Sometimes, what makes a difference regarding the fruitfulness of our lives may not be a matter of having the right answers, but asking the right questions.
About 20 years ago, I interviewed with a congregation that graciously expressed interest in the possibility of our family moving to their city and beginning my ministry with them. I knew their former preacher, a good friend who spoke highly of this congregation.
As a part of this process, they invited me to come to their city and begin a conversation with them. At this point, we were getting acquainted. They were interested in finding out more about Charlotte and me. I was interested in finding out more about them. So one day, I went to this city for a series of meetings with various people (other ministers, assistants, ministry leaders, a few elders, etc.).
One of these meetings was with two deacons who had spearheaded an effort to write a thick policy manual. This manual covered every imaginable situation. They seemed especially concerned about the habits of their ministers. What time does a person come into the office? How long does a minister take for lunch? What time does a minister leave the office in the afternoon?
I immediately felt very uncomfortable.
- I thought of those mornings when I awaken very early to read my Bible, read a classic book of Christian devotion, and pray. This takes place long before I ever walk into my office.
- I thought of those long lunches as a father poured out his heartbreak over a rebellious daughter or son.
- I thought of those nights sitting in the emergency room waiting area after someone had been involved in a wreck. I am not thinking about whether or not I am “off” or “on.” This is just life — and ministry.
Ministry is not a life that can be reduced to the hours between 8 and 5 o’clock. While I do keep regular office hours, I also realize that one can’t turn on ministry at 8 and turn it off at 5.
The same principle is true for anyone who is a parent, a married person, or anyone for that matter, who walks with God. Life cannot be reduced to what happens at the hour of my choosing. No, being a parent or being a married person happens at some of the most unexpected moments.
The same is true regarding my walk with God. A person’s most productive years may come in his/her 30s, 50s, or 70s.
Perhaps the most important concern ought to be: “What kind of man or woman am I becoming?”
1. Am I gaining the kind of wisdom that will help me know how to be a parent even at the odd, unexpected moments?
2. Am I growing in the virtues of Christ, so that I am responding to my wife in a godly manner, even when I am tired and exhausted from the day?
3. Am I developing as a Christ-follower so that I am following Jesus into the will of God, no matter what stage of life I am in?
4. Am I maturing as a minister so that my words and actions are appropriate and godly?
I’m right in the middle of my 60′s and a couple of these concerns are mine too. Thank you, Bro. Martin.
You are welcome Jane. Glad you could relate to some of this.
Methinks that a bad experience with a previous pastor/s who abused the freedom and/or seriously lacked accountability prompted the ginormous volume of policies and procedures!Someone who has a servant heart will gladly go the extra mile – and prioritize the needs of his sheep!
Karin– Yep! you nailed that one. What is interesting is that this both sides had neglected their relationships with one another and these issues were never communicated personally. Rather, they created policies and hoped that he would change. He didn’t. He left. So–the next person who went to this congregation was left to deal with this reaction.
My last church had people who were very dissatisfied with the staff’s office hours and they wanted them there between “business hours”. While the church that you talked about Jim may have had a bad experience, what I have found is that some people approach the Church with a pure business mentality. They feel that since they clock in at the office every day, their pastor should too. Also, I think in some congregations this reflects a selfishness where they think the pastor is there to service them and them alone. From my experience, I find that some people really need to be educated on what ministry is so that they can better understand and appreciate not only what the pastor does, but the demands on their time, emotions, etc.
Very good point, Pat. In fact, you made several good points. One problem with the insistence on a staff keeping strict “business hours” is that they could begin to function just that way. That is, they could begin to think about their ministries in terms of being “on the clock” and being “off the clock.” As you know, it is not that simple.
Thanks for a great comment, Pat.
My experience with churches throughout the years has left me wondering if the current organizational model of most churches is even remotely close to what Jesus had in mind. I am thinking probably not!
Connie, no doubt that you are right. I just hope that I have an inkling of an idea of what he did have in mind.