Neil, I have read your books and been active on the rotation.org website for six years, ever since I started working at my church as the education director. I have a lot of respect for your insights. When I first read this, several months ago, I thought, “How dumb of that church and pastor. They don’t realize what they have.” I sure never thought my church and pastor were that dumb. Well, long story short here. Due to budget shortfalls, they decided to cut the education position from full to half time. We are a large UMC congregation. They left an unfilled Youth position funded, as well as funding powerpoint and child care jobs for teenagers (jobs which should have been opportunities for volunteerism.) I know taking care of teens is important; I am responsible for their education, and I put a lot of time and energy into it. But cutting education while keeping those programs fully funded was not only a slap in the face personally, but a really bad business decision for the church.

By the way, the pastor informed me of this decision in a staff meeting, in front of a bunch of people. Subtle, huh?

Well after taking time to absorb and process the decision, I drafted up a proposal for what a half time education director position would look like. The pastor met with me about it, and informed me that he expected the same number of educational offerings we have now. I asked how he thought I could do the same things in half the time, and he told me that other churches do it, and I would have to figure out how.

What it boils down to, is quality vs quantity. He wants quantity. He told me that relationship is the most important thing that sunday school provides, and that it doesn’t matter what the lesson is. In other words, don’t spend time developing curriculum and lesson plans. Just buy them (the ed budget didn’t get cut) and give the lessons to the teachers.

I countered that, while I agree completely that relationship is important, I don’t think it is more important that what is taught. If that were true, the kids could get relationships in boy scouts or at the ymca. Also, bible literacy is at an all-time low, and I think it is more important than ever to present high quality bible lessons to children who, for the most part, get all of their spiritual development at sunday school.

Well, I am looking for another job. I need the halftime job here until I get something else (who cuts a single mother right before Christmas anyway?) Right now, I’m so disgusted with the direction our leaders are taking this church, I don’t even want to be here at all. I grew up in this church; I was away for 24 years while I was in the Navy. Working here has been a dream second career for me. Until now.

Well, I’m following your story for the inspiration factor. I need some… Thanks for letting me vent.
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APRIL 2009 FOLLOW UP:

Neil, believe it or not, the church leadership relented and kept my position at full time after all. No, they didn’t suddenly realize that I am of inestimable value to the church. Instead, the congregation responded angrily to whole idea of staff cuts. They complained that the church leadership didn’t tell them that staff cuts would result from the budget shortfall.

The pastor responded to their anger with a rather (imho) grudging challenge to raise enough money to keep my position at full time. Within two weeks, the money was raised and more. I am humbled beyond words at the support of this congregation – I really didn’t expect it. The pastor’s reaction to it? “See, they do have more money!”

It will be a little awkward to work for someone who clearly wanted me gone. But I have decided to make it awkward for him, not for me.

BTW, I have about a dozen job apps out, and am not hearing from anyone. Not the best reason to stay on, but coupled with the congregation’s loving response, I know I can make it work. Just wanted to give you an update. Who is the church? It isn’t only the ones making the decisions…