When I was appointed to serve the Free Methodist Community Church in New Middletown, Ohio, it was the summer of 2003. I had been serving as an associate in a large church in Akron, Ohio for the previous six years. I had apprehensions about resuming the role of ‘Lead Pastor’.
I decided to begin by not provoking suggestions of change since there was already a great deal of turbulence in this congregation, and I didn’t want to add to it.
However, one need for change became apparent immediately.
The use of video projectors was exploding during this time period. The church was – at that time – using a projector that was set up on a board across two pews at the front-right of the sanctuary. They were projecting on a standard-size three-legged projection screen that was set up on the same level as the pews.
I suggested that it would be helpful if we could mount the projector from the ceiling and project on the large front wall above the pulpit. However, there was currently an eight foot cross hanging in that spot. But there was a large room on the side of the platform with a wall facing the congregation that could become an equally prominent place for the cross.
However, I failed to predict how controversial the idea of moving the cross might be. Moving it from its central position ended up turning into a much-discussed issue. Rumors were cast about that the new pastor wanted to remove the cross from the sanctuary [which, of course, was not accurate]! The congregation quickly polarized over this issue – the very thing I had not wanted to happen!
Some threatened to leave the church if we moved the cross!
I was so disappointed to be the cause of so much disturbance when I really wanted to be a stabilizing presence! I began to wish that I had not made the suggestion. Making this needed change was certainly not worth further dividing this congregation!
That’s when Bob Persing approached me.
Bob was a member of the founding family of this church many years earlier. He was a highly respected leader in the church and community! He gave no explanation, but simply asked if he could address the congregation the next Sunday.
Already knowing him to be a responsible leader and man of integrity, I told him that he could address our people following the offering on Sunday. I admit to having some apprehension about his request, but felt confident that he had a good heart and trusted that whatever he needed to say would be received by the congregation.
At the appointed time on Sunday I simply stated that Bob had requested the privilege of speaking to the congregation.
He came forward to the pulpit accompanied by his wife, Marilyn. His comments were brief and went something like this:
Good morning. My name
is Bob Persing and this is my wife, Marilyn.
We represent the Persing family that helped to found this church many
years ago.
We heard our new pastor’s
request to move the cross to the smaller wall to my left. We’ve become aware of the fact that this
seems to have become a controversial issue among some of our members.
I am here this morning
to give you some information. First of
all, it was the Persing family that purchased the cross! It was also the Persing family that installed
the cross. I’ve discussed it with our
family and we simply want you to know that the Persing family has no problem
with our pastor’s request! As a matter
of fact, if the church Council agrees to move the cross, we will help with that
project! I just wanted you to have that
information! Thank you very much!
Within a few weeks, the cross was moved and remained there until a later time [after my tenure] when that room was removed.
