"They are the best-educated...yet ill-prepared." His words sunk into my soul with a distinct heaviness. This was important data. The implications are startling.
I was sitting recently at lunch with a colleague in church ministry who has seen young spiritual leaders cross his path for over 15 years. When I asked him what changes he has seen over the years, what major themes have emerged as he has observed young spiritual leaders over time, these were the words that thoughtfully emerged.
He described how young leaders quote all the latest pastors and authors. They have their philosophy of ministry down. They dress right. The tools and techniques are in place. Their language connects with their audience....
- But they come and go on a regular basis...
- Few stick for the long-haul...
- Many implode due to unresolved internal issues...
- Few know how to listen to or operate with the power of the Holy Spirit...
I have been positively affected by the insights of Pastor Pete Scazzero, "The overall health of any church or ministry depends primarily on the emotional and spiritual health of its leadership, In fact, the key to successful spiritual leadership has much more to do with the leader's internal life than with the leader's expertise, gifts, or experience" (Peter Scazzero, The Emotionally Healthy Church).
Jesus modeled time away from ministry to be with the Father (Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16). Jesus' life was filled with spiritual habits that kept Him in tune with the Father and His own soul--solitude, prayer, worship, service, celebration--to name a few.
Dallas Willard explains it well: "If we have faith in Christ, we must believe that he knew how to live. We can, through faith and grace, become like Christ by practicing the types of activities he engaged in, by arranging our whole lives around the activities he himself practiced in order to remain constantly at home in the fellowship of his Father." (Dallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines)
When our spiritual leaders, young and old, engage the way of Jesus, that is, follow Jesus in the overall style of life he chose for himself, then they will have what it takes to go the distance in ministry and finish well.
May all of us as Christ-followers discover the unforced rhythms of grace that is the lifestyle of Jesus.
Kirk
Dallas Willard explains it well: "If we have faith in Christ, we must believe that he knew how to live. We can, through faith and grace, become like Christ by practicing the types of activities he engaged in, by arranging our whole lives around the activities he himself practiced in order to remain constantly at home in the fellowship of his Father." (Dallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines)
When our spiritual leaders, young and old, engage the way of Jesus, that is, follow Jesus in the overall style of life he chose for himself, then they will have what it takes to go the distance in ministry and finish well.
May all of us as Christ-followers discover the unforced rhythms of grace that is the lifestyle of Jesus.
Kirk