

I'm not drinking until I get to BGG's.


Travis

This is very true, and a dang shame. One man shouldn't do all the work. noboby has all the gifts that's why the church is called a body and that is why pastors everywhere are burnt out. If the church would operate the way God intended the work load would be shared. Not just many people looking to one for everything. They need to get off the milk and stand on thier own two feet, stop using pastors as crutches. Sorry to be so blunt but its in all denominations and all sizes of churches. I also get that at times leaders get support from the body. But a guy in a big church knocking down 100 k a year? Really?

Not trying to be argumentative at all, was just hoping Dan doesn't fall into the church rut and hope God does something ground breaking and world changing with his opportunity.

The mentally handicapped need crutches

I like your attitude, Brother. Believin' the Lord does, too, and that will do well for you.

I've been out of a full time job since a few days before my birthday last Thanksgiving. I'll start a new job for about 20% more salary and 60% better benefits on the 28th of this month. In the meantime, I've found part time gigs that has made me more than twice the pay I was making while fully employed. God's been good to us and I know He will be to you. We serve a Good God.

Jeremiah 29:11-12
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Praying for you, Brother.

I am very sorry to hear this Dan and will certainly keep you & your situation in my prayers.

Sadly, the Church is just as full of fallen sinners as the world at large and that certainly makes the "business" a messy one.

Come this way. You'll be amongst friends.

Matthew 6:30-33

30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you�you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, �What shall we eat?� or �What shall we drink?� or �What shall we wear?� 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

3:1-4 The purified minds of Christians are to be stirred up, that they may be active and lively in the work of holiness. There will be scoffers in the last days, under the gospel, men who make light of sin, and mock at salvation by Jesus Christ. One very principal article of our faith refers to what only has a promise to rest upon, and scoffers will attack it till our Lord is come. They will not believe that he will come. Because they see no changes, therefore they fear not God, Ps 55:19. What he never has done, they fancy he never can do, or never will do.

I have certainly been encouraged reading all this...encouraged, challenged, and even a bit entertained! Thanks, ya'all!

It's not my fault Christians are so easy to make fun of.


Travis

Why not just start your own church ?

I have certainly considered it

Dan,

If you want to start a church here I have a spare room until you get up and running.



Travis

Travis, for some reason I was thinking you were a Mormon. I know Shrapnel is but I was thinking you were too. Do you claim any denomination?

No.



Travis

All of the 20s,50s & 100s.


Denny

The question is, Dan, would any claim him?

I think he's a long ways from hopeless, despite how he acts.LOL

Well, update on a long year...

I am one of two final candidates at a church in Hyrum, Utah (just outside of Logan). Love the area and the church looks like a good fit.

Needless to say, I am quite excited.

Agreed! I would imagine taking him up on his offer to let me stay with him while I started a church would be a very pleasant and interesting affair.

I heard of a church needing a pastor after a member went to work on him with an air hose.

:P

Hope its full of the spirit and none of that churchy religiosity.

Logan is beautiful. PM me if you want a spiritual assessment.

Come plant a church in Canada, like as in Southwest Quebec, or Southeastern Ontario, Pastors are needed, churches are needed, leaders of Faith are needed. Honest.

Ever think about working outside of the USA ?

Come home to da Church of What's Happening Now!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmJati2W7uA#t=110

That is great news! I hope it works out well for you.

AMEN, x 1000

Pastor Dan don't know any individual churches but I attend a Disciples of Christ Christian Church. As a denomination they seem have a chronic shortage of pastors . Don't know your piticular denomination but if the DOC doctrine is acceptable to you you might look into whatever ministers do to change denominations. I know our former pastor was originally ordained a Methodist but became a DOC minister. While each church hires their own pastor the ministers seeking a change " put in their papers" to the central office. I think it is mainly a way to keep congregations from raiding each other pulpits.

Sounds like some typical church sheit

Praying that it is God's plan for you. ,,, And to think,, you almost ended up in DA U.P!!!

Hang in there Dan. Good things are coming your way.

Well, then, welcome to the neighborhood! Gimme a shout, we'll go chase a few sharptails next Fall.....

Dan, there are many types and kinds of Preachers but two are most prominent being those that have been fired and those who will be fired. Much like, say, football coaches.

For a reference in this, google something along the lines of: "Alabama Baptist Preacher Trying to Keep His Job". It may be on youtube, not sure. He's had a few drinks it seems but the words are near prophecy and are dead center for the situation.

Good luck to you, dont look back except to learn from it and keep the faith that all will work out for you and yours.

Nice to see you on here Toot-haven't noticed you around these parts in a long time.

Best wishes for you and your family. Sounds like a nice place.

That sounds like a great plan!

Well, Utah fell through and after months of waiting we are officially flying to be presented as the candidate at a church.

From September 22-29 we will be in Nikiski, Alaska to meet the members and preach in services. Prayers appreciated!

The company I work for runs this site. You can post your resume for free and look at Pastor job postings: http://www.churchjobfinder.com


Good luck with your search.

They are a great resource! I have used them extensively. Praying the opportunity in Alaska works out.