In a spiritual world of quick fixes and vague emotion, is it crazy to believe there is still a place for insights based on simple, basic, theological understanding. I believe it is worth exploring.
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Monday, February 11, 2013
A Touch of Humor - Role Models
How can we help prevent people from being overworked in the church? Are there those who take on more than they can handle, and if so, how can we help them?
Mike, I can relate to being a volunteeraholic. Sadly I think that it is true that 20% do 80% of the work. The sad fact is that church is way to focused on nonessential "ministry". People have come to expect nursery care, children care, youth care and all sorts of religious "care" on Sunday mornings/nights and Wednesday nights. The church consistently bows down at the altar of the Christian family.
I think a lot of it is we have the concept that this is the way it has always been done and people come to expect it rather then considering alternatives. And when people come to expect certain things it is hard to do away with them without losing the people to places that provide what they are expecting.
I remember having a meeting with a district pastoral coordinator after our elder group fired 3 pastors in our charismatic flavored church. He was upset by our actions. I asked him why he questioned the actions of guys who all testified to hearing from God about these actions. He had no response but still disagreed with our decisions.
People really do not want Holy Spirit change when it means a change for them. I think that most (professionals and volunteers) are happy with the status quo. It is why the 20% will always do the 80%.
I have told people that I felt the Holy Spirit led me to do the things I did and had them not even pause to consider whether I might be right. There is a lot of truth in what you have said.
Mike, I can relate to being a volunteeraholic. Sadly I think that it is true that 20% do 80% of the work. The sad fact is that church is way to focused on nonessential "ministry". People have come to expect nursery care, children care, youth care and all sorts of religious "care" on Sunday mornings/nights and Wednesday nights. The church consistently bows down at the altar of the Christian family.
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of it is we have the concept that this is the way it has always been done and people come to expect it rather then considering alternatives. And when people come to expect certain things it is hard to do away with them without losing the people to places that provide what they are expecting.
DeleteYes. In that we, who claim to be "Spirit led", are no different than more traditional church venues.
DeleteI have found that hearing the Spirit over my preconceived notions is a lifelong process. I do not claim to be there yet, but it is generally not easy.
DeleteI remember having a meeting with a district pastoral coordinator after our elder group fired 3 pastors in our charismatic flavored church. He was upset by our actions. I asked him why he questioned the actions of guys who all testified to hearing from God about these actions. He had no response but still disagreed with our decisions.
DeletePeople really do not want Holy Spirit change when it means a change for them. I think that most (professionals and volunteers) are happy with the status quo. It is why the 20% will always do the 80%.
I have told people that I felt the Holy Spirit led me to do the things I did and had them not even pause to consider whether I might be right. There is a lot of truth in what you have said.
DeleteThe Holy Spirit has always been rejected by traditionalists.
DeleteAnd I think all of us are in danger of becoming traditionalists at heart. It is so much more comfortable not to ever have to change.
Delete