Pastoring
Ron Walters
Look closely and you'll notice a strong similarity between pastoring a church and presiding over a country. Both require a strong vision...and blinders; wisdom...and thick skin; diplomacy...and a willingness to go it alone.
Truth is there aren't many who can do either job-Pastor or President. And those who can tend to surprise us all.
For example, no one could have guessed the success of Abraham Lincoln. If ever someone lacked curb appeal, it was the tall-drink-of-water from Illinois. If Springfield High had a Geek Club, he was the chairman. His arms and feet had outgrown his long, lanky body. His hands were the size of dinner plates. His wrinkled and outdated cloths didn't fit. He was corny and common.
And yet he became our 16th president.
But, even his presidency seemed doomed. Within days of taking office:
* His predecessor, James Buchanan, openly declared that Lincoln would destroy the nation.
* Seven states succeeded from the Union.
* The U.S. House of Representatives refused Lincoln's plea to enlarge the military.
* The Senate passed a resolution demanding the War Department reduce military spending.
* Rumors ran rampant that Lincoln would be shot at his inaugural and Washington DC would be burned to the ground.
And you thought your first pastorate was tough.
To make matters worse the New York and Washington papers viciously attacked him. Their poisoned pens called Lincoln "a third rate country lawyer, a dictator, an ape, a buffoon."
Like a left-handed pastor in a right-handed church, Lincoln did not fit the political mold. But America didn't need another politician, it needed a leader. A hot-air filibuster was not the answer. America needed a remedy that placebo politics couldn't cure.
Of all Lincoln's strengths, none were as noticeable as his ability to pick the right people to accomplish his goals. It wasn't important that they agreed with him on all points ... only the ones they were responsible for.
First, he had to find someone to take command of the Union Army. Candidates would be graded on results, not rank. Military tenure would be superseded by performance. Lincoln wanted someone who believed risk and destiny were synonyms. It took three years and ten generals before he found Ulysses S. Grant, but once he did, victory was imminent.
Building a winning team is a science. The key ingredients are example and vision. The payoff comes when we empower and send. A room filled with nodding heads won't guarantee success. It's only when we display our passion mixed with shoe leather that those in training learn to serve.
Scripture is filled with those who caught the leader's vision and then followed suit:
* Joshua, when given his turn, knew exactly what to do. He followed Moses instructions to the letter of the Law.
* 300 unarmed warriors had confidence in Gideon and his God ... and terrorized an army of 135,000.
* Without a hiccup Elisha continued the ministry of his departed mentor, Elijah.
* David's mighty men risked their lives just to offer their leader a drink of water.
* Jesus sent His followers and they, in turn, revolutionized the world.
* Peter and John defied the religious and civil leaders who wanted to silence the gospel. Soon all the apostles were doing the same.
* Underachieving Timothy became valuable to the church only after Paul's words, "Do the things you've seen me do."
Ministry's greatest reward is to see others loving and serving the Savior just as we do. It never gets old. Enjoy every moment of it.
Blessings,
Ron Walters
Vice President of Church Relations
P.S. If you're looking for great preaching tools, don't forget Preaching Magazine. It's my favorite. Check it out at Preaching.com. Do your congregation a favor by subscribing.
Copyright 2007 by Ron Walters | | | | 
Featured Video Illustration
Christian Shopping Network
 The Christian Shopping Network's special presentation on helping you resolve conflict. This parody is sure to have you laughing.
• More Videos
• Earn your Master's Degree Online
• Free Christian Book
• Free Book that Shocked the Nation
• Give Shoes to Orphans
• Publish Your Book
 |
Email
Twitter
