The New Dispensation

Our old pastor is on his way out - he was a true believer, grounded on the Word of God, and filled with compassion for his fellow man. He is the type of person who will give you a lift to the dentist, sit with your grandmother as she passes over and marry your youngest.

But we are in a time of transition - the new pastor is a manager, through and through. He will 'sort out the church', get the administration into place, and preach fire and brimstone from the pulpit. I must admit he is a dynamic teacher - he uses PowerPoint, object lessons and really captures your attention when he brings the Word, but I will miss my old pastor.

My heart goes out to all of those of us who have 'birthed' something, be it a soccer club or a church. We have fed it, cleaned it, cried with it, enjoyed victories with it, and just when it's ripe and maturing, we have to hand over to someone who thinks differently to how we think, has different objectives, different visions and a totally different way of dealing with 'our children'. Fear sets in, we want to let go, let the 'new dispensation' have its way, but it is hard. All we built up - will it be gone in the twinkling of an eye.

We all want our monuments to live on after we die - be it in what we did or in the minds of our friends and family, but as the song says, 'there is a season..' and just maybe, the time for a new season is now.

But dear pastor, you don't know about blogs, or Twitter or Facebook - but you know about loving people and caring enough to 'feel what they feel' - so in this virtual world, I honour you, and sing your praises. You will be missed. We will never have another Jerry Nell - this world is too small for two of you.