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December 2, 2008
7 things to movtivate pastors to take action
Bob Brooks points out that what can sometimes be labeled a landmark discovery is often the obvious in Somking can cause cancer and the economy is in recession.
No one needs to tell you that we are in the midst of a recession. What is being revealed is that pastors are underprepared and overwhelmed with managing the tension between money and ministry while "landmark" studies are released that verify the obvious: we are in a recession.
Now it's my turn to state the obvious. Here are 7 things to get you motivated to stop talking about how bad things are and get moving:
1. It's never as bad as it seems, and it's never as good as it seems. This is some of the best advice I received from a mentor long ago. It applies today.
2. Difficult times weed out unqualified leaders. I'm not talking about education and degrees. Leadership requires guts. It requires faith. It requires an absolute trust that the organization will succeed. If you can't inspire yourself to believe that, you won't inspire anyone else.
3. Never stop learning. I love overwhelming sitatuations. They force
me to focus, learn, think in new ways and take risks. The most important is to never stop learning. (And my advice is to seek out books AND people. What a great opportunity to call some prominent busienss leaders in your community, take them to lunch, and find out their opinion on the subject. Chances are you'll shock the socks right off of them, and you'll make a new friend (maybe meet a new church prospect).
4. Talk about it. Just because you don't talk about it, doesn't make it any less real. Difficult conversations come with the job. Just be honest and always do what's in the best interest of the church.
5. Pray about it. Wear out the same kneeling bench you ask your members to each week. Here is a hint: Stop talking. Start listening. God already knows how bad it is and all the specifics of your situation. It's you're job to get in touch with his presence in the midst of uncertain times. You can't fulfill the mythic "god-man" role you play in your church without an authentic sense of God's presence in your own life.
6. Act. Success rarely leads to failure. But failure often leads to success. Do something, please!
7. Stop worrying about whether or not you'll have a job. If you allow this to occupy your mind, you'll create what psychologists call a "self-fulfilling prophesy." Do your job. Live up to the calling to which you have been called. And start leading. The church is in desperate need of pastors who will quit worrying about their careers and focus on building the ministry of the Kingdom in the churhces and communities where they serve and live.
You can sum up everything I've said above in a statement a friend made that I'll never forget: Look it in the teeth, even if it bites back.
Posted by bstroup at December 2, 2008 10:01 AM
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Comments
Ben,
Good word. I am amazed at so many Christian leaders that are simply fearful. This is our greatest opportunity since 9/11!
Keep up the good work!
Mark
Posted by: Mark Brooks at December 2, 2008 5:37 PM
Mark, I agree. Fear is the worst posture we can take at this moment. We must be people of conviction and faith.
Thanks for reading and for your ministry.
Blessings, Ben.
Posted by: Ben Stroup 
at December 3, 2008 9:39 AM