August 2, 2009:
Ponderings of a Pilgrim PASTOR
“A Sad Story”
The Senior Minister of New York City’s famed Riverside Church has resigned just two months following his installation, after a nasty fight with some in his new flock landed the church in court.
Brad Braxton’s abrupt departure came amid congregational discord over the church’s mission and the pastor’s compensation package, which critics estimated to be as high as $600,0-00. Church officials said the package was consistent with those for similar high-profile pulpits. Braxton was chosen from among 200 applicants after a two-year search but he faced conflict from the beginning. The lawsuit was dismissed by the courts but there was simmering discontent in the congregation.
Braxton was the second African American chosen to lead the 2,400 member church following the retirement of James Forbes. From what I have heard, the salary issue was only a “cover” for a deeper division within the congregation. In recent years Riverside has changed from a majority white to a majority black church and some members don’t like that. In addition, some disliked Braxton’s style of biblical preaching and altar calls at the end of the services.
Riverside has a long and honored history as a liberal and inclusive church, but some now wonder how much diversity such a church can accept before conflict emerges. As one member (white I assume) is supposed to have said, “I don’t want to be part of a black church.” This may be more than simple prejudice. There is a difference between white and black preaching, between liberal and evangelical worship styles.
It is a real challenge for all diverse churches such as Pilgrim to meet the differing expectations that members bring to worship. It is especially difficult in our consumer-driven world where everyone expects to get his or her own way. Again, it is sad to reflect that a church with such a proud heritage of promoting reconciliation couldn’t find a way to practice it.
Love,
Pastor Dave