{"id":154,"date":"2004-06-18T23:10:03","date_gmt":"2004-06-18T23:10:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/salguod.net\/blog\/2004\/06\/and_then_there_1.shtml"},"modified":"2021-05-29T02:48:44","modified_gmt":"2021-05-29T02:48:44","slug":"and_then_there_1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/salguod.net\/blog\/2004\/06\/and_then_there_1.shtml","title":{"rendered":"And then there were four …"},"content":{"rendered":"

I had started this post a few weeks ago but never finished it. It bears completing, bringing some unfortunate closure to the events in my church over the past few months.<\/i>
\nWell, what I had feared has happened. The deacon who stepped down just a few weeks ago told me on Thursday (5\/27\/2004) that he will no longer be worshiping with us. The reasons are the same as they were when we spoke that night<\/a>. If that blow could be said to have brought me to my knees, this one put me flat on my back on the mat, out cold. I’m begining to come to now.
\nThis is now the 4th man in the past year that I’ve grown close to and opened my heart to that has left my fellowship. These men and I have shared our hearts, gut wrenching feelings and deep wrestling about God and truth. Most imortantly for me I’ve felt a connection with them, a bond, that I’ve found hard to make with others. And one by one they’ve left, two to other states and two to other congregations.
\nI was, frankly, a real grouch for several days. This one has been perhaps the hardest. Not because we we the closest, we weren’t. No I think it was finding another who I felt I could share with and loosing them. I need<\/i> these kind of men, these kind of relationships. It’s almost unbearable to think of going on without them. But the thought of giving my heart all over again only to have the rug torn from beneath my feet is nearly as unbearable. Will I give my heart only to find them coming to the same conclusions and going their own way? The urge to run and hide is great. It’s safer, but not better.
\nThe joy of earlier in the week<\/a> (5\/24\/2004) was quickly snatched away. From hope and encouragement to dispair in one swoop. Ironically, I was excited to share the results of that night with him. I knew of his pain for our church, and I hoped that it would give him some encouragement and hope. I guess it was too late for that. We will still remain good friends, and can still have those talks. But I know that without the regular meeting together at church, it will be more difficult, and it won’t be the same. I hope I’m wrong.
\nIt is another loss for our spiritual family, but because of the actions of the deacons on Monday (5\/24\/2004) I have renewed hope for our congrgation. We must act quickly to stem the tide. I fear the enemy has gotten a real foothold, and he won’t be easily removed.
\nSince writing that, the leadership team has gotten together a few more times. It’s been encouraging, and I am begining to see a bond develop between us. There are still some real questions in my mind, some real differences in opinion on where to take the church, but I remain hopeful. Frankly I am glad to see the diversity of the group. I think it will mean, if we can really listen to each other, a healthy leadership for the church. If only we can see the wisdom and value in each other’s words.
\nWe’ve begun to visit the members as well. My first will be tomorrow morning. I am anxious to hear what they have to say. Lot’s of lessons in listening coming up. If you’e the praying type, adn you feel so moved, please say a prayer for the leadership here in the Columbus Church of Christ to be able to listen with humble hearts. It’s so easy to dismiss without a proper hearing.<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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I know at least two members of my church read this blog regularly, and I fear both hurting their faith and, to be honest, a potential backlash at me for publicizing these thoughts and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "God and Church"","block_context":{"text":"God and Church","link":"https:\/\/salguod.net\/blog\/god-and-church"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":439,"url":"https:\/\/salguod.net\/blog\/2006\/01\/redirected.shtml","url_meta":{"origin":154,"position":1},"title":"Redirected","author":"Doug Schaefer","date":"January 24, 2006","format":false,"excerpt":"I've been meaning to write this for a couple of weeks now. You may have noticed that my Quiet Time journal has been more active lately. 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