It doesn’t get better than this in Baptist life—or worse.
“CEDARTOWN, Ga. (AP) – For three years, a group of deacons from the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church has tried to oust the congregation’s pastor. And three times, the church leader has taken the case to the Georgia Supreme Court. Pastor Willie M. Bolden simply refuses to leave.” You can read the entire story here.
I must admit that I admire pastor Bolden’s tenacity. In fact, I’m in awe of it. I suspect most pastors would have given up this fight and moved on to settings that promised a more peaceful ambiance. Few would think it worth the trouble to put up with this level of attack and conflict. Many of us have been there. And for those of us who will be there again at some future ministry setting, it may be worth remembering that sometimes the victory goes to the one determined enough to “endeavor to persevere,” outlast the critics, stand put, or just decide to be bullheaded enough to wear out the opposition.
