Too Busy Working In The Church?
I recently read an article called, “A Word To Tired Pastors Treading Water In Their Work.” In it the author points out that the work of pastoring in this cultural moment is much like treading water. It burns tons of calories, but you’re heading nowhere, or so it seems. I found this to be an exceedingly helpful illustration. Nearly every pastor I talk to lately says that they are extremely busy. And to be honest, I have wondered to myself, “what are they busy doing?” As I have asked into this, I am consistently hearing that their efforts have turned responsive. They are responding to needs, demands, invitations, crisis care, etc… This is the tyranny of the urgent on steroids. Because of the disruption, we haven’t known what to do, so we just do what’s right in front of us. I believe this points to a significant need: self-reflection and self-leadership. Jesus said in Mark 1:15, “The time has come, the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” When he said the “time” is near, the Greek word He used is kairos, which in contrast to chronos is a significant event or opportunity, not a time or date on the calendar. The Kingdom breaks in through these significant events. This cultural moment, this unprecedented season is a global kairos. In order to experience the Kingdom breakthrough, we have to slow down and reflect. What is God doing? What is He saying to me? How will I respond?
Here’s my thesis, many of us pastors are too busy working in the church to work on the church. Additionally, the pressure to work in the church is a barrier to taking care of ourselves (spiritually, physically, emotionally, relationally, etc…). Part two of the thesis: as the church faces unprecedented times, there has never been a greater need for reflection, innovation, integrity, and prayerful dependence. The path through this cultural moment will require more time of listening to the Spirit and dreaming with God about our lives and ministries. As many have stated, “what got us here, won’t get us there.”
In response to this reality, my colleague, Gary Reinecke and I have put together a free four-week offering to help you pause and reflect for 55 minutes each week. We are using a TIMELINE activity as the tool to help leaders process together and individually beginning October 2 from 10-10:55am PST. During this time, we will help you reflect on the ways that God has been at work in your life, help you clarify your values, and help you gain perspective for the future.
Here is the plan moving forward. We will meet for 4 sessions over ZOOM on Fridays from 10-10:55am PST. Below is the flow of the 4 sessions:
· October 2: ORIENTATION TO THE MISSIONAL DISCIPLESHIP SYMBOL TIMELINE
· October 9: TRANSITIONS & BOUNDARIES
· October 16: SHARING YOUR TIMELINE
· October 23: WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
Suggested Reading: We are purposefully NOT requiring any resource costs for this exercise. However, if you would like to learn more about the timeline – especially Transitions & Boundaries, let us suggest a wonderful companion book entitled: “STUCK! Navigating the Transition of Life and Leadership”, by Terry Walling.
We will be accepting participants until October 1 @ 5pm PST. Please CLICK HERE to let us know you are interested in participating by entering your:
· Name
· E-mail address
· Paste MISSIONAL DISCIPLESHIP TIMELINE (in the Message box).
We are excited to get started. We hope you can join us. And bring a friend.
Micah Dodson & Gary Reinecke