THE IMPLICATIONS OF STEPPING DOWN
During the time I was in leadership of my church, a person sat down in front of me and described how he had held all the high positions in our church, both at the local and national level, for more than thirty years. At the time of our conversation, he was still holding a high position at the national church level. To my great surprise, he said, "Now that my children are in university, the time is right to withdraw from all the positions in the church and give time for them." My sincere response to him was, "Yes, you have understood your priority, and I am very glad about it." "Send your resignation, and I will advise the Church Standing Committee to release you from your responsibility." However, at the time of handing over to his successor, I discovered that he was a disgruntled man. Later, I heard from another that he was very unhappy with me for not asking him to stay on! Now he has come back and gotten into certain positions that he earlier gave up.
The above is not an isolated problem. We encounter people who have no life unless they hold high positions in the church, in every sphere of power and authority. They feel that they are indispensable, and the church cannot survive without them. Even the clergy are susceptible to this. I was at the bedside of a clergyman who passed away in his ripe old age and was helping the family prepare the dead body until the undertakers arrived. When I adjusted the pillow, I found a piece of paper under it. I had one glance and quickly put it in my pocket until I got into my vehicle. I was horrified with what was written on it. He had unwillingly retired and had been harboring a grudge for a long time, blaming certain persons whom he thought had ousted him; he had been hoping at least he would be made a consultant and an adviser to various committees. I felt so sad that he ended his earthly journey with this piece of paper under his pillow!
In the words of the covenant that we Methodists renew every year, we read thus: "Let me be employed for you or laid aside for you." Sadly, the church has not explained it well enough for every one who engages in the work of the church, either as clergy or laity, to understand that there is a time to be laid aside. It is also an integral component of our call to serve him. Moses was not allowed to set foot on the promised land while Aron was, and Elijah had to drop his mantle (give up his authority) for Elisha to pick it up. David was not allowed to build the temple of God; his son Solomon was.
The churches have their own constitutions, rules, and regulations regarding the holding of offices in the church. The reality on the ground, however, contradicts everything written on paper. Loopholes have been used to seize and hold on to positions within the church. Seeking broader participation of people to share responsibilities, attracting people with new ideas, seeking people with diverse expertise, and increasing youth participation in church administrative structures are all topics that are frequently discussed at church conferences. But most of these have been confined only to discussions and conferences, while we see the same old faces circulating in the same realms. This is very similar to a childhood game we played "gas maru." Where does the problem lie?
St. Paul taught about the mind of Christ as follows: "Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited" (Philippians 2:5, 6—NRSV).
I prefer the NRSV translation "exploited" to "grasped," as found in other translations. I think "exploited" better conveys the intention. Jesus never abused or misused His position—equality with God, the divine position of Son of God—for selfish ends. He did not use his power to help himself selfishly or unfairly, or to the disadvantage of his father or others. He did not seize the divine position unashamedly so that he could control others and make them do what he wanted.
This is a challenge for all who are serving in the Christian Church. The way people (clergy and laity) rise to (seize, grab) positions through heinous scheming, lobbying, and so on has become the norm in the Sri Lankan church. Some are looking for loopholes and various excuses to remain in positions without stepping down gracefully when the time is right to do so.
The church is called to be a beacon of light to the world. But with what I have stated above, I could see that the ways of the world have made inroads into the church, making the church lose its witness. Jacinda Arden, the outgoing Prime Minister of New Zealand, has given a huge challenge not only to politicians but also to Christian leaders, especially in Sri Lanka. Ardern said she "no longer had enough in the tank" to do the job. "It’s time," she added. "I’m leaving, because with such a privileged role comes responsibility—the responsibility to know when you are the right person to lead and also when you are not. I know what this job takes. And I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice. It's that simple." Is she echoing the words of John the Baptist? "He must increase; I must decrease."
Rev. Asiri P. Perera
February 1st, 2023
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