This post is part 6 of a 10 part series of the most important lessons I have learned in my first year of ministry. While I understand that family, friends, and congregants will read it, please remember it is written more to other pastors--especially those new in ministry.
Previous Posts in this series:
Lesson #9: They had to hate someone, it might as well be me.
Lesson #8: Poor Pastors Have Pretty Knees
Lesson #7: Know the Waitress by Name
Lesson #6: The Need is Not the Call
Current Post:
Lesson #5: I'm an Idiot
"Professional" ministry is a challenging little beast. Both pastors and church bodies have misconceptions of the role of the pastorate. For many congregations, the pastor is to be a miracle worker. The theory behind this idea is that given the right pastor, the church will grow. "All we need", such churches maintain, "is a dynamic pastor and our church will take off". Even worse, many pastors think this way, and then hustle off to the latest conferences and book tables to learn how to unleash the dynamic pastor within.
Keep in mind the main portion of our life (at least to the eye of the general public) is performed on a stage. We stand before 50, 100, 500, 0r 5,000 people on a given Sunday, and all eyes on are us. Frankly, we love it. I have been fortunate to preach before crowds of multiple thousands, and I can honestly say the larger the crowd, the more I enjoy preaching. There is a power, a passion, an energy....and of course, an ego that comes from preaching. We are the experts, the scholars, the ones with the knowledge of the original biblical languages (and perhaps even Latin). We have intimate knowledge of systematic, dogmatic, and historical theology. We understand the cultural and historical background of the Old and New Testament worlds, and are well versed in church history.
Furthermore, we understand the human heart and soul. We can peer deep within the thoughts and feelings of others, empathize with their pain, and offer counsel. Many times, we can finish the sentences for congregants who are struggling to put words to their pain. Often, we here the phrase, "you know me so well". Not only are we 'experts' in the ancient Word, but also the modern person.
Hearing stuff like the above gets to one's head after a while--and ultimately leads to distorted ministry. Many years ago I played basketball in high school. The school was quite small (my senior class was only seven), but even for its size I was one of the worst players on the team. I could never touch the rim, could hardly dribble, and my shooting was even worse. One day I was moaning to one of the assistant coaches that I wish I could jump as high as Michael Jordan. He responded with the stupidist (but powerful) response I've ever heard. He said, "If your both jumping to touch the moon, there's really no difference between the two of you".
The problem was my standard was too low. I only wanted to touch a 10 foot rim. With such a low standard, Jordan far outshined me. But when my standard is infinitely higher, he fairs no better than I.
Pastors, whenever your tempted to think highly of yourself, keep in mind your standard is too low. When we fix our eyes on the Cross, we realize how insignificant we really are. Far from being experts, we are merely idiots. Only when we realize this can we do the sort of ministry God has for us.
Merciful Father,
Save me from 'professionalism'.
Save me from my prideful, and therefore false, thoughts.
Save me from myself.
Save me.
Amen.
What a great lesson (the basketball analogy) Josh!
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