Over the last two weeks, I have spent meaningful time with six different pastors who live 12 time zones away from me. Each is uniquely gifted, varied in experience and have completely different assignments. In the course of that time, I’ve seen and heard some things, learned some things, observed some things. Here’s a sampling:
- Each pastor has his own unique model or approach for ministry.
- Each is convinced his ministry model is the right one, at least for him.
- Each has questions or concerns, if not open criticism, about other models of ministry practiced by others.
- Nearly every one of them has been hurt pretty deeply by people in Church World.
- Without their wives, they aren’t worth a whole lot, and they know it.
Their ministries prosper to the degree they focus sharply on the word of God, the person of Jesus Christ, and the ministry and leadership of the Holy Spirit.
- Their ministries languish when they cling to old traditions, institutionalism, or pleasing people just for the sake of pleasing people.
- Their ministries flourish by going deep with small group(s), envisioning a clear and compelling future, and meeting the needs of people.
- Their ministries languish when they try to convince people to be anything other than Christ-following believers (e.g. – Americans, Baptists, etc.).
- They tend to love their people, but mistrust other pastors.
Some are learning that what unites us is greater than what divides or distinguishes us. The ones that do are prospering more than the ones who have yet to learn that.
- The ones in Baptist World love to debate, have had to deal a lot with church politics, and talk a lot about evangelism.
- The ones in Charismatic World love to worship, and talk a lot about the Holy Spirit and signs and wonders.
- Each one seems to understand the near-magical power of gathering around a table covered with food and sharing that together with others.
- Each one has been through some kind of split, rift, or mass exodus in Church World.
- Each one must daily confront his own sense of personal limitations.
- Each one badly needs help, support, and encouragement.
Sound familiar?
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