Pastor Dale Sanders Offers Life-Changing Truths About Conflicts Which Inspired His New Book & Single

Pastor Dale Sanders has just released his brand new book Termites in the Church, a book that chronicles his father's life story and struggles in ministry. He has also released his new single You Win, a song that was birthed of his own pains and struggles with Christ.  Setting the message to music, a single was released and serviced to radio.  In a short time, the soul stirring ballad has captured the hearts of the nation as the song has made its way into the Top 50 of the Billboard Gospel Radio chart.  

Q:  Pastor Dale, congratulations on the release of your book "Termites in the Church."  Being a pastor myself, it pains me to read about your dad's story and how he was mistreated by his church.  For our readers who are not familiar with your book, briefly tell us what happened to your dad? 

Pastor Dale: My father, Rev. Leroy Sanders, Sr. was called to lead the St. Michael Baptist Church of Kenner, Louisiana in September of 1971. Amazingly, for 35 years we watched as God favored this local church to do mighty things for His kingdom. However, the last five years were anything but stellar. Do to an influx of members to the church's second campus in Laplace, LA we gained some unsavory characters, this was the beginning of the infestation that would cause the unraveling of the church. Certain personalities felt that they should have more say and control of the church's day to day operation. This back and forth led to a two year court battle, tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees and the loss of many good members. 

Q: How did your dad handle such a difficult situation? 

Pastor Dale: My father, who is by nature a soft spoken, reserved and very contemplative person, became somewhat of a recluse, yet on the other hand quite protective and outspoken. I liken him to a mother hen, doing whatever necessary to care for the souls that had been placed in his care. He tried to leave it in the hands of the legal system until it was obvious that we would make no headway there. My father, who faithfully believes in prayer placed his fate in the hands of God and trusted him for the outcome. 

Q:  How has what has happened to your dad affected you? 

Pastor Dale: Wow! This experience has forever impacted my life in every aspect. Because I am a pastor, like my father, I had no choice but to reassess my own ministry. Are the people really genuine? Am I being celebrated or tolerated? Am I next and am I really making a difference? These were all questions running through my mind. Honestly, I was doing church with a chip on my shoulder, angry that a group of mean spirited people could cause this much harm. My ministry perspective was all blurred. I was still preaching, but I had more questions than answers. 

Q:  How did the Lord bring about healing in your life? 

Pastor Dale: That's very simple, I watched the grace my parents operated in and couldn't help but be humbled by it. Somehow my father loved those people through all of the pain, harsh words and treatment. Observing my parents, I'm really not sure my healing is yet complete. I am still a work in progress, getting stronger everyday. The book has been therapy for me,it's helped me to function with less anger and more feelings of sadness for that group of people. 

Q:  Besides your book, you also have a new single out.  Tell us more about this new song. 

Pastor Dale: You Win is the title of my song. Like the book, it was birthed out of this same experience. I believe all of us are going through something in and outside of the church. It just so happens that my experience is a result of church hurt. Wounded among friends became my mantra. The song begins, "There are times I feel so overwhelmed there is pressure beating down on me my faith is strong but my strength is weak it seems I'm stuck in lack and poverty." Those lyrics seem to have resignated with people throughout the nation and they have made a connection. Whatever you're going through, in the end You a Win. 

Q:  When can we expect your new album to be released?  Is there a title yet for the album? 

Pastor Dale: I'm looking at early fall. Right now, book promotions have me swamped and of course we want to take the time and give the album our best. The title is pending, but the theme of victory and overcoming is at the forefront. 

Q:  There may be pastors reading this article right now who are in difficult churches, what words of encouragement do you have to say to them? 

Pastor Dale: Many pastors, as well as lay leaders, refuse to walk away from failing ministries because of the shame involved. Everyone aspires to be a part of a success story; however, I am begging you not to take ministry losses personally. The church is not your baby; she's God's bride. Many pastors commonly hold the myth that the pastor and the church are like husband and wife, but this is a dangerous way of thinking. If and when your season ends at a particular church, you must be willing to surrender and trust God for your next season. Sermons are portable; new relationships can be built. God's anointing is not in the land; it's in the man. If you are squeamish about God's ability to provide in another place, check his track record with you up to this time in your life. Leave the outcome to him. 

 

 

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