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What was the spark that ignited the biggest controversy and most suffering in my pastoral career, resulting in a firestorm that would result in two-thirds of the church leaving (though not necessarily over that issue) and burnout a pastor?
I decided we would not have a July 4th weekend patriotic service with patriotic songs or say the pledge of allegiance.
Someone heard and spread a rumor misrepresenting my position. That Sunday, several retired men noticed that there was not an American flag on the platform.
Someone heard and spread a rumor misrepresenting my position. That Sunday, several retired men noticed that there was not an American flag on the platform.
They raised the cry to the deacons that "He took down our flag and we're not returning until it is back up!"
They raised the cry to the deacons that "He took down our flag, and we're not returning until it is back up!" eir first Sunday in the building—no flag seen anywhere.
They raised the cry to the deacons that "He took down our flag, and we're not returning until it is back up!" eir first Sunday in the building—no flag seen anywhere.
That resulted in major conflict, lies, rumors, and dissatisfaction that eventually destroyed the congregation and me.
All because I wouldn't co-opt a worship service (attended by believers with citizenship in multiple countries) to celebrate America.
All because I wouldn't co-opt a worship service (attended by believers with citizenship in multiple countries) to celebrate America.
If you don't think Christian Nationalism touches the average church, you're blind. I've seen it destroy a church and a pastor—and I still feel the effects of it today.
