I don’t fully know why it happened, but it did.

If you go to my church’s staff page on its website, the badge featuring the picture and the name of the pastor of my campus is gone. I had heard word last night that he had left the church- resigned- and behold, no trace of him remains on the church website today. And I am stunned.  Nearly six months ago, he had willingly stepped away from being a worship pastor at the main campus to take on pastoring a church plant in one of the toughest areas in town. He threw himself into the task.  Now- half a year later- our church plant pastor  is gone.

Nothing illegal or illicit was done which prompted his departure. Ever since I’ve known (and known of) Jim, he’s been a straight-up guy.  And from the moment it was announced that Jim was going to pastor a new campus at Highland, I’ve walked with him and his family and the fledgeling church week by week through summer and fall, watching and working with them as the little church took shape.  Over this period of time, Jim has been honest, sincere, prayerful, self-deprecating, enthusiastic, encouraging.  In short, pastoral.

So what (sorta) happened?

From what I can surmise, Jim wanted to try some ministry approaches and worship service alterations that deviated from the template provided by the Mothership.  I think Jim got a resounding “No” on his requests.  And somewhere along the way, disagreement became dissension, and then dismissal.  I mean, his resignation.

Several weeks ago, as a church we met at Roosevelt Park and ended provided a meal and mingled with people who were in that neighborhood, who chose to join us.  many of those who were in the park that day were homeless.  As Jim and his co-pastor, Todd, organized greeters and grills, Jim would break off occasionally to talk to whoever wandered over to ask about what we were up to.  As the afternoon progressed, after the food line was serving and a large number of folks, most homeless, were sitting around us downing hot dogs and burgers, Jim was walking around talking to them.  Inviting them to services.  Telling them about Christ’s love for them.  Praying with them.  Listening to them.  At one point, he took a break and came back and checked in with a few people from the church standing and surveying the event.  I remember him smiling and declaring, “I love this.  I could do this all day.”  This is the Jim I have seen as a pastor over the last half a year.

Last night’s news has been rolling around in my head all morning today.  I am trying to assess what Jim’s departure means for my own involvement at the new campus.  I am a bit confused by what God is doing in this situation- although I know He is working in it.   But the revelation has made me stop and ask myself some questions about church life:

When should a church can a pastor?

Should a pastor be punted due to insubordination?  When is a pastor considered insubordinate?

What are some poor reasons to show a pastor to the door?

Really, though, the big question I am asking myself today is:

What is more important within a church- its model, its minister, or its message?

We may plan to plant twenty churches in twenty years, and ask our pastors to adhere to a schema for managing events and experiences, but if the gospel is not being effectively sown and served, those directives are a bust.

Church models, like church ministers, come and go.  I think the important thing is that we, like God, support those models and ministers that effectively share the message of salvation with our world.