Today's post is from a minister in the Church of Christ with years of experience who would rather remain anonymous. His words come from a deep love to see the church thrive again.
There are words that infuse my soul - passion, dream, inspire, encourage. I love the process of dreaming with others. The process of discovery that takes people on a journey and helps them unearth the unknown – the hidden – the true treasures no one ever knew existed.
I also love building, putting together the pieces over time, working with a group of individuals and building on their strengths to produce a product. Not everyone is gifted in this way, yet when one is, potential blessings can be huge.
But what if all that talent, all that passion, all the expertise of many years of discovery was caged – locked away?
I love our tribe. I love the people and their hearts. They want so desperately to know God and to grow in Him. Yet our churches are not growing and we are losing our young people. What seems to be the problem? There is no denying that we are doing the same thing over and over, expecting to get the same results.
There is a flaw in our system – elders have been given the power – many ministers have the passion and the dreams and yet the two rarely come together in a collection of work that would benefit the whole. Gifted and talented ministers are frustrated because they feel trapped. Elders are afraid. They want to move but would rather weigh-in on the side of caution. This leads to a collision of identity. Who are we? Where are we going? What are we doing? When can we move? Are we going to move? What are the next steps? Can we try this, or how about that?
The frustration sets in and many talented and gifted pulpit ministers with passion and dreams who feel their talents and skills are being wasted either give up and accept the norm or leave frustrated and hurt.
How interesting is it that Paul told Timothy and Titus to select elders? The evangelists were the ones designated for doing that job. Is that the biblical model we use? Do we allow the evangelist to select those men qualified for service? Paul also encouraged Timothy to fan into flame the gifts bestowed upon Him. Do our elderships expect that out of their ministers? And if so, what avenues have they allowed for this to take place? Preach well, visit the sick, make everyone happy – but don’t dream. Isn’t this the current model of frustration?
I say it is time for a new model - a model consistent with the biblical mandate. He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip… Why is this list here? Do you believe Paul was making a point as to the designation of importance? If so, should Paul’s model be one we implore in our churches as he did? And if so, would we have churches filled with men of passion and discovery? What say you?
No comments:
Post a Comment