How to Wreck or Save a Church
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Take This Job and Shove it The senior clergy really didn’t like the music director at all. There’s nothing wrong with that; personality conflicts are a part of life. Most folks, however, recognize this and establish a peaceful coexistence. Both parties usually follow the “You be nice to me and I’ll be nice to you” philosophy. This particular senior clergy, however, didn’t embrace that philosophy. As the year progressed, the senior clergy became more outspoken during the service about what he perceived were shortcomings of the music director. Finally, the music director had had enough and in the middle of a service turned to the senior clergy and said, “I’ve had enough of your garbage. Take this job and shove it,” and then walked out, in front of a shocked congregation. The music director went to another city and got another job, at a higher salary. The response of the congregation varied. A significant number left and attended another house of worship, a suitable majority remained, a few stopped participating in any religious service, and a small number now attend another church only on special occasions. Lessons Learned: Relationships among church leadership and church staff need to be respectful.
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About the Book
Step inside the world of How to Wreck or Save a Church, a collection of insightful and entertaining vignettes that explore the often untold side of church stories. Based on real events, these tales—presented with humor and a touch of artistic license—offer profound lessons in church leadership, emphasizing what can happen when leadership goes astray. From clergy to music directors, from diocese administrators to church elders, no corner of the sanctuary is left unexplored. This book sheds light on the impact of both great and bad leadership in the church, presenting stories that range from the hilariously absurd to the deeply thought-provoking. With a unique ability to weave humor and wisdom, Ether Smith reveals the life lessons learned from church missteps, as well as the opportunities for redemption and growth. While these vignettes draw inspiration from Orthodox, Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant communities, the identities of the denominations have been thoughtfully masked to focus on the universal themes of leadership, human nature, and resilience. How to Wreck or Save a Church is not just a book about religious mismanagement—it is a reflection on the broader challenges of learning from failure, finding humor in the unexpected, and recognizing the courage it takes to lead with integrity. Comparable to transformative works like The Peter Principle and The Purpose-Driven Life, this book belongs on the shelf of anyone seeking books that change your perspective. Whether you’re a congregant, a leader in ministry, or someone curious about the behind-the-scenes dynamics of faith communities, these humorous church stories will make you laugh, question, and reflect. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions—laughter, disbelief, anger, and perhaps even agreement—as Ether Smith invites you to see what truly makes or breaks a church. Will you learn how to save a church, or will you uncover the mistakes that could lead to its downfall? The answers await in these compelling pages.
About the Author
Born and raised in the West, Smith grew up at a time when many farmers still used horses to plow their fields. Steam engines were the norm, and a diesel locomotive was unique. After serving in the Air Force, he worked as a teacher, and later as a church musician. He now lives in South Carolina.