Over the last six months, we have grieved as our community has been divided. Decisions made by church leadership, both past and present, and the subsequent reactions by some in the congregation, have led to the intense division and painful situation which we now face. Because there has largely been just one public response, intensely critical of Mark Booker’s ministry and the Elder’s leadership, we feel a burden to offer an alternate perspective.
We affirm that Mark has been called by the congregation to be the Senior Minister of Park Street Church and that we greatly desire to continue under his spiritual and organizational leadership. We trust that the allegations made against Mark were fully and appropriately investigated by the Board, weighed, and accordingly found to be not disqualifying for pastoral ministry. While Mark has identified places he can grow as a leader, we believe he has the spiritual maturity, godly character, and requisite qualifications to lead our congregation well. By God’s grace, Park Street has borne much fruit under Mark’s leadership, and we believe it will continue to do so for many years to come.
We affirm that the congregation has called and elected the Board of Elders to wrestle with and make difficult decisions on our behalf. We recognize that the burden of leadership is considerable and there are many facts and details that our Elders and officers of the church cannot disclose publicly due to privacy and legal obligations. Even when we don’t agree with or understand every decision that has been reached, or we desire for more information, we respect the Board’s authority to make those decisions while seeking the Lord for wisdom and discernment.
We appreciate other lay leaders and officers of the church (the Nominating Committee, Personnel Committee, Clerk, Treasurer, Missions Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer) who have worked to fulfill their duties with grace and integrity despite extraordinary circumstances.
We are grateful to the church staff who have continued to be on mission for the Lord and shepherd the congregation well during this disruptive time, even as they have experienced pain and anger themselves.
To those who are angry, hurt, or confused, we are praying for healing and restoration and will seek to extend the right hand of fellowship, even as we may disagree on the issues at hand or how the church might best respond.
Our church is facing serious problems, both internally and externally, that the Lord alone can solve. We trust that He is working in and through our congregational form of governance and pray that His will be done at the upcoming Annual Meeting. We exhort every person at Park Street to faithfully strive toward peace, submit to one another in love, speak to each other with gentleness, and pursue Jesus above all.
By signing this letter, I affirm that I am currently an active member or attendee of Park Street Church.