In a move that has come as a surprise to many in the faith community, Michael Drane, senior pastor-elect of Christ Missionary Baptist Church, has announced his resignation.
Drane was selected to serve as “transitional pastor” in June and was due to become senior pastor of Christ Missionary Baptist Church in June 2014 when its longtime pastor, Rev. Melvin Girton retires.
In a vote by the congregation, Drane was selected to succeed the civil rights advocate and Baptist-preaching pioneer.
Drane’s resignation was effective Dec. 1.
“I was advised of Pastor Girton’s ‘fait accompli’ decision to make a unilateral change to extend indefinitely, the timeline for my becoming senior pastor,” said Drane. A fait accompli is something that has already happened or been decided before those affected hear about it, leaving them with no option but to accept.
“In all fairness to the church, my family and myself, and because I love the Lord and I love the church of Jesus Christ, through much prayer and deliberation, I felt that this newly-requested agreement prohibited my ability to move the congregation forward in the manner that God has spoken to me as a visionary leader,” Drane told the Recorder.
He said his decision was made “without contesting the wisdom or reason of Rev. Girton’s ‘fait accompli’ decision to extend his tenure as senior pastor indefinitely, or that he’s hearing from God presently that this is what is best for himself and for the church.”
Drane says the fait accompli did not give he nor his family comfort, “sense of security or certainty” that he could continue to lead the congregation in the future.
“I cannot apologize for my inability to put myself and family in a position where our future is one of uncertainty,” explained Drane. “I resigned with the wisdom of Genesis 13:8-9 because even as Abraham told Lot, his nephew that there should be no strife among us because we are not one another’s enemies, but the enemy is watching with hopes that he can advance his cause. But we by faith stand against the devil and pray that even this situation works out for the good of them that love the Lord and who are called according to his purpose.”
Despite the reasoning behind his resignation, Drane is pleased with his service at Christ Missionary and is highly complimentary of Girton.
“It has been my great honor to lead this church in God’s name and for his sake, to grow this church in vitality, size, and spirit, to walk alongside a living legend of our time and to meet and minister to the blessed congregants of Christ Missionary.”
At the time he was selected to succeed Girton, Drane was serving as pastor of the House of Joy, a growing non-denominational congregation he founded.
Drane said God is “continually reshaping” his future plans in ministry and is certain that there will be glory after this.
“I now turn my full attention to those who embrace my leadership across this great city and state. I look forward to fulfilling my duties and obligations in serving them with spiritual intensity and a pastor’s love,” said the 35-year-old pastor.
At Recorder press time, calls to Christ Missionary Baptist Church were unreturned.
