Northside Methodist Church pastor resigns
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By Jim Cook
Published: June 30, 2008
Northside Methodist Church pastor Allen Vandenburg, who was at the center of a power struggle at the church’s school last year, has resigned and will soon return to his native Australia.
Vandenburg said he tendered his resignation Sunday and will step down on July 28. Vandenburg said his resignation was for personal reasons not related to the church or the school.
During Vandenburg’s tenure as pastor, Northside Methodist Academy has undergone some tough transitions. In 2007, longtime principal Bob Moore resigned, saying he was forced out because of disagreements with Vandenburg. After Moore’s departure, several other Northside teachers and staff also left the school. During this transition, there was also an enrollment drop at the school.
Vandenburg acknowledged that in his time as pastor the school had undergone some difficult changes, but said that those changes were necessary for the future success of the school.
“You know the idiom—without change you die,” he said. “You’ve got to keep up with the times, you’ve got to keep up with accountability.”
According to Vandenberg, the church will soon form a search committee to find a new pastor.
Vandenberg said he was grateful to the church and school for allowing him to serve.
“You don’t do things with all your heart if you don’t love what you do,” he said.
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Reader Reactions
Posted by ( dothanite ) on July 13, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I think he is up to no good again- getting out of town before all the no good he has done gets out. He has destroyed another place...time to move on again. Who’s next? A wolf in sheep’s clothing...everyone BEWARE!!!! Bring back Mr. Moore and Mr. Miley- get NMA back to where it used to be before this power hungry Australian citizen took over!! Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.......
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Posted by ( J-Lane ) on July 09, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Praise the Lord! God does answer prayers. I am just sorry that the Board allowed a devil in sheep’s clothing to practically destroy Northside. Because of his dealings, Vandenberg has given the school a bad name. Northside is no longer revered as a school for academic excellence, nor is it viewed as a school where good Christian values are taught. This can be seen by going to any of their dances where these good Christian kids are doing the “hump” and grind. Also, a lack of Christian values can be seen in and out of the classrooms where these good Christian kids yell out profanities during class...where these good Christian kids draw sexual pictures on the classroom walls and desks...where these good Christian kids fight and kick other nice kids...where these good Christian kids curse and use bad language on a daily basis. Don’t get me wrong, there are some really good kids at Northside, Christian kids whose faith shines bright and true, but the bad ones were protected from discipline by Vandenberg. Teachers and parents know this to be true, but they have failed to speak out because of the fear this man has caused on campus. As Caddy said, he is a wolf in sheep’s clothing and no one knows who he will attack next. I understand that there are other pivate schools that are not accepting Northside students and I know of one school who would not even consider for employment a teacher from Northside just because she came from Northside. In 2006-2007, I counted 717 students at Northside. In 2007-2008, enrollment dropped to 595. I heard someone say the other day that because of Vandenberg’s antics, there are now a little over 400 students enrolled. So, don’t let anyone tell you that Vandenberg is leaving because of his wife’s health care insurance. If so, why did he tell the staff months ago that he had his health insurance issue under control? Why would he tell faculty and parents that he was going to be in the U.S. for another six years? Vandenberg is talking out of both sides of his mouth again. He has been caught at something, but only the Board knows and they are keeping it hush-hush. You can tell, because when you approach one of them, their demeanor gives them away. Right now, we may not know the real reason Vandenberg is leaving, but eventually, ALL will know the truth. But, for now, the only thing that is important is that HE’S GOING...SOON TO BE GONE!!! Maybe now, without Vandenbnerg to smear his name in front of the Board as he has done in the past, the Board will allow Mr. Driver to show his true ability and return Northside to the Christian school that it once was. We’ll see.
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Posted by ( katty ) on July 01, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Obviously God was not at the center of the decisions that the school board made in secret last year. Had God been in the center, the school would not be falling apart. There has been another mass exodus from the school. Vandenburg has had several EXCELLENT teacher fired. He destroys the name and integrity of the school, and then he runs and hides. He does not even follow through with his promises. What kind of man of God is this? Obviously a wolf in sheeps clothing. The members of the NMA school board need to repent and seek Godly direction through prayer and the Word of God.
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Posted by ( Rachel ) on July 01, 2008 at 11:49 am
FINALLY.
Now, if only they will get rid of the other thorn in NMA’s side.
(All of the high school students know who I am talking about.)
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Posted by ( michaelthins ) on June 30, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Good Riddins
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