Clergy colleague called
to tell me
the church she serves
told her
Aldersgate ran itself
into the ground
then closed
turned over building to conference
if Aldersgate can do it
so can we
that’s not the way it
happened I replied
let’s have lunch so we
did.
Aldersgate sold its
building
but there must be
compelling reason
also plans for
afterwards
although reason may never
materialize
plans can fall through.
Some other churches sold their buildings
then dovetailed with another church
taking proceeds with them
it all requires
permission
yes her church sits on
valuable property
I doubt the conference
trustees would let
another Aldersgate happen I said
I tried so many things
they told me they were old
nothing worked out
set up trust gave away money.
We talked about serving
elderly churches
whose members no longer
want to serve
study work do ministry
even answer difficult questions.
Massey’s ganged up on me lately to say
they are too old been
there done that
please stop asking
this all arises from
charge conference question
what keeps you stuck
unable to perceive
new thing God is doing?
what new thing we all
wonder.
My colleague said you
should try what I am doing
interim pastor no
more than one year
she said I am quite
emphatic
my time with any
church ends in June
then I take off at least July often longer
it's great she said I will never take another church
longer than a year.
Yes I enjoyed being
short term interim
at handful of churches
when I served Union
Grove who worshiped at 5
so long ago.
