CONFLICT
In 1996, I was called to serve as pastor of Pryorsburg Baptist Church, located near Mayfield,
Kentucky. The Pastor Search Committee had informed me that the church was currently
experiencing a time of great unity, harmony, and growth. They further told me that my call was
unanimous. They said that the church had grown to the point that the last pastor had resigned, a
after a three-year tenure, because he had been promoted to Dean of Students at a nearby Baptist
college and could no longer serve as pastor of a church of this size.
I arrived at the church ministry field on a Saturday and preached the morning and evening
services on the next day. On Monday evening, a member came to my home and informed me
that the Pastor Search Committee had lied to me on several accounts. He said that my call was
not unanimous, and that he had voted against me because he "did not like it that that Pastor
Search Committee had rammed me down the throats of the church, and not given them time to
ask questions or pray about the matter." He then stated that the last pastor had not resigned ? he
had been forced out by "them," (a group of people who had taken over the church). He further
informed me that I was the third pastor in less than two years. He finished by telling me that my
call had been very strong, and that if I would preach the Word of God faithfully, and if I would
serve as pastor of all the people of the church, I would not find him behind me when the going
got rough ? I would find him at my side helping to hold up my arms.
&n ...