This has been taking place for a long time now. Not only from a secular standpoint, but from a cultural standpoint as well. If you can speak it or preach it just right, it doesn't matter the amount of time one spends with God or how that person cares for the flock. I pray people continue to follow God and find those pastors who are after His heart.
I think this is a good reminder and (too often) corrective. But I also think there is an “and” rather than an “or” in here. As someone who has worked with leaders in the ministry world and has a passion for healthy pastoral leadership, I have seen for years pastors struggle and burnout and flame out with self-destructive actions. Just like I have in my life. Part of it has been embracing a corporate leadership foundation to their ministry that is impossible to fulfill, all to the sacrifice of the the real foundation - the cornerstone of Jesus. But often they start down the path with really solid intentions. They want to lead their people closer to God. They want to lead their churches to be affective and impactful for the Kingdom. And there is absolutely no clue how to do so because no one taught them. Even in the business world it is recognized that the best leaders who impact PEOPLE, or just the bottom line have a solid character foundation. The leaders I look for and look to are the ones who have suffered deeply - and are still standing with Jesus and following Jesus. Great leaders and great pastors cannot be formed apart from great suffering. I think Jesus said something about that. Thanks Scot.
“We live in a time when this authenticity and honesty is more important than ever. Sooner or later, the world will squeeze out whatever is in the pastor's heart”.
I find this to be so true. Finding Leadership that has gone through the squeezing or while in the midst of it can walk in humility and authenticity, that leader produces a community of leaders and members that enjoy the freedom authenticity brings. We have been blessed to find ourselves in such a place.
The opposite seems only able to produce a promotion seeking, achievement oriented atmosphere that strives to make the church into the image of man made organizations and yields the fruit thereof.
This has been taking place for a long time now. Not only from a secular standpoint, but from a cultural standpoint as well. If you can speak it or preach it just right, it doesn't matter the amount of time one spends with God or how that person cares for the flock. I pray people continue to follow God and find those pastors who are after His heart.
Bless you.
Correction: should be....who impact PEOPLE, NOT just the bottom line...
I think this is a good reminder and (too often) corrective. But I also think there is an “and” rather than an “or” in here. As someone who has worked with leaders in the ministry world and has a passion for healthy pastoral leadership, I have seen for years pastors struggle and burnout and flame out with self-destructive actions. Just like I have in my life. Part of it has been embracing a corporate leadership foundation to their ministry that is impossible to fulfill, all to the sacrifice of the the real foundation - the cornerstone of Jesus. But often they start down the path with really solid intentions. They want to lead their people closer to God. They want to lead their churches to be affective and impactful for the Kingdom. And there is absolutely no clue how to do so because no one taught them. Even in the business world it is recognized that the best leaders who impact PEOPLE, or just the bottom line have a solid character foundation. The leaders I look for and look to are the ones who have suffered deeply - and are still standing with Jesus and following Jesus. Great leaders and great pastors cannot be formed apart from great suffering. I think Jesus said something about that. Thanks Scot.
Oh the pastor ( if it’s a man ) his wife has to play the piano and be well dressed
Amen.
“We live in a time when this authenticity and honesty is more important than ever. Sooner or later, the world will squeeze out whatever is in the pastor's heart”.
I find this to be so true. Finding Leadership that has gone through the squeezing or while in the midst of it can walk in humility and authenticity, that leader produces a community of leaders and members that enjoy the freedom authenticity brings. We have been blessed to find ourselves in such a place.
The opposite seems only able to produce a promotion seeking, achievement oriented atmosphere that strives to make the church into the image of man made organizations and yields the fruit thereof.
Amen