I served one church (as pastor, I did youth and music work at several churches) for twenty five+ years. I had my low times, as well as some good years. I wonder how easy it is to check out and not really know you have. I don't know that I did. I don't handle conflict as well as I think I should, and there were times when I probably lowered my expectations as a result. Did I check out? I certainly wanted to stay engaged... I did face conflict from time to time that was painful, and when I lost people as a result. It might have been necessary, as I look back, but I hated it. In my view, the church never fully supported my central vision, which was for the pursuit of a vital prayer ministry. I tried different approaches, but nothing seemed to 'take' with the majority of the congregation. (250-300 for a long time; COVID was a blow, thought they are running 225 now, four years after my retirement. OK, this is too long. As usual, you have given us a very timely, thoughtful and insightful piece to think on.
Yeah I will say that I was writing this mostly to convict myself at the time--I think I have checked out a LOT OF TIMES in different roles. We need to have some grace for ourselves in hard situations like you're talking about... but some of us (namely: me) need to check ourselves too.
I served one church (as pastor, I did youth and music work at several churches) for twenty five+ years. I had my low times, as well as some good years. I wonder how easy it is to check out and not really know you have. I don't know that I did. I don't handle conflict as well as I think I should, and there were times when I probably lowered my expectations as a result. Did I check out? I certainly wanted to stay engaged... I did face conflict from time to time that was painful, and when I lost people as a result. It might have been necessary, as I look back, but I hated it. In my view, the church never fully supported my central vision, which was for the pursuit of a vital prayer ministry. I tried different approaches, but nothing seemed to 'take' with the majority of the congregation. (250-300 for a long time; COVID was a blow, thought they are running 225 now, four years after my retirement. OK, this is too long. As usual, you have given us a very timely, thoughtful and insightful piece to think on.
Yeah I will say that I was writing this mostly to convict myself at the time--I think I have checked out a LOT OF TIMES in different roles. We need to have some grace for ourselves in hard situations like you're talking about... but some of us (namely: me) need to check ourselves too.
Peace bro!
Thank you. I’m in my 17th year of pastoral ministry with the same church and this hit close to home. Focus on today! Yes.
Thanks much, James! 17 years is a LOT of choosing the now over the next brother. Godspeed!
I loved this statement: The story of life doesn't get written well if you don't fully engage with the chapter you're in.
great glad it helped
Good insights and challenge DD. Good question to carry: am I obsessed with the next and missing the now? Thanks bro
yeah I think I've succumbed to that temptation many times in my life