Honored by a reference in an article by one of my members, Dr. Andy Bartelt. Check out his thoughts on generations at Concordia Theology.
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It's tempting to see the church simply an organization, similar to a business, a non-profit, an alumni association, or a club. Is the church just another association of like-minded people? Is it simply an organization whose commodity is religious goods and services, and whose clientele are "spiritual people"? The distinction between an organization and a movement is critical. While the church does possess organization, it is first and foremost a movement - God's great movement in Christ among his people. What are the marks of a movement that make the church more than just another organization? Over three weeks, I'm preaching on three characteristics that distinguish her from the average organization. Prayer. Unity. Gospel-centrism. Here's week two on UNITY. It's tempting to see the church simply an organization, similar to a business, a non-profit, an alumni association, or a club. Is the church just another association of like-minded people? Is it simply an organization whose commodity is religious goods and services, and whose clientele are "spiritual people"? The distinction between an organization and a movement is critical. While the church does possess organization, it is first and foremost a movement - God's great movement in Christ among his people.
What are the marks of a movement that make the church more than just another organization? Over three weeks, I'm preaching on three characteristics that distinguish her from the average organization. Prayer. Unity. Gospel-centrism. Here are 5 notes on how prayer is an absolutely critical component of the church's movement. "We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are." Yes, I am loved for who I am, right where I am. Yes, even when my track record is hardly worthy. Yes, that's called grace.
But I dare not linger in this place. No, I cannot stay here. Change is necessary. There is a man I was made to be. Yes, there is an imprint I have not yet realized. An "image of God" to more fully reflect with each day I'm given. There are some things I must leave behind. That's called repentance. Yes, to become the man I'm called to be. I cannot remain where I'm at. I've heard the stories of far too many damaged pastor's kids. "Dad was married to the church." "I just wanted him to listen to me." "I don't remember him paying much attention to us." They're talking about pastors. Not bankers, brokers, or corporate tycoons.
As a pastor's kid, I emerged from childhood rather unscathed. I'm grateful that my father set boundaries. But the longer I'm in ministry, the more I see that my experience is far from common. Pastor's families are laden with scars and festering wounds. Better men than I have had families broken to pieces. Scandals, infidelity, misconduct, and unhealthy coping mechanisms are all evidence of dysfunction. I recently came across ExPastors.com which addresses many of the issues facing pastoral ministry. I am assuming a new pastoral role - senior pastor of a mid/large-sized congregation. As I do so, I'm astutely aware of the occupational hazards. There are sacrifices that a family makes for the sake of ministry. But there is a difference between making sacrifices and being sacrificed. My family makes sacrifices for ministry. Jesus is the only One who has been sacrificed. I'd like to keep it that way. |
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