A rumor came across my path the other day. It may me think, and that made me smile.
A blog written several weeks ago regarding the firing up two different friends of mine from two different ministries evidently caused a stir.
Somehow someway the information wormed its way through the Internet and eventually into the hands, or eyes of one of the people who did the firing. This in an of itself did not surprise me nor bother me because I would be shocked if something like that didn't weasel its way around the Internet and eventually into the hands of people who might take it personally. I would've hoped that if these people did take it personally it would open up a dialogue between us and possibly gain some understanding. I also don't think I really made any sort of personal attack, only general philosophical observations regarding the overall events surrounding these two friends of mine.
The rumor was that one of these ministries brought up as a statement of fact in a staff meeting "that Bob Switzer has made it quite clear he doesn't like us".
Now I have to admit that this quote may not be an exact quote because I readily admit it probably has been filtered through several or more people before it popped into my little world. What this little quote did for me was make me think and make me smile.
What I would like to examine and here now write about is that I really don't believe I meant anything as a personal attack toward anyone in either of the ministries in which such negative actions were taken against my friends.
I don't doubt that those with a modern mindset or a business approach to Ministry are perfectly capable of desiring and wanting the best for God, and God's people. I don't doubt their motive to be pleasing in God's sight and to develop outreaches or ministries that God would be happy with. I believe that many a Ministry throughout the 1900s were conducted and maintained through what amounted to a very impersonal and strategic plan.
I can think of many ministries I have been affected by and many that I have heard about that were run in a strict authoritative way that accomplished many things for God and were run by men who sincerely love God and believed that their business/strategic plans were God-given inspirational things .
If people within their ministries could not stay in line or get on board with the approach/plan then they were to be removed or "called of God" elsewhere so that the plan could move on without hindrance and God would be pleased and glorify.
My experience is that these plans, and modernistic view to Ministry created an atmosphere in which grace was denied and relationships were based on expectations. Grace was not given the opportunity because things had to be done, and if expectations were not met then relationships had to be severed.
I don't think that's the way God's kingdom operates. I think God's kingdom is far more complicated than that. I am not saying that plans/strategies are unimportant or those with them should not be trusted I am saying God's kingdom work deserves more than that and in these two minor instances grace and relationships should have been given equal priority with plans and strategie.
What's funny to me is probably both ministries would claim that my observation of these situations is without merit and narrowminded. And I agree they may be right.
I truly hope the for the best regarding both of these ministries and those that are now running them. I in no way believe that God is limited by anyone's approach to Ministry whether the modern or postmodern whether it be all grace and relationships or all plans and strategies or some other form of philosophy. I want to see God's kingdom continue to take on the enemy on this earth and win victories. It is my hope and sincere prayer that those that were fired through "mutual consent" will have opportunities of vast Kingdom impact and relational depth that will bless their lives.
And if the rumor is true and someone out there believes that what I have written in the past made it clear to them that I do not like them, I am sorry, will you forgive me.
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It's probably time to talk directly to the offended parties if you have not already done so.
ReplyDeleteI have a idea of what happened in one of the cases and I think there was a fairly significant ministry philosophy difference that was at the root. If those deeper differences were not there I'd venture to guess that any specifics, although perhaps technically the reason given for dismissal, would have been ignored. Thus on the surface it might appear that there was a lack of grace, but really there was a lack of compatibility.
However, the specifics of this situation aside, your points about the need for grace in ministry relationships are well taken.
I have spoken directly to the offended parties. I think in one case it was quite shocking. Not so much for me but for them I don't think they knew what to do with someone who wanted to restore relationship on a personal level without necessarily falling in line with everything else they do/have done.
ReplyDeleteRelationships to get complicated.
Grace is always appreciated