Church Talk

 

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.