Okay, time to vent a little…I keep looking over the landscape of the church and reviewing my own thirty plus years and I am amazed and saddened by what I perceive is a growing trend among those of us who are called into ministry. Our calling as ministers is not about a title but about function. To be a minister means that there must be an object of ministry and that object is people. We minister the Gospel to the people. That means that we have to be relational; you cannot minister apart from being involved with and aware of people you serve. How can we be ministers and not have relationships; deep, meaningful and personal relationships? Relationships are not made from the pulpit but from living life together with the people who are the church and those who are yet to become part of the church. As a young minister I wanted desperately to be successful and leave my mark upon this world. I attended the church growth and leadership conferences that were plentiful in order that I may find a way to grow the church and become a “successful” minister. I came away with plenty of tools but I was also challenged to change the pastoral model to the CEO model. The CEO model often is projected as the detached leader who has his goal, objectives and business plan. I worked hard at leading but at the end of the day I realized that it is all about relationships. I am not called to manage but to minister. It’s being there when babies are born and when grandma dies. It’s sitting in waiting rooms with an anxious family. It’s counseling a couple whose marriage is coming apart. It’s inviting people into your home and making friendships. It’s laughing together, crying together, and working together. The church is a family, a community, an army but all these require relationships. I want to challenge young pastor to leave the office, put down the latest book, turn off the computer and do what Jesus did…walk among the people. Okay I’m done. I know that some will disagree but if you really want to be successful become a friend.
Posted on: Wed, 16 Apr 2014 23:45:29 +0000
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