QUOTE: "Tragedy or not, the Riverside story is indicative of two countervailing trends involving today's clergy. For one thing, ministers are commanding greater salaries because they are better educated and take on more responsibilities than ever before. … At the same time, ministers no longer command the respect that they once did. 'In the 19th and even in the 20th century, clergy had real moral authority, not only in the congregation but in the community as well, but that isn't the case any more,' said the Rev. Randall Balmer, a professor, Episcopal priest and author of several books on church history. 'Today they are regarded as hired help.'" —journalist Ari Goldman of The Wall Street Journal, reporting on the strange yet culturally indicative turn of events in recent months at Riverside Church in Manhattan, N.Y. After a yearlong search, Brad Braxton became the progressive congregation's new senior pastor in late April, despite a courtroom battle from some church members over his exorbitant $600,000-a-year compensation package. Only two months later, Braxton resigned, saying that the longstanding divisions within the church made it "virtually impossible to establish a fruitful covenant between the congregation and me." [wsj.com 7/3/09]
The Leading Point
First Priority
Kindgom Culture
Hey Coach
Evangelical Essentials
Pastor's Heart
