Finally Out ... Now What?

If you are mentally ill, this might have happened to you. If it hasn’t, give it time, and it will.

A Long Time Coming

and

A Long Time Being "Just Plain Nuts"
(Posted on: August 12, 2010)

After 18 years of illness (and still counting), nearly 20 different medication cocktails, 121 psychologist and over 175 therapst visits; after multiple ECT treatments, numerous cuts, stabs and various types of destructive behavior; after thousands of dollars wasted, many missed business opportunities and a lifetime of pretendiing and making excuses; after all this, it’s finally official. I have been officially designated disabled by the United Methodist Church.

UMC General Board of Pension and Health Benefits

Have you ever worked for a company that, as long as you are producing and following their rules, you're treated with respect and kindness? The "upper management" makes over you, attentive to everything you say, feigning interest in what is important to you. I know it has happened to me in the past when I worked in some of the local factories. If you are anything like me, you'll swallow it hook, line and sinker. I'm naive and, even thought I know it's coming, I don't see it when it shows up.

So when I talked to my District Superintendent nearly two months ago, I expected the same treatment. After all, I would no longer be a "producer", so why would they care about me? I would now become a taker, rather than a giver. There are two things that pushed me into pursuing disability; my health gave me no choice, and I felt that God said the time was right for me to take this option.

I can tell you without reservation that, as of the moment I stepped into the DS's office, I have received respect, love and caring. He, the Indiana Conference HR Manager and the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits (GBOPHB) have pushed this process along with very little participation by myself. I am very impressed by the treatment they give their pastors in crisis.

And, I am very proud and happy to call myself a United Methodist.

Until we meet again,

Mike

A Relief

Well, my church knows, the church I was to go to knows and it's common knowledge. I don't discuss the bipolar aspect too much, but hope to do so as time goes on. If I can get disability, I should be able to stay on it until I reach retirement age. Sorry, but I seem to have a miind tonight that isn't working so well. Don't give up on me. I'll be back soon. Mike

Full-Time to Part-Time Update

The Staff Pastor Parish Committee and our District Superintendent met on Monday, December
07 to finalize the plans of the church to make my position part-time, thus eliminating more than 1/2 of my salary and all benefits. Obviously this was a great concern, considering Connie's stroke and my rapidly declining health. Since Pastor's are not eligible for COBRA, if we lose insurance, we won't be able to get it again. (NOTE: Insurance is only available to fll-time pastors.)

Isn't it amazing how two lives can change entirely within the blink of an eye?

I spoke for about 20 minutes and then left the meeting. From what I heard about the 3 hour meeing, the District Superintendent said the following:

1. I have a one year contract as a full-time pastor, that doesn't end until June 31, 2010. The
church needs to honor that.
2. The Lay Leader, who was the instigator of all of the trouble, was told to step down from that
poaition.
3. I will be appointed to another full-time church (either one church at full-time, or two half-
time churches, which would equal a full-time charge.
4. When I am reappointed, the church will receive a part-time pastor.

I truly thank God for the way this has worked out. Eight years ago He called me into the ministry and, try as they may, they couldn't get me moved. This Spring God released me from this call at this church, so I wa able to trust that He would take care of me, just like He always has and always does.