An Irrepressible Woman Preacher

Gertrude Pettibon’s favorite hymn was “The Church’s One Foundation Is Jesus Christ Her Lord.” This she lived by and this she preached.

In 1933 Kansas farmers, once supplying the world with wheat, were, because of drought, dust storms and the Great Depression, unable to feed their own people. The United Brethren Church in Republic, Kansas, was on the verge of closing. The pastor had quit to work on the Public Works Administration, a government relief program. The official board refused to accept a woman preacher.

Gertrude McNeill Pettibon, certain of her calling to the ministry, refused to accept the board’s decision and moved with her children into a back room of the church. Her first Sunday she preached and announced a full week’s schedule to a cold and almost empty church. The days and weeks that followed she chugged her ’28 Chevrolet over dusty country roads, more often than not, driving on prayer and the fumes from an empty gas tank.

She stopped at every house inviting folks to church, and the bone-weary farmers came. Soon the board saw something special in this woman’s zeal for God and love for people, and moved her into the parsonage.

Gertrude Pettibon pastored the Republic church ten years, 1933 to 1943, and was ordained in 1936. These were years of great financial problems. Pastor and laity sacrificed together to pay conference quotas, and the pastor’s small salary was supplemented by whatever produce was available.

Four young men of the congregation answered the call to Christian ministry and went on to be ordained.

The church became a stronghold of the community, and remains so today. Most of the town’s six hundred people are gone, businesses have moved, the school is closed and its roof has fallen in. But the UB church (now United Methodist), stands like a beacon on a corner near the center of town. Its brown brick exterior is in good repair, its doors open, its sanctuary warm and welcoming, while a young woman preacher affirms, “The Church’s One Foundation Is Jesus Christ Her Lord.”

In 1943 Gertrude married Clarence Millen, her lay delegate to annual conference and long-time friend, and preached at the Methodist Church in Byron, Nebraska. Eventually they moved to the Otterbein Home at Lebanon, Ohio, as house-parents to teenage boys. Leukemia cut her life short at age fifty. But today her life still shines through many whom she brought to Christ.

(adapted from the Telescope-Messenger, United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Winter, 1998) Found on GBGM-UMC.

Fletcher and the Three Hebrews

JOHN WILLIAM FLETCHER, native of Nyon, Switzerland (1729), and graduate of the University of Geneva, was prevented by an accident from becoming a soldier of the Portuguese Army in Brazil.

As he was about to start, a serving-maid spilled a kettle of boiling water on him, incapacitating him for some time. Later, under Methodist influence, he entered into a Christian experience and became one of Wesley’s preachers. Still later he was appointed vicar of the Church of England at Madeley, a notoriously wicked community.

On Sunday mornings he went about at five o clock, ringing a bell to rouse people in time for service. His church soon was crowded, to the disgust of a group of evildoers who determined to stop him. They arranged a “bull-baiting” near his preaching place and planned to pull him off his horse when he arrived. But, called to a child’s funeral, he was providentially a little late for the service; and, while the conspirators were in a drinking booth, the bull broke loose, charged the tent and scattered them so effectually that he preached in peace.

A butcher forbade his wife attending Fletcher’s church threatening to cut her throat if she went. When she started to go, he exclaimed, “Are you going to Fletcher s church?” “I am,” she replied. “Then, I shall not cut your throat as I intended, he declared, “`but I will heat the oven and throw you into it, when you come home!” Fletcher preached that morning on the first Scripture lesson of the day-the three Hebrews, saved in the flames of Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace. The message so heartened the distracted woman that, on returning, she courageously faced her husband and conquered his evil spirit until he was convicted of sin.

This article was taken from the book entitled “One Hundred and One Methodist Stories” by Carl F. Price and published by the Methodist Book Concern.

Wanted: The Perfect Congregation

Is this a description of your congregation?

The perfect congregation pays the pastor 50 % more than the average salary of its members (and its members are all wealthy) and provides free of charge a new car every year. The parsonage has a Jacuzzi and provides large HD flat screen TVs in every room and the church pays for unlimited cable as a gift to the pastor. No one in the perfect congregation ever has an emergency later than 9 PM or earlier than 8 AM. No one in the perfect congregation ever quarrels with anyone else. The perfect congregation has a catered pastor appreciation dinner every year with caviar, filet mignon and lobster on the menu.

Maybe this description is closer to your perfect congregation:

The perfect congregation is 10 years old, with the fervent energy of a new organization, and it has 250 years of history in this town. Its members speak out on every timely and sensitive issue, and never disagree with each other. Its office is open from 8 in the morning to 10 at night, and its budget for administrative staff is $5,000 a year. This church has the highest possible moral ideals, and no one ever fails to live up to them, because that would make them hypocrites. It changes with the times and always does things the good old way. Its ministers are always available for meetings, (For more info on how to be the perfect congregation, follow this link)

Ministry - Gonna Be The Death of Me!

I love being a pastor! I love doing ministry with people who are hurt, broken, lost, confused, people who are just like me. I love being with people that want to worship God. I love the feeling that maybe I am making a difference in the world. I also love the knowledge that God has called me - called me - to stand in the gap and show his love to people. But I have been through so much conflict, stress and criticism that I am exhausted! I'm ready for some extended sabbath time, but worry if I step away, am I going to want to return?

These kind of things go running through my head and then I read an article with some statistics that scare me to death. When you look at them, makes you wonder why anyone would want to follow this calling on their life. Personally, I can't imagine doing anything else!

Where do you think you fit in these numbers?

- 80% of pastors say they have insufficient time with spouse and that ministry has a negative effect on their family.
- 40% report a serious conflict with a parishioner once a month.
- 33% say that being in ministry is an outright hazard to their family.
- 75% report they’ve had a significant stress-related crisis at least once in their ministry.
- 58% of pastors indicate that their spouse needs to work either part time or full time to supplement the family income.
- 56% of pastors’ wives say they have no close friends.
- Pastors who work fewer than 50 hrs per week are 35% more likely to be terminated.
- 40% of pastors considered leaving the pastorate in the past three months.
- Fifteen hundred pastors leave the ministry each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout, or contention in their churches.
- Fifty percent of pastors’ marriages will end in divorce.
- Eighty percent of pastors and eighty-four percent of their spouses feel unqualified and discouraged in their role as pastors.
- Fifty percent of pastors are so discouraged that they would leave the ministry if they could, but have no other way of making a living.
- Eighty percent of seminary and Bible school graduates who enter the ministry will leave the ministry within the first five years.
- Seventy percent of pastors constantly fight depression.
- Almost forty percent polled said they have had an extra-marital affair since beginning their ministry.
- Seventy percent said the only time they spend studying the Word is when they are preparing their sermons. [compiled by Darrin Patrick]

The Future of a Small Church

“Dozens of times I get asked, “How big is your church?” My response is: “Under 50.” And each time I’m left standing immediately alone, not given the opportunity to rejoice over the incredible effectiveness of a small church in a rural community, turned inside out for Jesus.” ~ MIKE BRUBAKER, PASTOR

Myrtle Point’s Closing
Twila Veysey’s complete statement given at the 2007 Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference.

“Bishop Hoshibata and members of the annual conference:

Hard-working settlers started the Myrtle Point United Methodist Church in 1891 in much the same way most early country churches began in the Northwest. I could spend my allotted three minutes telling you about the church’s history, but what I really want to share with you is about the future.

As the demographics of our small community have changed, our members have become elderly. This year average attendance has been about 14. We have had no secretary or custodian, no nursery or choir for many years. We have no Sunday-school teachers. No children under the age of 15. No UMW. No youth group. No missions. In places the plaster is falling off the walls. Half of the lights in the sanctuary haven’t been on since November, but we couldn’t afford an electrician.

Last year a pastor in Alabama was called by God to retire early, pack up his family, and move to the Oregon Coast. I think his retirement lasted about three months. Through connection with the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference, the Rev. Ken Autry found himself appointed to Myrtle Point in September. The last thing our struggling church thought it needed was a conservative Southern preacher, and I’m ashamed to say that Rev. Autry and his family received a cool welcome. But God doesn’t make mistakes, and in time we realized what a blessing Rev. Autry was.

We began to have what he called “Futuring Meetings,” and we came to the conclusion that we really had only two choices–either the conference would close the church or we could close it ourselves. We chose the latter.

Together, we worked through our grief and then decided our final worship service in our beautiful sanctuary would be on Easter Sunday–a day of joy and resurrection. Joy for what had been and resurrection for a new ministry. Because now, our plan is to fully embrace the Bishop’s Initiative to Eliminate Hunger.

Since Easter we have been meeting weekly for dinner, fellowship, Bible study, and worship in the basement of the church. We are moving our church membership to Pioneer UMC in Coquille, and a Myrtle Point Hunger Ministry has been formed. Unencumbered by a church building and operating expenses, we are embarking on a new ministry to address poverty in our community. Myrtle Point has high unemployment and a high poverty rate, with many school children enrolled in the free lunch program. We will provide a free hot meal one evening a week, open to all. We envision an outreach center, which could provide referrals or assistance in locating housing, clothing, job training, medical care, and/or transportation.

As the details are worked out, we of the Myrtle Point United Methodist Church have closed its doors. but the church is not a building and the legacy that we leave for our community is one of hope for the future.”

More here: gbgm-umc

October is Clergy Appreciation Month

There are so many times that I thank God for calling me into the ministry of the clergy. So many times that I have been allowed to be a part of someone's journey of faith, if just for a moment, and have received a blessing that can not be described. There have also been many times where I have wondered why?!? I am doing the job of standing in the gap for God's people. There have been times when I have been used and abused, when I am exhausted, worn out, frustrated, and hurt by the very people I desire to serve and love. And then I am reminded that even Jesus was rejected - by his family, the people of his hometown, the Jewish leadership, and many of his disciples yet he remained steadfast and faithful to the ministry he was called to. He was obedient to God's call even to the point of death on a cross.

So, how should I respond to the call on my life to be a part of the ministry of the clergy? First, I must always remember my calling comes from God - He is my master and my Lord and the ONLY one I serve. Next, I must remember that every person God places in my path has the reflection of Jesus Christ in their very being and I love him above all else. Finally, I must remember that God has called me to be faithful - if he wants me to push a rock uphill, then I should push the rock - not expecting to move the rock!

I share these thoughts with you so that you might see the struggle pastors face and offer yours a bit of encouragement. God is using him or her to build His kingdom wherever he or she is at this time. Pray for your pastor, pray for all pastors - that we may truly be Godly women and men.


50 WAYS TO LOVE YOUR PASTOR (and Staff)
1. Write him a note telling him/her how good his sermon was.
2. Write her/his spouse and/or children a note telling them what you like about their spouse/parent.
3. Drop her a note or funny card just to brighten her day.
4. Take him fishing, golfing, sailing or whatever else he likes. DON'T talk about church during this time.
5. Offer to watch the children to free your pastor and spouse up for an old fashioned date.
6. Don't say negative things about him in front of your children or others.
7. Take your pastor and spouse, or the family to lunch after church - your treat!
8. Keep a tight rein on your personal expectations of the pastoral family and the church staff.
9. Be sure the pastor and staff members have at least one day off per week, then ensure they take it.
10. Pray with and for (daily) your pastor and her family. Go by the church office, stop by early enough on Sunday morning to pray before services. Form a prayer group for the pastor and his needs, make arrangements to come by the house and pray for the entire family.
11. Congratulate, show appreciation and love. We all need pats and strokes!
12. If the pastor is not a mechanic or gardener take care of car repairs or mow your pastor's yard - but only if wanted!
13. If there is a parsonage and a committee, make sure they see to needed repairs regularly, but never assume ownership of the home or enter when uninvited.
14. Good spiritual , emotional and mental health should be reinforced with adequate vacation time. Three weeks is a minimum for people intensive jobs - then make sure they take it! The church really won't fall down while they're gone.
15. Chauffeur the family where there's a need.
16. Transportation can sometimes be a problem for a busy family. Perhaps a car provided for the use of the pastor and staff during the day would alleviate family car shuffling problems.
17. Invite others to church. Then introduce them to the pastor after the service.
18. Provide a freezer for the parsonage and stock it with meat once a year.
19. Provide a phone answering machine for your pastor for times away, days off and for occasions when it's difficult to answer the phone.
20. Ask, ask and ask again -"How can I help you?"
21. Give, give and give again - tickets to concerts, musicals, the circus, etc. (always appreciated and often out of the reach for many pastors), a new suit for the pastor, lessons for the children if you teach, haircuts and perms for the family if a beautician.
22. Teach your pastor a hobby it's a lasting gift.
23. Make annual physicals mandatory for pastor and spouse, then pay for them.
24. A staff membership in a health club is a wise investment for the church and good health care for the pastor.
25. Care for the family's health. Be sure to provide adequate medical insurance.
26. Be alert to special medical conditions of your pastor and family when preparing meals or expecting participation. Heart patients, diabetics and severely allergic people deserve special consideration.
27. Participation in conferences and seminars for both pastor and spouse are necessary to keep their ministry fresh. Examples include: counseling, evangelism, church growth, etc. Continuing education conferences and seminars are not vacations!
28. As a Church, pay your pastor as well as you possibly can. Salary should be flexible and open to adjustment based on real needs of the pastoral family. On an hourly basis, pastors are often the poorest paid professing.
29. Be alert for signs of stress, fatigue from too many meetings, too many programs and long hours in the office and out in the community.
30. Remember the pastoral family's birthdays and anniversaries, celebrate the anniversary of your pastor's coming to your church and other milestones.
31. If you have a special talent or area of service- use it for the pastor and staff. If you're a baker or gardener share with your pastor: offer to do taxes if this is your specialty: or, to review insurance or financial planning. If you are a physician or dentist, offer to care for your pastor and his family without charge.
32. Allow the pastor's wife the privilege of being JUST HOW SHE IS. Don't place expectations on her that reflect former pastor's wives. Love her, learn from her, seek her advice, help her when needed.
33. Include the ministry family in your activities outside the church - golf, dinner, concerts, picnics but give them the right to decline.
34. Allow your pastor's husband to pursue a career if it is his desire and a need of the family. If he does have a secular job, remember his role will be a difficult one to balance with church, career, family and the needs of his spouse.
35. Buy her something she needs, but wouldn't spend money on for herself.
36. Buy him something totally frivolous!
37. Take your place in the life of the church. Find YOUR area of service.
38. See that future needs are provided for the family. Help plan for these needs. IRA's, savings and retirement plans should all be reviewed and kept current for the family. No one can know when tragedy might strike the breadwinner of the family.
39. Be aware of very special needs the family is saving for. When appropriate, make contributions to this fund. Be especially sensitive to this need around Christmas time.
40. Take your pastor and spouse on vacation with you. It can be the trip of a lifetime!
41. Be open to develop a real and close relationship with pastor, spouse and family. Don't force it or push it. Should these special relationships form keep your mouth shut! Let the pastor tell others if he wants them to know. Don't expect special treatment or favors from the family because of your relationship.
42. Check your spirit constantly to see if you are manipulative in any way in your desires for the church.
43. Be real and honest around the pastoral family. Take off your mask.
44. Treat PK's in a natural way. They are real and struggling children, just as yours are or were. Include them in activities your children are having.
45. Keep expectations of the kids in check. Don't expect them to be theological or saintly.
46. Just as you know the interests of the pastor and spouse, find out about those of the children. Remember them with gifts or gestures appropriate to their likes.
47. As much as possible protect: your pastor's privacy.
48. Let your pastor know when you have received a real spiritual insight or breakthrough as a result of his teaching or preaching.
49. BE A CONSISTENT CHRISTIAN. Fulfill at least the minimum requirements: attend services and Sunday School regularly. Pray for your church, your pastor and her family and the staff and their families. Be teachable and always open to learning and new experiences with the Lord. Be faithful in your financial giving to the church.
50. Forget the seven deadly words "we've always done it that way here".