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I’m Not Necessary

October 6th, 2006 · 4 Comments · 50 views

I was thinking about a lot of stuff today…

I’ve got a list of things I want to see happen before Christmas concerning the student ministry at Pinecrest.

I’ve got nights in October, November, and December set aside to lifewalk with my new crew of crazy volunteers.

I’ve got ideas, plans, desires, goals, and drive to get them done.

Then another thought hit me…there is a real danger to thinking that I’m essential the rise and success (whatever those terms mean) of the ministry at Pinecrest.

Then I thought this….that’s pretty….stupid. And theologically…it’s stupid as well.

I think leadership is important. I think character development and spiritual formation is key in disciple making…but I’m tired of the stress that it’s on the paid professionals to “grow the church.” Granted - most of that stress is self-imposed.

But here is the reality of the situation - no one is ever going to love the church like Jesus. In fact, only Jesus is SUPPOSED to love the church like He does. No one other than Jesus is going to draw all people to Himself.

My role is to keep leading people to Jesus, lifting Him up, no matter where they are in their own spiritual journey.

And that is not only doable…but enjoyable.

Tags: leadership

4 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Big Tom // Oct 6, 2006 at 7:03 am

    I think he’s got it!

    What a great ride the Lord has in store for you and Pinecrest!

  • 2 Paul // Oct 7, 2006 at 2:02 pm

    Gman, I’m scratching my head a bit on this one. What part of the tribe of Levi is modern day church leadership? Is it essential? I think there are servant qualities of leadership that are essential to the church today and since you are part of leadership that makes you essential. But probably not expendable. haha!

  • 3 Catbird // Oct 8, 2006 at 9:25 pm

    Aside from Paul’s comment (he’s probably defending your apparent self-deprecation) I loved this post.
    Actually, I agree with Paul. I think you’re essential to the rise and success of Pinecrest…you’re just not responsible for it.
    Which is, of course, exactly what you meant and now we’re just arguing word choice.
    GREAT thoughts!

  • 4 Rowland // Oct 9, 2006 at 7:55 am

    Heard a great talk by Andy Stanley at the Leadership Summit. He said the best decision he ever made in ministry was to “cheat the church but not his family”. He pointed out that the New Testament commands us to love our wives, but nowhere does it command us to love the church (as an organization). Jesus loves the church and will grow it (which scripture does state clearly). Yeh, we love people, but the church as a an organization cannot trump the command to love your spouse. I’m not sure what this does to single people but it shure is freeing to me. BTW, Andy says he only works 45 hours per week….it’s a strong commitment to the first command given to him by God!

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