Chuck Bridges Blog

Yesterday I wrote some things about how thankful I am for the wonderful ways God has blessed me and my family. Actually, my intent was to talk about something of great concern to me. This past Sunday I was told about a Pastor friend of mine who had recently resigned from the fairly large church he was ‘leading’ (in Traditional circles the term ‘leading’ is subjective). I do not know any details of this situation just that I know how it feels to walk away from a pastoral ministry feeling defeated and rejected.

As a result of this, I felt impressed to speak to our Senior Leadership Team Monday night about Unity, Team Cohesion, protecting and encouraging each other. I spoke in a straight-forward manner about my no tolerance policy for any dissension within our Leadership Team. I had mixed emotions about sharing these things because I love our Team so much. Each of them have been Supernaturally added to this ministry by God. They are all very, very special to me! I just wanted to make sure that we ALL realize how important it is to guard the special relationship that God has given us in this special church.

On Tuesday morning I woke up feeling unsure if I had ‘harped’ too heavily on the issue since our Team demonstrates the kind of Unity I was promoting. Then, on my way to the office, my cell phone rang. It was one of my best friends in the world who is a devoted, visionary Pastor. He asked if I could meet him for lunch the next day because he really needed to talk. Then he said, “Some leaders in our church came to me and asked for my resignation.” While I immediately grieved in my spirit for my brother and his wife (I know exactly how they feel right now), I could not help my feelings of anger and frustration with this church!

It has become so common now for good Pastors who are not immoral, unethical, weird, mean, or crazy, to be asked to leave their churches because of insignificant personality issues with people in these churches who actually think they have the right to do this to God’s Chosen Leaders!! My dear friends, is it even possible for these misguided souls to somehow be awakened to the reality that they are pronouncing God’s judgment on themselves, their families and their churches?

I challenge any Bible believing Christian to show me where God ever designed or intended for His Sheep to tell His Shepherds what to do. There are also no Biblical grounds for the Congregational style of government that exists in so many of our churches. It is America that is a democracy (people ruled) not the church. The church is supposed to be a Theocracy (God Ruled!). God chooses His Shepherd for a local flock and then tells that anointed servant how to lead His people. As long as that “Called,” “Chosen,” and “Sent” Pastor is preaching the Word and leading according to God’s Word, the “Sheep” better love him and pray for him! Trying to get rid of him without biblical grounds is very dangerous!

Who am I to say these things? For one, I have served the local church for over 20 years. I have also been through a situation where a ministry I invested my life in was ended on a bad note because some people in the church thought they had the “right” to their say-so. But, let me also say that I am sharing all of this out of concern for the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ. He loved the church and gave himself up for her. (cf. Ephesians 5:25) I want nothing more than to see the church of our Lord thrive, not just survive. While we have internal conflicts more credibility is given to the argument that the church is “Irrelevant” to our culture. No wonder people on the outside of the church are content to stay away!

This is not a new reality in today’s church. Actually this kind of thing is occurring daily across our nation. What I do believe God is doing is moving away from these “Institutionalized” structures and moving into newer churches where there is freedom for the Pastors to lead God’s people in the way that God leads them. I hope some of the Mainline denominational churches will wake up and see the unbiblical actions of their social clubs (usually referred to as churches). But, I am not waiting to see if they do. We are going forward in the power and leadership of our Commander in Chief — Jesus Christ! He is leading us here at Washington Avenue and people are being saved; people who have been away from church for years are coming back and getting connected; there is an incredible spirit of freedom in our worship gatherings; and the fellowship we share in Unity and Harmony is “heavenly!” Let me tell you, when you do things the way God outlines in His Word, the benefits are bountiful! (Jesus called that the Abundant Life in John 10:10)

Come on Church! Time is short and eternity is forever! Let’s Wake Up and Work Together for Jesus!!!