New Leading Pastor?

[Reg]

I'm back. The Boat Show is over. It got to be tiring after 9 days. I said I couldn't make it yesterday. I wanted to hear our candidate for leading pastor Dr. Tom Finch. We have been without a Senior Pastor for the last year and a half.

He gave a very basic sermon focusing on Jesus. We had a video before he gave the sermon. People were asked, "Who was Jesus Christ?" Only one guy came up with the right answer. It's amazing what people said. It was a good intro to his sermon.

Dr. Finch asked a good question. Who are you? It's about what we identify with. As a Christian, we are His followers and disciples. As disciples, we are to learn about Him. It's about proper education. He said that people, including the church have an identity crisis. Here's his sermon....

WORDS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD Matthew 16:13-18
http://www.bramaleabaptist.org/about/messages.php

After services we had a chance to meet him and his wife. In his bio he said, "During high school he was frustrated with what he saw happening in the church and began to prepare to be a medical doctor."

When I met him I asked him a question about that. He said he saw a lot of hypocrisy and other things that were not good. I said the reason I asked him that question is because I spent 29 years in the WCG. He was familiar with that church. I asked him if he was familiar with the term, Spiritual Abuse? He said he was. I said that it was similar to being raped, albeit psychologically and emotionally. I said I am not bitter and have forgiven the things of the past. I added that a person never really gets over it, just learns to cope with how it has affected us.

I mentioned the book "Toxic Faith" which he said he was familiar with. I said that I helped start Celebrate Recovery at our church. He was happy to hear that saying it was a good program. I then said it was unfortunate that I was re-injured as a result. His facial expression changed saying it was too bad.

I had a comfortable feeling talking to him. He listened. I would have liked to have talked to him more but a lot of people wanted to meet him. We vote next Sunday whether we will accept him as our Leading Pastor. I pray he will be what I was praying for. Someone who understood SA. I could only work with someone who did. Otherwise, there has not been any door open yet where I can walk through in this area at our church.

Here is his bio. What do any of you think? I know it's hard to come up with an opinion just reading this. But, any thoughts or info would help. Thanks.

Dr. Tom Finch
http://www.bramaleabaptist.org/about/dr-tom-finch.php

[Reg]

Doing a little searching I found out that he was married over 25 years with 3 sons to his wife who died of brain cancer in 2001. He married Laura in June 2007 and the two of them have 5 sons and four grandchildren.

As a result of his wife's death he wrote a book, "Unmapped Darkness: Finding God's Path Through Suffering".
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=67508&event=1010SBF|1198050|1010

He understands suffering. He has been broken. Why good people suffer is a very difficult thing to understand. Only one who has been through some terrible tragedy can understand. We all try to make sense of this. Some do some don't.

For me personally, I was at the point of suicide. I hit a wall and couldn't see any way to continue living. Everything I valued and had hope in, I thought at the time in deep trauma, was gone. All I could do is watch movie videos and I would watch 3-4 a day. I couldn't work any longer. I had trouble just balancing my checkbook. I could only get a few hours sleep after I was exhausted. Day and night were just words to me. I had no schedule or routine. I just existed. I had a good cry every day for months on my knees before God. That was the only way I could cope with the day ahead. This gave me a sense of relief.

After I came out of my deep depression, I slowly came to realize that God was taking care of me in ways I couldn't take care of myself. I came to know God in ways I hadn't known before. He carried me in those dark days. My relationship with Him grew more intimate and stronger than before. It was in the midst of my depression that God became more real to me than at any time before.

Psa 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

I came to understand that verse in a personal way.

P.S. It's somewhat sad that Ameen left. If he thought I was directing scripture directly at him, that was not my intent. As always, I try to bring something to the table that will be helpful in a generic way. He talked about the senseless suffering he was aquainted with. He saw no purpose in it. Yet there is. Some find it, others don't.

[Willow]

It's always hard to choose a new pastor. At least you have a voice in the matter. Some churches just ship one out and get a new one without a choice I suppose. The thing that stands out to me in all you've written is that his face changed when you told him of your disappointment. I like it that he's responsive.

[outcast]

When our church chose a new pastor a few months back I realized that I really couldn't really approve or disapprove of him right off. I really feel strongly that only time can tell what kind of man this guy will be.

I know for me, I was reluctant to approve too quickly because that was my problem in the cult and the church after that - approving too quickly of people.

I will say from his site that his pedigree looks impressive. In reality though, that doesn't always mean anything. I suppose I posted just to remind you to trust your gut and that it is okay to be cynical or mistrusting of a new pastor at first. Let him take the steps to show he is worthy of your trust.

When countless people asked me about my opinion of our new pastor I honestly let them know that I hadn't had time to form one yet. That surprised many, but I also think that it made alot of people think. I think in the church we are way too hasty to say nice things about potential leadership. That is just human nature.

I hope my response doesn't sound negative or antagonistic. Really it is well meant because I know you seem to be the type of person who likes to be cautious and see all sides of a situation.

For what it is worth though, I think you will be okay. :)

[Reg]

Thanks Willow and Outcast for your reply.

Yeah, I think he's responsive. He understands suffering. Maybe not SA as such but suffering is suffering no matter what you label it. If he truly has been broken than he has empathy. I have to get his book and read it. That should give me what I need.

[Reg]

Found out the results of our vote. He was voted in and should be arriving within a couple of weeks.
http://www.bramaleabaptist.org/about/dr-tom-finch.php

Found out he sold his house in the Chicago area in very short time. That's a bit of a miracle considering the economic situation especially the housing market.

Anyway, I'm/we are looking forward to his arrival. We have been without a leading/senior pastor for almost 1 1/2 years.

This time I hope I'm not disappointed. I would really like to work with this one in the SA area. It was not possible with the last one. I just couldn't connect with him.

[Anna Marta]

It looks like lovely church Reg. God seems to be going ahead of things for the pastor and congregation. WIsh you well.

AM

[Reg]

Thanks AM. A little belated. :o

This post by ex-shep led me to post this message from our new lead Pastor.

will be checking in
I know Easter can be rough day for some of us because of our groups. If any one needs to check in, the coffee pot is brewing.

Wife and I catching the early service at church to avoid the rush. Will catch meetings later. Will take Rigoletto for a walk in the woods.

Other than that nothing planned. Gotta run. Will be around.


I wish all of you could have attended services with me yesterday. It was such an inspiration. The way they did the music that day was so well put together and co-ordinated in such a way to deliver the entire message without the need to preach. It was done in segments with a commentary between each.

So hopefully you can participate somewhat if you want to in our Easter message.

April 12
SEVEN LAST WORDS OF CHRIST Divine Necessity
Mark 8:31-32
Dr.Tom Finch | Listen Now | Podcast
http://www.bramaleabaptist.org/about/messages.php

[luttrell03]

Great for you Reg. Sounds like you're excited and hopeful.
This pastor knows suffering so can extend empathy. Someone once said, 'Unbroken and unbruised men are of little use'.
That would be great to get lots of support for your ministry in helping those who hurt.

[simka2]

I'm very hopeful for you and your church :) Just a ?, but if you were going to do in church ministry focused around SA how would you go about it? I only ask, because dh and I have considered it and even gotten the green light from our lead pastor...but the timing hasn't felt quite right yet!

[Anna Marta]

Timing is everything! There is a time for everything under heaven, huh?

[ex-shep]

Found out the results of our vote. He was voted in and should be arriving within a couple of weeks.
http://www.bramaleabaptist.org/about/dr-tom-finch.php

Found out he sold his house in the Chicago area in very short time. That's a bit of a miracle considering the economic situation especially the housing market.

Anyway, I'm/we are looking forward to his arrival. We have been without a leading/senior pastor for almost 1 1/2 years.

This time I hope I'm not disappointed. I would really like to work with this one in the SA area. It was not possible with the last one. I just couldn't connect with him.

I had a good feeling of the results of the vote. It is subjective at best, but I think you can break open the ginger ale and streamers.

[ex-shep]

Thanks AM. A little belated. :o

This post by ex-shep led me to post this message from our new lead Pastor.

will be checking in
I know Easter can be rough day for some of us because of our groups. If any one needs to check in, the coffee pot is brewing.

Wife and I catching the early service at church to avoid the rush. Will catch meetings later. Will take Rigoletto for a walk in the woods.

Other than that nothing planned. Gotta run. Will be around.


I wish all of you could have attended services with me yesterday. It was such an inspiration. The way they did the music that day was so well put together and co-ordinated in such a way to deliver the entire message without the need to preach. It was done in segments with a commentary between each.

So hopefully you can participate somewhat if you want to in our Easter message.

April 12
SEVEN LAST WORDS OF CHRIST Divine Necessity
Mark 8:31-32
Dr.Tom Finch | Listen Now | Podcast
http://www.bramaleabaptist.org/about/messages.php

It is a date. Also for academic contrast, I have the link from our service last Sunday.

http://www3.parksidechurch.com/category/services-online/

I left feeling hope myself.

[ex-shep]

I had an opportunity to hear the Easter msg from. Great exposition.

[Reg]

I'm very hopeful for you and your church :) Just a ?, but if you were going to do in church ministry focused around SA how would you go about it? I only ask, because dh and I have considered it and even gotten the green light from our lead pastor...but the timing hasn't felt quite right yet!
Good question. I think a lot of us have a similar sentiment. Since I was involved in starting CR in our church and in its leadership for two years, I think that would be a place where a small group could start specifically in that area of SA.
Depending how well it went there, I would have to see what other doors would open. I also thought of having a guest speaker come to make our church aware of it and how pervasive it is in churches today.

But. of course, I have to wait to see a door open before I make any moves. So, I will have to see where Tom Finch is leading us. If/when an opportunity presents itself, I will inform him more about SA. I have to leave the ball in his court as I would need support from him and the elders.

[ex-shep]

Good question. I think a lot of us have a similar sentiment. Since I was involved in starting CR in our church and in its leadership for two years, I think that would be a place where a small group could start specifically in that area of SA.
Depending how well it went there, I would have to see what other doors would open. I also thought of having a guest speaker come to make our church aware of it and how pervasive it is in churches today.

But. of course, I have to wait to see a door open before I make any moves. So, I will have to see where Tom Finch is leading us. If/when an opportunity presents itself, I will inform him more about SA. I have to leave the ball in his court as I would need support from him and the elders.

I sense there may be open doors there too at my church. The pastor who I work with is very supportive and understanding of the dynamics. The senior pastor has touched on it or strongly alluded to it his sermons and on radio broadcasts. He almost has a nose for smelling out legalism and formalism. Sounds as if I may in the right place.

I do periodically attend a CR group close by. The pastor there understands the dynamics of SA. I only wish I knew what "Testimony to Go" had the reference to a man growing up in a legalistic church.

[dougjb]

Hi Reg,

The new pastor from your report seems like a good guy. You talked about the suffering and the ordeal this man went. When someone has been there and done that they tend to be more pastoral [people orientated] - no abstract answers but wisdom from experience.

dougjb
some food for thought