Last time we got together, I didn't feel as overwhelmed as I do now. Some musings...
There are few times we decide the system before the journey starts. Often we just go with the flow and then wonder why stuff got to where we are.
That matters in the church because as a pastor, I should be helping the church turn into the system of God. Errr, I mean the Kingdom of God. I know, its the people who are broken, not the system. And no system on this side of eternity will be perfect.
Right now, Adam is discussing how to move the church from 100 to 1000. My initial impression is he doesn't know.
Well, thats not fair. He was very intentional and very purpose driven. There were things he did that certainly were intended to grow the church.
But I get the impression things are not as he thought they would happen. For example, he will readily admit that he used to work too much, his marriage suffered, and overall the place he is now is both a result of God's grace and hard work. By hard, I mean lots of work that breaks a person.
Another thought, United Methodist pastors need to move so quickly in church growth, the system loses its ability to move you. Call me cynical.
There are few times we decide the system before the journey starts. Often we just go with the flow and then wonder why stuff got to where we are.
That matters in the church because as a pastor, I should be helping the church turn into the system of God. Errr, I mean the Kingdom of God. I know, its the people who are broken, not the system. And no system on this side of eternity will be perfect.
Right now, Adam is discussing how to move the church from 100 to 1000. My initial impression is he doesn't know.
Well, thats not fair. He was very intentional and very purpose driven. There were things he did that certainly were intended to grow the church.
But I get the impression things are not as he thought they would happen. For example, he will readily admit that he used to work too much, his marriage suffered, and overall the place he is now is both a result of God's grace and hard work. By hard, I mean lots of work that breaks a person.
Mike at least brought up Jesus first, thats a good place to start.
Another thought, United Methodist pastors need to move so quickly in church growth, the system loses its ability to move you. Call me cynical.
My friend, I think I'd have to call you wise for your assessment rather than cynical. To say that the church growth era is over might be two things - arrogant and stretching it a bit (although, I confess that I do wrestle with arrogance; moreover, I think the church growth era, as its been defined, IS over). However, with the onslaught of some form of community that our society seems to be seeking, the principles, theology, and ideas behind church growth simply don't cut it anymore. I know the question of paying the utility bills and apportionments is a real one, but I think it's time, for those who haven't yet begun, to begin to ask new question in regard to "church growth." Which you've touched on by noting the lack of time spent with Hamilton's family, long hours, etc. The thing is, if you want a humongous church, run it like a business man. Is this realistic? The statistical research seems to say not so much (I'll email you a fascinating, though dry, article on this). Is it biblical? I'm not sure this is the right way to ask that question. So, it doesn't sound as though you're cynical; it sounds as though you're listening well and not allowing the fanfare of the moment to suck you into its riptide. Peace bro. (Hey, go surfing in Jax if you get a chance!))
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