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From: disciplejames@hotmail.com
Date: 9/26/01
Time: 1:59:17 PM
Remote Name: 64.216.170.25
Tim, God be with you in your frustration. I understand the agony that goes along with witnessing what seems to be "poor" leadership. But, I would like to pass on some hard lessons I learned in the process of trying to transform Church leadership.
First, be patient. God is the One who ultimately handles the leadership. He puts people in charge, not us. When confronted with a pastoral team who lacked vision, from my perspective, for our congregation, I sought to challange them into it. Not a good idea. Even after years of frustration, I still had to face the fact that God put them there. Not the pastor. Not the congregation. Not themselves. Not me. Therefore, it is God who is working with and through them.
Secondarily, I would like to encourage you and your wife. The frustrations you are feeling are natural. You see potential. You see opportunities to grow; not just for yourself and your family, but for the congregation as well as the community at large. Take heart, God is in charge and doing a work. Ask yourself, "Are people coming to know Christ Jesus as their Lord and Savior?" "Are the saints growing in grace and knowledge?" "Am I being strengthened in the faith by my perseverance?" The answer to all three is more than likely a resounding "YES!" These things my not be happening at your pace of choosing, but that's alright. Because we are on God's time, not Tim's, and not the Elder's.
Tim, I charge you not to do anything rash. Above all, love them. They too are going through trials. Consider it your duty to love them and serve them, and in so doing, you will witness a whole new side of what God is doing in the church, not just in your life.
God be with you,
Griff