Let the Preacher Do It!
Bovina Bulletin Board
An inherent danger in having a located minister is that it can create a culture where the church believes the preacher is “hired” to do all the work. Given our love for and adherence to scripture, I believe we know this isn’t correct. But people will say and do irrational things under the weight of guilt. Guilt is, by the way, what tends to propel people to utter such an absurd statement.
As noted last week, discipleship is about all of us. Your commitment to Christ and the discipleship process, of necessity, thrusts you into the ministry mix. We are all, by reason of our commitment to Christ, called into the service of ministry.
The gathered church of Jerusalem quickly became the scattered church into the world. The apostles, interestingly enough, served in Jerusalem while the obedient to Christ launched into mission (Acts 8:1-4). Notice how the early church didn’t respond to Truth, then say, “Let the Apostles do it!” No, they thrust themselves directly into the mission of God.
The Roman church/churches had their share of issues (Romans 2:1ff; ch. 14-15), but apparently one of them wasn’t placing the ministry platter before just one or two people. After commending Phoebe, a “servant” at Cenchreae (Romans 16:1-2) to the Roman church, Paul sends greeting to a number Christians whose labor for the Lord was a labor of love (Romans 16:3-15). These were Christians who were making impacts however possible.
Churches that struggle are the ones whose members show up, but sit back and do nothing. Churches that struggle are the ones whose members want someone else to do what they themselves were designed to do. Churches that struggle are the ones comprised of members who say, “Let the preacher do it!”
douglasryoung.net
I want you to know how much this post means to me brother. I have a current post on Ministers Dealing W/ Depression and Suicide and love your thoughts. It has a an article from USAToday about ministers that are depressed and have attempted or committed suicide because of the expectations that churchs have placed on ministers. Where do they go for help? Love your thoughts. As a former minister who has been burned by many churches I appreciate this post and think it is time that ministers speak out on the unrealistic expectations that are placed on them by their congregations and themselves. It is sad that so many including myself have left the ministry because of these unrealistic expectations. I am trying to get back on track and want to help other ministers in need of help. I have decided to take a sabattical until I feel I am ready again to get back into the ministry. Pray brother for those ministers who are facing difficulties. Again, thank you so much for this post!
Kinney,
I want you to know that last night I said a prayer for you. I am sorry for what you’ve experienced, but hope that during your time away from ministry, that God restores in you the passion that has been zapped from you. I read the USAToday article you cite. It’s saddening. Terribly saddening.
Thank you for commenting. I greatly appreciate it.