So I actually have about 5 different things in draft form. I’m at a low point right now, and feeling discouraged about many things. Not that I don’t have too many blessings to count, just that I’m too annoyed with too many things to take time to count them. I think the biggest thing bothering me is the pastor of the church I worship with. I think he’s probably not a good pastor, and though as a United Methodist, I can hope that he’s moved, that bothers me too.
I’m simply not sure that wanting him to go somewhere else is the proper response. I know that UMs are working on improving the itinerancy, and I know that if he had been directed better in the early years of his ministry, our church, and others before, would have benefited, but that doesn’t help me here and now. The church hasn’t trained me properly with how to deal with the loss of a good pastor or the gain of a bad one. I know that the only reason I’m still trying is because God strengthens me. The daily prayer helps.
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have broughtpurpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Ah, the joys of the itinerant system.
It seems that there is a lot of blood, sweat, and tears going into the proposals that could change the way we do ordination and therefore itineracy. I hope something actually comes of it.
I won’t bore you with all the stories I have about the damage done by itineracy and guaranteed appointment (which needs to be done away with!) but I’ve seen the way it can hurt people (parishioners and pastors), too.