Yesterday one of my friends sent me this link to an article written about a pastor who was "single" and having a hard time finding work. Some of it was due to a hard economy and some he felt was do to discrimination. It was a very interesting article in that it brought up things that I have known for years. The fact that most churches prefer a "family man" over a single man to pastor their congregation. That some churches feel a single person could end up dating the members or fall into sexual sin. Of course, I always want to say, who would you like pastors to date...those outside the church? lol. But, seriously, I know as a past singles director I had to get permission to date someone within my own leadership team...for obvious reasons.
But what is interesting about this article is the motion it has started. I guess the NY times contacted Mark somehow (who is a laid off teaching pastor from CA). They interviewed him and as a result, the story was picked up by the BBC as well as "The View" including a live interview on the "Joy Behar" show. Who knows where it could go from here.
I decided I wanted to meet Mark so I looked him up on google. I found several video's of him and other connections. I also found him on facebook. I ask to be his friend and sent him a message. He was gracious enough to respond. He is overwhelmed by all the attention. This morning the Lord put on my heart the need to pray for Mark. I know and you know the enemy will attempt to turn this into a church bashing situation. It's not about how bad the church is but instead bring to light that "singles" make great pastors including having more time and more focus than marrieds AND that they should be prayed over as a possibility for a church to hire.
So please, I ask that you join me in prayer for Mark as we pray this opens doors for "singles" to pastor and lead churches as God wills it.
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” - James 1:12
But what is interesting about this article is the motion it has started. I guess the NY times contacted Mark somehow (who is a laid off teaching pastor from CA). They interviewed him and as a result, the story was picked up by the BBC as well as "The View" including a live interview on the "Joy Behar" show. Who knows where it could go from here.
I decided I wanted to meet Mark so I looked him up on google. I found several video's of him and other connections. I also found him on facebook. I ask to be his friend and sent him a message. He was gracious enough to respond. He is overwhelmed by all the attention. This morning the Lord put on my heart the need to pray for Mark. I know and you know the enemy will attempt to turn this into a church bashing situation. It's not about how bad the church is but instead bring to light that "singles" make great pastors including having more time and more focus than marrieds AND that they should be prayed over as a possibility for a church to hire.
So please, I ask that you join me in prayer for Mark as we pray this opens doors for "singles" to pastor and lead churches as God wills it.
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” - James 1:12
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