Posted by thistle on November 30, 2002 at 07:50:32:
In Reply to: Now What? posted by jason on November 29, 2002 at 18:08:20:
Jason,
Thank you for posting. Your friendship is very important to Steve. You are a deep source of encouragement to him. He loves playing music with you, discussing the deeper mysteries with you, and sharing your warped sense of humor. ;)
While things have been extremely tough emotionally, I'm starting to feel a peace in the spirit now. It is not complete but is gradually working its way into my thick skull. We have some very special friends, you and Nancy included (gosh, I just met her and love her already) who have gone out of their way to show us their love through all of this. We couldn't get rid of Mike, Jen, and Terry if we had leprous lesions all over our sad faces ;) Chad, Corey, and Jen even went shopping with me on the day after Thanksgiving! Believe me, that is love. Corey, Jen, and Kat are the best friends ever. They are always there to lend a sympathetic ear and words of encouragement. They all love me, even when I'm a bitch (and that can be often). We have been tried but not yet forsaken! Overall, not everyone likes us, but those who love us, love us with a love that is beyond my understanding.
: I have been inactive with the list for the past couple 'o weeks. I was shocked today when I saw some of the posts. What is going on??
: The last message I heard at PU (11/17) was that we need to form a tight circle of support in order to move forward. Pastor Steve expressed some concern regarding the location of the church, and he asked for help in moving equipment for a date to be determined. I remember that He stated that he was going to have a very tough week coming up with school. Cari also asked for support with the Rummage sale in order to generate some revenue. After service, we hung out at Randy and Pam's, and there were some issues with the sale.I remember talking with Nancy on the way home about the church and how we really want to be a part and lend in our support, because the needs are great.
: If nothing else, for those of you who are involved with PU, the ministry, Pastor Steve & Cari, and the others in the church -- please keep in mind what it means to post in a Public forum. PS is the mediator of this board. It is his responsibility to maintain it and handle any posts that could potentially lead truth-seekers away. It takes time to respond to one of these posts -- and especially one that is emotionally charged. Ultimately, he alone carries the responsibility to respond to the individual in a manner that will be scrutinized by others who may have no insight into the situation. He will tread the line of tact, and sometimes step over, but believe this, when he speaks on his intentions and his feelings, he is speaking truthfully. Steve (Pastor or no) doesn't just say "I love you."
: This is not even the remarkable thing - at least where we, the recipients/readers/posters are concerned. It is not even remarkable that he takes the time - praisworthy, sure -- No, the remarkable thing is that he is able to maintain this board as a public, open forum (Read: Uncensored). PU has hung its dirty laundry out for the world to see. The issues that confront this church - YOUR church - are out in the open for all to review. I have also seen this same behavior demonstrated during service as well. As far as I can tell - poets, painters, and musicians alike are free to share. That doesn't happen even in many non-religious venues. This church has become a living example.
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: I am walking proof that Pastor Steve makes mistakes, and that he forgives.
: I was asked to leave the worship team a few years ago because of my behavior. The story he heard was tangled around hearsay and I was not contacted directly. Words were exchanged and I felt the hurt. I felt rejected by Pastor Steve and the church. The situation was not handled in the best way possible. The fact remained, though, that I had committed sin against the church, myself, and God. I had repented of this sin ON MY OWN, but because of the nature of our communications, he was not aware of this. Fortunately, we decided to step away from the situation and discuss it. We resolved our conflict, and although I now live a couple hours away, I feel closer to him today than ever.
: Three things carried me through that time:
: 1. I acknowledged my sins AS THE HOLY SPIRIT SHOWED ME.
: 2. I maintained the recognition that although his actions were drastic, painful, and potentially unnecessary, Pastor Steve loved me through the thing and his top priority was to deal with the sin.
: 3. We got together and worked through our problems in a spirit of love, acceptance, and forgiveness.
: Pastor Steven has not strayed from the concepts he teaches. Because of this, he does not want anyone to feel the pain or offence, but he is not afraid to address a problem head on. Especially when an activity could permanently damage anyone's relationship with Christ. In my case, if I had not repented for my actions completely, it would be obvious to anyone looking into the situation, and I would be telling a different story. The fact is, the Pastor never asked me to leave the chuch (Censorship) - just to step down from a position of leadership. This is exactly what he should've done.
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: J