So, if transitioning my church is the deal, then why Marty? Because Marty is about 10 years into a pastorate and 4 years into transitioning a 120 year old conventional church (they’ve changed about all they are going to change, at this point), they didn’t split the church (very important), Marty is probably the best source I have for practical advice when it comes to being a pastor, and, really, he has gone way out of the way to make it possible.
I’m staying at the Duren home which is full of bright, fun people. Sonya is a joy to know, and if you know Marty personally, you know it takes someone as confident and wise as Sonya to balance him. They have as good a relationship as he says on his blog.
Their kids, by the way, are all good natured and have good senses of humor. Like many home schooled kids, they are both intelligent and comfortable in conversations with people much older than they are.
Finally, Marty has opened the staff of New Bethany up to me. He has set up appointments with all of them and instructed them to be completely honest with me about what mistakes were made and how it all affected them, their ministries and the church. As Marty said, it is not of much benefit to me if I don’t know what went wrong with the changes.
Wow. I couldn’t ask for more.
No, I’ll not be blogging those stories. Those are Marty’s to tell, and I understand there will be a book coming out soon that will tell them. Obviously, I think it will be worth your time and money.
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"Mr Wonderful"
on Oct 24th, 2007
@ 2:39 pm:
Soak up a lot of very good “first hand” information, and then let us apply this knowledge over a period of time. Marty has spent 10 years transitioning his church !! It is not something that can happen in 6 months or even a year or two no matter how much we would like to “speed things up”.
Our best to Marty and his family and may the Lord heal them quickly from the effects of your visit with them—- just kidding.
Travel safe—-
Art Rogers
on Oct 24th, 2007
@ 3:59 pm:
Richard,
I’ve rephrased the post to reflect a more accurate picture of New Bethany’s journey. Marty’s been pastor here for almost 10 years but is a 4 years into transition. He went through a personal transition first, similar to what I have been experiencing even prior to coming to Skelly Drive.
Your observation is accurate, though. Nothing’s fast.
Now start behaving right. :)
cb scott
on Oct 25th, 2007
@ 8:41 am:
Art,
You are in the Southland and are with Marty? All you guys are doing is going to the picture show and then coming home and watching old movies and eating hotdogs, B-B-Q and fries. :-)
cb
Art Rogers
on Oct 25th, 2007
@ 9:46 am:
Pretty much, yeah. :)
SonyaD
on Oct 25th, 2007
@ 7:18 pm:
Art,
Thanks so much for your kind words. We enjoyed having you in our home this week!
David Phillips
on Oct 26th, 2007
@ 7:48 am:
If I didn’t talk to Marty on your cell phone, I would not believe it. That’s the real reason I called…to see exactly what you were doing! :-D
Later!
Art Rogers
on Oct 26th, 2007
@ 8:26 am:
Sonya, it is a beautiful home and you are very gracious as a family. Thank you for your hospitality. I really can’t say enough about how welcome you all made me feel.
David, it was pretty much like CB described… :)