PLAYING PASTOR WHACK-A-MOLE

Let's look a the pastor shuffle.  It's kind of a pastor whack-a-mole game played by some denominations.  A church has a problem with a pastor or the powers that be think a pastor has been at a church long enough.  Whack! That pastor is shuffled to another congregation and a new one pops up on the doorstep of your church. Has a problem been solved or just passed on to another congregation?  Have you lost a pastor that seemed like family just because the hierarchy feels the need to solve a problem someplace else by moving your pastor to solve another churches problems? Should pastors be uprooted and moved just because they have served a congregation a specific number of years?



BECAUSE THE HIERARCHY SAYS SO, THAT'S WHY!
I'm not a particular fan of denominational hierarchy,bishops,
super elders,or grand poobahs, whatever you call them in your particular denomination.  Those who rule from afar and have never been to your church or met any of the
congregation, yet proclaim they know who and what is best for your congregation.  Unfortunately, we have had several problem pastors over the years.  Why? Primarily from the practice of fixing problem pastors by just moving them to another church.  Of course they usually take their issues to the next church but hey, the problem is solved in the church they were moved from.  At least in our denomination, another pastor is then dumped on your doorstep.  The congregation has never met this pastor, know nothing about this pastor and have had no choice in the process of pastor selection.  There's a good chance  you have just received a pastor who was also moved because of a problem in their previous church or you have received someone who just does not want to live where you are located.  So, instead of receiving a pastor that solves the previous problems you have had, you are about to have new ones created.  Arbitrary assignment, without a congregation even having the chance to meet or interview a new pastor is ridiculous. But according to the powers that be, the problem is solved. In their view, YOU have a problem congregation.


TEARING THE FAMILY APART
Finally, as in our case, a pastor has come into the your church who is a perfect fit.  A few minor irritations at first which is because of the change thing, which church people hate.  But then you and the pastor figure each other out and you can get on with church life.  A perfect fit.  You grow together as a family. The pastor knows your family and watches your kids grow, helping them along the way.  Your church is doing what churches are suppose to be doing, bringing people closer to the Lord, supporting each other.  No more upset stomachs and time wasted in meetings dealing with pastor problems.  The pastor is part of your family now and things are running well.  The pastor has earned your trust and is there to share your joys and help you cope with the valleys life tosses at you.  A few years pass and you know that anytime, the main dude in the church hierarchy is probably painting a bulls eye on your pastor because he has been there the maximum six years.  For whatever reason, you know his days with your congregation are numbered.  The guy who has never been to your church and knows nobody in your congregation is wise enough to take your pastor, who has become family and move him someplace to fill a slot where another pastor has been for six years or has a problem.  True genius at work.  The pastor doesn't want to leave. He's become part of the community and the congregation doesn't want him to leave but the Grand Poobah says, "Times up! You now have a new calling!  I say so!"  So, once again, you start the process.  The pastor you know and rely on is gone. You need to start the process all over again.  Maybe God, not the Bishop, will bless you with someone who can grow with your congregation.  Then again, maybe not. This pastor whack-a-mole type of problem solving is one of several important reasons the traditional denominational churches are shrinking while non-denominational churches are flourishing.  Times are changing as is the face of worship.  The traditional denominational churches need to take a better look at their internal procedures.  Try serving the congregations instead of dictating to them.


LIVE WITH IT!
A couple thoughts come to mind.  Jeremiah 23:1 tells us, "Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture" declares the Lord.  Then again, maybe we are to welcome and embrace a pastor who may not be a perfect fit.  Maybe after all, it's a test of your congregations faith?  A second quote comes to mind.  I don't remember where it comes from but it makes sense.  "If you want a better pastor, pray for the one  you have." But, never forget, if you don't volunteer to share the load and prefer to sit and complain, you become part of the problem.  Be active  and supportive within your church.  Work to change things where needed and don't be afraid to voice your opinion to  the church hierarchy.  If there are enough voices praying, anything is possible.