6 thoughts on “Requiem Ministerium”

1. Funny how we accept business world terminology in our churches but we do not demand that our churches adopt business world standards. Can you imagine how you would feel if your boss at IBM “suspended” you on an open ended basis, with no review system or follow up process? In fact you just wouldn’t feel anything, because you would go find another employer immediately. It would not matter what wrong you did or didn’t do, you would most likely feel that an indefinite suspension was simply too much for a company to ask of you and you would search your options. Yet when our ever loving church asks us to be put through public shame and ridicule and to accept draconian and inhumane open ended sentences we readily accept it as our cross to bare. Is it? If the church sanctions it does it make it right? Has the same reasoning not been applied to you as that applied to medieval martyrs?

   Personally I would urge you to move on. You acknowledged your part. You accepted the ramifications of your actions. Now free yourself from the ancillary bondage that others would have you live with and begin to live in your gifts again. God did not build you to wallow or toil under open ended burdens. He forgave you the moment you asked with a sincere heart. If the church cannot do the same, that is the churches problem and not yours.

   Kind regards,
   Pat

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   February 11, 2011 at 2:23 pm Reply

2. Thanks for the comment Patrick. Moving on really is the goal. As a writer these blog posts are my way of bringing closure to a very painful period in my history (as well as others).

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   February 11, 2011 at 2:46 pm Reply

3. I read your postings whenever I have a chance, but never leave my comments. Well… maybe once or twice… But this is one of those times when I feel like saying something.

   First of all, I’m sorry to learn you and your wife are now separated. It’s a difficult situation. Just hope the both of you can put the reason for your separation aside and move forward for the good of your children.

   Now… regarding all of this religious stuff (sorry, I’m not so deep into it as you and other readers are), as a layman, can I ask you: Can you exercise your pastoral duties somewhere else?… Or are your pastoral credentials good only for the denomination you were in?… kind of like a catholic priest being a priest only in the catholic church?

   If you can minister in whatever denomination you could choose, why not?

   It seems to me that any other denomination would win a great Pastor should you decide to join them.

   That’s the way I see it.

   Move forward. Look for another church. You would be wasting your talent and your call if you don’t do it. Let the puritans keep their church. I’m sure everybody there has never sinned. They are not humans. They are above all of us mortals.

   Best of luck!

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   February 14, 2011 at 11:03 am Reply

   1. Thanks Beatrice. It has been a bit of a hurricane lately in terms of life lately (understatement) but I am wired as an optimist and appreciate your comments. I will take the next while and focus on my writing, both professionally and for fun. I am free to pursue ministry in another denomination and time will tell if that is going to be a reality for me or not.

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      February 14, 2011 at 11:15 am Reply

4. Peter, I am your friend. Sometimes its hard for me to watch you share things that you feel or are going trough. I once looked up to you and hope that someday i will as i have. I know you feel pain and i know you struggle with things. Rest assured that God is a the God of Love. “Do you not Know? have you not heard? the lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youth grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40: 28- 31
   Peter rest in his promises that he will restore you and he will lift you up. Take this time and restore his truths in your life and heart. – Warren

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   February 17, 2011 at 9:01 pm Reply

   1. Thanks Warren…this means a great deal to me. I really appreciate your comments.

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      February 17, 2011 at 9:30 pm Reply

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