Overstepping your bounds in ministry???

[KagomeShuko]

I've found that there's been quite a problem with people who are said "overstep" their bounds of ministry at St. Paul. We have a council and heads as I think most ELCA congregations do.

I don't know where the problem originates. It was back in May when the interim pastor we had was leaving. The council meeting we had before she left, we were discussing education (I'm the head of education) and the only thing said was that I was going to discuss things with two of the members of the church and that I had stuff as well.

Later, one of these members called her and complained saying that it was said that the pastor had said she was in charge of adult Sunday School. Then, the pastor e-mailed me. As I was trying to be polite, I just told the pastor it was a misunderstanding when I told this member something and that she heard it wrong. The pastor told me that I was the one overstepping my bounds in the ministry! I was just doing education and NOTHING else!

Well, this member has now been on vacation. She's only the secretary of the church council. She is not in any position other than secretary.

During Sunday School, one of the members mentions that she e-mailed somebody and wanted to know how "her" Sunday School class was going. Yes, she claimed it as hers. This was never said.

I fear approaching the council or Sunday School class with this concern as she is my elder. I feel she doesn't respect me because of my youth. I feel she doesn't think I can teach Sunday School. I don't know what to say that won't get her offended.

I always let Timothy be an inspiration to me since he was young. I know God can use anybody of any age. However, what do I say when she is clearly stepping into my area of ministry just because it is what she wants?

I'm just always quite hurt and confused when these things happen.

[ctobola]

Bridget,

First of all, these sorts of things happen frequently in parish leadership. Don't feel like it's just you -- if you didn't run into these sorts of issues occasionally, you should probably be more worried. ;)

I do have a pretty strong background in organizational leadership -- especially in the area of professional lay ministry. I'd be happy to discuss some ideas for resolving and avoiding these sorts of issues. Drop me a private message and we can dialogue via email, private messages or chat.

-Cloy



I've found that there's been quite a problem with people who are said "overstep" their bounds of ministry at St. Paul. We have a council and heads as I think most ELCA congregations do.

I don't know where the problem originates. It was back in May when the interim pastor we had was leaving. The council meeting we had before she left, we were discussing education (I'm the head of education) and the only thing said was that I was going to discuss things with two of the members of the church and that I had stuff as well.

Later, one of these members called her and complained saying that it was said that the pastor had said she was in charge of adult Sunday School. Then, the pastor e-mailed me. As I was trying to be polite, I just told the pastor it was a misunderstanding when I told this member something and that she heard it wrong. The pastor told me that I was the one overstepping my bounds in the ministry! I was just doing education and NOTHING else!

Well, this member has now been on vacation. She's only the secretary of the church council. She is not in any position other than secretary.

During Sunday School, one of the members mentions that she e-mailed somebody and wanted to know how "her" Sunday School class was going. Yes, she claimed it as hers. This was never said.

I fear approaching the council or Sunday School class with this concern as she is my elder. I feel she doesn't respect me because of my youth. I feel she doesn't think I can teach Sunday School. I don't know what to say that won't get her offended.

I always let Timothy be an inspiration to me since he was young. I know God can use anybody of any age. However, what do I say when she is clearly stepping into my area of ministry just because it is what she wants?

I'm just always quite hurt and confused when these things happen.