Father Mckinzie, Preparing a Sermon that No One Will Hear

It has been a while since I posted anything on the blog. I have actually written a couple pieces but decided not to post them. I have received a modest amount of push back from some folks in my congregation, presbytery and from an area Executive Presbyter where I was inquiring about an interim position.  I have taken a stance that seems strange to many but feels just right to me. Personally, I am so deeply estranged from the PC(USA) that I fear my sense of belonging is all but absent. Since I believe we are weakened by the secrets we keep, I try to remain open and transparent even at the risk of being misunderstood or even attacked. I have demonstrated this disposition in this blog.

This blog is a disclosure and chronicle of my own personal struggles and a report of some insights I believe I have gained. I am not a great fan of persuasion. My goal for writing is never to call others to agree with me or, certainly, not to change their views. I hope to bring some comfort to those who hold similar feelings and thoughts. I hope to help those who differ from me to gain some understanding of those who disagree with them.

The congregation I serve is in the process of requesting dismissal to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church – which is a denomination holding views and a mission direction that are more in line with those held by many (most) in the congregation I serve. This is not a settled question for them but the session (church board) has voted unanimously to recommended dismissal. The congregation is in the process of expressing their desires to our presbytery’s “listening team.” This team consists of seven elders and ministers in our presbytery. They are making a phone call to every active member to ascertain their wishes regarding leaving for the EPC or remaining in the PC(USA).

I have made it clear to the congregation that I will not leave the PC(USA) with them as their pastor. That, for me, would violate a principle I hold to be sacred. That principle is loyalty. The Presbytery of the Pines did not receive me as a member in order to lead a congregation out of the PC(USA). This action would not serve the interest of the presbytery. I accept this as a part of the covenant relationship I have with this presbytery. As long as I remain a member, I place myself under their discipline. This has made me a rather strange breed of cat. Many evangelical pastors have left with their congregations because they are personally offended by the recent changes in the PC(USA) and because they believe their ministry responsibilities requires them to give their leadership to the congregation after it leaves. While I differ with them, I do not see my views as the only ethical position possible. For such ministers, my loyalty is misplaced.

I can retire, with full pension, on December 24, 2013. The pace of this process of dismissal indicates that a decision will probably be made at the February presbytery meeting. On that date, should this congregation be dismissed to the EPC, I will no longer be its pastor. I have the option of paying my own pension dues for the remainder of the year. This will be about $6,000 but it is an investment that will gain a great return throughout my retirement years. I have been pursuing a new call in the PC(USA) and in the EPC. I am willing to serve as an interim pastor in either denomination. At age 63, I am not a good prospect for an installed pastorate. My own sense of ministerial vocation is that I am called to serve God’s people and proclaim the Gospel as long as I have enough strength to do so. It does not appear likely that I will be allowed to do that in the PC(USA) or in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

I think I have shied away from putting “myself out there” for fear that doing so might make me even less attractive as an interim pastor.