To: Staff@pillarcovenantchurch.org
From: Rev. Stuart sjohnson@pillarcovenantchurch.org
Subject: PCC All Staff Meeting follow up
Team,
My heart is filled with disappointment and sadness.
The All Staff Meeting on Monday was one of the most discouraging experiences in my 20+ years of ministry. When I founded PCC, I never dreamed that the people in my employ would treat me as you did. Admittedly, not everyone was a vocal critic. Some of you merely sat and listened to others unjustly attacked me.
There’s nothing more frustrating than to have such a display of insubordination from people who I provide so much for. You were griping at me while chowing down on bespoke coffee drinks and pastries that I paid for.
Let’s be clear. I put into place the hiring freeze because of our declining contributions. It was my decision. That means I can decide to “violate” it (as a couple of associate pastors chose to describe my choice). Seriously, people. If it is my rule; am I violating my rule if I change my mind? Don’t think so.
Additionally, I put the hiring freeze into effect because of some of you, some who were critical of my decisions, were unable to stay within your expense budgets. If you cannot stay within your budget, you should not lead. I need accountable and wise leaders backing me. Proverbs 21:20 reminds us: “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” I need you to be wise. Store up more. Gulp less.
Contributions are down 7% year over year. People! 7% of our annual budget is over $700 grand. Rather than criticize my decisions, how about someone besides me think about improving our weekly contribution?
Weekly attendance is down 14% year over year. If this continues, there’s no doubt we’ll have to seriously examine the fruit of the Marketing Team, the Media Team, the Social Media Team, our Influencer Outreach Ministry, and the Worship-Tech Team. We are known by our fruit. Hello: Matthew 7:16!
Obviously, we are not achieving Holy Excellence, as described in our Strategic Plan. Our inadequate fruit is indicting.
I really don’t want to hear anymore about your concerns about my decision to hire Jared. Move on.
Jared is full-time staff member beginning last Monday. He is the Curator of Worship and Prayer. He will consult with our Worship Leaders, Media Team, and Spiritual Growth Team. His focus is on improving the depth of our worship and prayer. I’m not concerned about your concerns about his experience (or lack there of). He is the right man for this role. I know this.
Jared’s first project, “Real People, Real Prayers,” is a great example of what he brings to us. What fresh thinking! You will work with Jared on this project. We will all learn so much by hearing the actual concerns of the people in the pews.
Here’s an example Jared forwarded to me this morning:
“Dear God, thank you for the rain that makes the grass grow in spring time because that keeps me and mine working. Please take care of my truck. I don’t know if you do miraculous ring jobs but…please keep that old girl keep running. And keep the grass growing. And bless my friend Eve…and friend Charlie…they’re struggling. Amen.”
One of our attenders, someone named Betty, gave that to Jared. Here’s someone praying for their truck. We can learn a lot from these prayers. These people are our target audience. We have to know them, know their struggles, know their desires in order to connect them with PCC. These prayers are gold.
Jared is working out the details of how this effort will unfold. We need to sort out permissions to publish, releases, and other details, but “Prayers of the People” is part of our Worship Focus in the weeks ahead. I expect you to support Jared.
One more personnel matter that bothered several of you. Yes, I have chosen to change Garland’s ministry role. Ushers and all of those associated tasks are now under the Outreach Team. Garland will continue in his role as head of security and caring for my family. That decision is not up for discussion.
Finally. I’m sorry if my intensity and anger offended any of you. I am mostly sad by your doubt of me. I did react in righteousness, and I did raise my voice. But that was what was needed in the moment to prevent further sin. PCC is built on righteousness, scripture, and discipline.
If PCC is not where you are comfortable in ministry or if I decide you no longer fit the direction God is taking us, then you are welcome to find another place to serve. I will remind you that you are under contract and a part of that contract is a non-disclosure agreement. Violating an NDA is a breach of your word and the covenant you have as a ministry staff person (plus legal ramifications). Be wise. I shouldn’t have to remind you, but I will. God calls you to obey and submit: “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” Hebrew 13:17.
I didn’t feel much joy at our staff meeting. I’m deeply troubled by this undercurrent of doubt and criticism. Please examine your hearts for sin and examine your motives as we turn this city back to God.
You are in my prayers.
In the love of Christ
Stuart
Dr. Rev. Stuart Johnson, Senior Pastor
Pillar Covenant Church
“And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, ‘Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!’ So God granted him what he requested.” —1 Chronicles 4:10
There is SO MUCH to unpack in this email. THE DRAMA! The Controversy!
I love it.
Reeks of and drips with condescension, just like I would expect.
I'm here for it.