Churches, through its pastors and leaders and volunteers, can form into a culture of success. Such a culture then forms the pastors, leaders, and churches to fit into that culture. That is, the various measures of victories, winning, achievements, progresses and advances – getting caught up in these measures creates a culture of success.
I can’t possibly love this more. Music to my weary pastor soul. Someone asked me if I’m giving up anything for lent (this isn’t part of my faith tradition). I told them I was giving up striving.
No more treadmill for me, if I can hold on to this promise.
I know this is directed at pastors and I completely support everything you said. I am going to add that for many of us who have spent decades in the church serving, I am still shocked by the unreasonable expectations pastors put on their congregations. Perhaps that is a reflection of what you have described here of unreasonable expectations of themselves?
Everything we do at, in, or for our churches occurs after the 50–60-hour work week, 1 hour commute, groceries, meals, homework, and sometimes even a date for us! Doesn't include our aging parents, handicapped sibling needs, emergency babysitting for our neighbor with covid, etc. This model of church is unsustainable for everyone.
This is so important. Thank you, Scot. Your post actually puts into words so much of what I have been feeling and starting to talk to my wife and elder board about in recent months.
We have lost over half of our church since the start of the pandemic, and the future is an open book. Rather than feed anxiety over finances, church growth, and long-term security, I have committed to resting in God's provision and direction for our church and for our family. That is easier on some days than on others, but this post puts into words so much of that desire.
Brian Zahnd, rather tongue and cheek, once said pastors should have their ordinations revoked until they have fully read Eugene Petersons entire pastoral theology series (5 smooth stones, working the angles, etc). From what I know of the series, I think you capture the heart of Petersons sentiments in this post.
I have been one of those entrepreneurial pastors who kept a number of visionary balls in the air. My latest pastorate was a former landmark intercity church that is winding down. Three years ago, I stepped down from Senior Pastor into an outreach ministry role, but the urge to be on top carries on from time to time. I am one of those who needed this message; thank you...
I can’t possibly love this more. Music to my weary pastor soul. Someone asked me if I’m giving up anything for lent (this isn’t part of my faith tradition). I told them I was giving up striving.
No more treadmill for me, if I can hold on to this promise.
I know this is directed at pastors and I completely support everything you said. I am going to add that for many of us who have spent decades in the church serving, I am still shocked by the unreasonable expectations pastors put on their congregations. Perhaps that is a reflection of what you have described here of unreasonable expectations of themselves?
Everything we do at, in, or for our churches occurs after the 50–60-hour work week, 1 hour commute, groceries, meals, homework, and sometimes even a date for us! Doesn't include our aging parents, handicapped sibling needs, emergency babysitting for our neighbor with covid, etc. This model of church is unsustainable for everyone.
This is so important. Thank you, Scot. Your post actually puts into words so much of what I have been feeling and starting to talk to my wife and elder board about in recent months.
We have lost over half of our church since the start of the pandemic, and the future is an open book. Rather than feed anxiety over finances, church growth, and long-term security, I have committed to resting in God's provision and direction for our church and for our family. That is easier on some days than on others, but this post puts into words so much of that desire.
Amen x 10,000. Thank you Scot.
So good Scot.
Brian Zahnd, rather tongue and cheek, once said pastors should have their ordinations revoked until they have fully read Eugene Petersons entire pastoral theology series (5 smooth stones, working the angles, etc). From what I know of the series, I think you capture the heart of Petersons sentiments in this post.
I have been one of those entrepreneurial pastors who kept a number of visionary balls in the air. My latest pastorate was a former landmark intercity church that is winding down. Three years ago, I stepped down from Senior Pastor into an outreach ministry role, but the urge to be on top carries on from time to time. I am one of those who needed this message; thank you...