projection of church and community

Sulphur Springs UMC was led for 3 years by a newly appointed pastor that had no inclination as to the purpose of the United Methodist Church. He was a "climber" and sought to build up himself in the community while the church was declining in membership and wrought with debt. He created an atmosphere that was not conducive for outreach and growth. He created a self-imposed structure, ignoring the UMC system of church organization, while creating an inner circle of governance for the church that ignored the desires of the congregation, while making decisions that have left this church indebted for many years to come. It is sad that we, the United Methodist church, have allowed such decisions to be mandated upon our congregations. The God in which I serve is surely not a God of purposful plundering of any church, regardless of denomination! The previous pastor had no respect as to the integrity of our people, makng decisions that never came before the body of the church, leaving the impression that the heinous activity was purposeful and intentional! May our great and wonderfully glorius God forgive him for his actions as Pastor of these people.

Healing has come to our people in this church. May God forgive him and his actions while shepherding this congregation. We, the church, have lifted our thoughts and purpose to caring for God's work in this community and the world, as we rise above the ashes of the past! The love of a glorius God is healing, caring and always ready to forgve those who seek reparation for actions that hurt others--may it be so in this particular instance!