EVERYTHING RISES AND FALLS ON LEADERSHIP: A Tribute to a Bishop of the Free Methodist Church!

I just read a post by former bishop of the Free Methodist Church [1985-1999], Gerald Bates.  His post celebrates his marriage to his wife, Marlene for sixty-nine years!  My response to his announcement was simply: “Still leading after all these years!”  😊

I’ve never written a tribute for a bishop before, so bear with me here, but I do believe it’s important to say things while they can still be appreciated by the people we honor!

Bishop Bates served the Free Methodist Church as a missionary from 1957-1985.  The last twelve of those years he served as the Area Administrator for center Africa!  His distinguished leadership in this role and his sacrificial blessing of the African Church propelled him into his role as bishop of the church.

What I’m about to share is my opinion and my story.  I hope you enjoy reading it.  It’s my honest reflection of this season of his leadership.

In 1985, I was early in my leadership of the Oakland FMC in East Liverpool, Ohio.  Having been appointed there in 1982 [at the age of thirty], I was just beginning to be able to lead with some measure of freedom.  A generational gap had strangled the church from growth and we were finally seeing some ability to resolve that issue and see convert growth.  My confidence was growing.  Eventually the size of the church would triple – before I moved on in 1995. 

In Bishop Bates’ first leadership session of the [then] Pittsburgh Conference, I had not liked the way a vote was taken during this special session held at the Washington, PA FMC.  [All I can remember is that we had voted by acclamation on something, and I felt that the vote was close enough to demand a ballot vote.  In my brashness I responded by frustrating the rest of the conference session.]  For some reason – in my youth and zeal – I repeatedly called for a ‘ballot vote’ on every incidental vote that occurred for the rest of that day.  It was my 'protest' against what I felt had been an injustice.

It eventually became greeted with groans across the conference floor.  Each time I made this motion, I assured that I had a ‘second’ to make it official [I can't remember who my co-conspirator was.].  Each time, Bishop Bates had to call for a vote on my motion – which, of course, lost with each incidence!  It was an exercise in frustration that grew weary as the day went on.  Whatever the issue was, I felt compelled to call it front-and-center repeatedly throughout the day to underscore my disappointment. 

When the conference session ended, Superintendent Robert Neal escorted Bishop Bates to a nearby restaurant to enjoy a meal together.  My father, a delegate from the New Brighton FMC, and his pastor, Lloyd Donnell were already seated to enjoy their meal.  The superintendent and bishop joined them at their table!  During the meal, Bishop Bates asked: “Who was the young man who was so clearly trying to make a point in our session today?”  The table went silent as Superintendent Neal and Pastor Donnell dropped their eyes to their plates.  My dad responded to the bishop: “That was my son, Bishop Bates.  His name is Harold Haire and he’s the pastor of one of our churches in East Liverpool, Ohio.”  From my understanding, that’s where the dialogue ended.  😂

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 With that delightful anecdote shared, let me continue. 

In his address to the conference that day, Bishop Bates said some things we had never heard before!  He told us that he recognized his need to acclimate to the American culture before he could effectively lead the church.  In doing so, he expressed confidence in our ability to lead our churches and to do so effectively.  He essentially gave us license to lead our churches in the way that we – and our people – deemed best!  It was a fresh note that we had not heard before!  Many questions ensued!

It’s important to note that at this time almost every church had a Sunday School session before its morning worship.  We also – almost without exception – still had Sunday evening services. 

 Some pastors asked:

·       Can we change the times of our services?

·       Others asked if Sunday School had to be held in the early morning?

·       One asked if it could be held in the evening instead.

Most of the questions had to do with scheduling.  You could sense an incredulous response on the part of these pastoral leaders!

Each time, Bishop Bates responded in the same manner.  Essentially, he said, “You know the culture of your church far better than I do!  Lead with wisdom and grace and do what you think you need to do in order to grow the Kingdom of God in your geographical area!”

It was liberating leadership!  Pastors were encouraged by his trust!  That next year, many changes were made in many of our churches!  We were set free to lead by our bishop, and the results were pretty remarkable!

For my entire life, the greatest growth in the Free Methodist denomination had taken place in our western conferences.  But not that year!  For the first time in memory, the eastern area led the church in growth!  It was phenomenal!  It was joyful!  It was liberating! 

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Leadership guru, John Maxwell has consistently taught that “everything rises and falls based on leadership!” 

When we were given the liberty to lead, growth occurred!  Bishop Bates’ humility and honest confession in his new role as bishop of the church had a stimulating impact on our area!  Pastors were empowered!  The Kingdom grew! 

Bishop Bates continued to lead the church until the end of the century!  He distinguished himself in this season of leadership!  The church – especially the eastern area – owes him a debt of gratitude!  And as I said earlier, he’s still leading today by his integrity, his devotion and his deep commitment to his Lord!  Thank you, Bishop Bates!  You have our respect and our gratitude!  Blessings on you and Marlene!