Degrees Of Separation

Is Severn River Church closing? Did Pastor Ben leave the church last week? Is Ben leaving the ministry? These and all other questions can be answered here or in personal conversation with me. However, it happens anytime there is news like this, speculation is passed on as fact, and it's a matter of degrees of separation. For as long as we ask questions of people that are separated from the event we will get their answer with their spin.

The week leading up to the announcement last Sunday I went to each household in the church and spoke with people to make sure they got the chance to hear the news from me. I had talked some of them into coming through a similar conversation. I felt they deserved to hear about my leaving the same way. When we got to the service on Sunday morning there were no surprises.

In one conversation though I found out that they had heard from a relative (that doesn't attend our church) that our church had disbanded the week prior; a week this couple had been away from church. Wow, it's amazing how information gets twisted.

Severn River Church is in a vulnerable spot, a transition no doubt, but the church did not close last week, nor will it next week. Some have misunderstood discussions about vulnerability as a declaration of closure. Severn River Church held an informational meeting Sunday to discuss the challenges that are ahead and poll the congregation about their commitment to facing those challenges. Tonight the church board is meeting to interpret the results of that poll, and on Sunday we'll host a District Official to discuss the options the church faces.

My resignation and the church's future are two separate issues. The Assemblies of God has classifications of churches. Our church is a Home Missions church which means it is ultimately run by the Board of Presbyters. We are submitting to a process they have approved.

So, a couple things I'd ask moving forward. I'd ask you to not be part of spreading misinformation, because it doesn't benefit anyone. I'd ask you to be considerate of SRCers that love their church, and are facing a turbulent time of transition right now. I'd ask you to not assume anything.

I've spoken with SRCers this week that have been hurt because of the assumptions of people that aren't part of the church and the pressure from the "cloud of witnesses". What we are doing at SRC is what is patterned in the book of Acts 15:28, "it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us..." We are seeking what seems good to the Holy Spirit and us for the future of this ministry.

I'll keep you informed of the facts as they unfold.

--Ben