By Mike Glenn A few months ago, I announced my retirement as Senior Pastor of Brentwood Baptist Church. I have held this position for 32 years and it’s been quite a ride. People have asked me why I have chosen to retire when everything is going so well. First of all, you always want to leave when the church still loves you. The line between “I wish he’d never leave,” and “Is he ever going to leave?” is famously thin. Second, the church is in a good place. I'm in a good place. This is a good time to make a change.
One of my mentors used to say, “It’s all about people. Nothing matters more than people!” (Just behind loving God with all our heart, of course.)
Later, when I went through a rough transition, I was a bit wounded and frustrated with my assignment. Another friend listened to my complaints, then said, “Don’t be afraid to love the people.” Praise the Lord for those who call us back to the essentials of our calling!
This. I’ve read a lot of books and blogs (akin to Scot’s articles here) on the topic of pastoral leadership. This one is so “on point” and touches what it means to be a pastor. Blessings to you Pastor! I pray you’re able to coach and mentor the next generation and those still serving for God’s glory! Amen.
He nails the diagnosis. In the last four years, a pandemic, brutal election politics, a sagging economy, and some institutional implosions (including my own denomination) have created an atmosphere of distrust and anxiety. We're all in survival mode, and people in that mental state love defensively at best. The great challenge for pastors is to give their hearts again, and to teach their people how to give their hearts again. Amen all by myself!
One of my mentors used to say, “It’s all about people. Nothing matters more than people!” (Just behind loving God with all our heart, of course.)
Later, when I went through a rough transition, I was a bit wounded and frustrated with my assignment. Another friend listened to my complaints, then said, “Don’t be afraid to love the people.” Praise the Lord for those who call us back to the essentials of our calling!
This. I’ve read a lot of books and blogs (akin to Scot’s articles here) on the topic of pastoral leadership. This one is so “on point” and touches what it means to be a pastor. Blessings to you Pastor! I pray you’re able to coach and mentor the next generation and those still serving for God’s glory! Amen.
👏👏👏👏👏👏 well said and written.
He nails the diagnosis. In the last four years, a pandemic, brutal election politics, a sagging economy, and some institutional implosions (including my own denomination) have created an atmosphere of distrust and anxiety. We're all in survival mode, and people in that mental state love defensively at best. The great challenge for pastors is to give their hearts again, and to teach their people how to give their hearts again. Amen all by myself!