My co-worker RO Smith posted some great stuff on our blog Collection of Crumbs last night.
Here is some of what he says:
Without getting into detail, there have been some issues at our church. I know all churches have issues, so that is nothing new. But the issues occurring at our church have got me thinking about what we value in being ministered to by others, in particular those with the title of “pastor”. It seems that there has been a disconnect in the pastors and the rest of the staff when it comes to being ministered to. Now, please know that I am not letting the pastors off the hook, or saying anything about their leadership style; I am going for something deeper…
I guess what the entire situation has got me thinking about is this: Why do we put so much onus and credence in what the person with the title of “pastor” does or doesn’t do? And how do we get people to see that we are all “pastors”?
It seems that all of us in church ministry want to be ministered to and be acknowledged by our pastors. In looking at these passages, I can not help but ask the question: Why? Why does it matter what those with the title of pastor think? What does it matter if they do not minister to us? What does it matter if they barely even know who we are? (Speaking from a mega-church perspective) More importantly, is it fair to them to have the these expectations placed on them?
Thoughts?
Rhett,
Unfortunately, most of the ideas we have about how church should be come from places other than the Bible.
We certainly place too much pressure on pastors, and we also give them too much “authority.”
We have completely forgotten Jesus’ teaching on leadership.
There is a place for specialized roles in the church and for strong leadership. But the pastor is not a CEO.
Rod
Rod,
Thanks for posting.
I agree. I have a real problem when we view the pastor as ceo. Doesn’t quite seem to fit does it.
You are right, when you look at Jesus’ view of leadership it is quite different.
rhett
I don’t know why, but somehow the broad sketch painted here made me think of a book my two pastors had our church leaders and leaders-in-training read recently: Peter Scazzero’s “The Emotionally Healthy Church.” Have you heard of it? Read it? Not the most profound book, in some ways, but maybe that’s because it led to more of a gradual epiphany for me than the smacks-you-over-the-head sort. Definitely worth checking out, if you haven’t already read it. I was especially impressed by the way he tied emotional health to the church’s call to be known as those who love well.
Please read this site http://www.dictatorpastors.com
You might be amazed as to what is going on out there in the name of pastoral leadership!