Cross-Town Traffic

I sat yesterday afternoon, headed west across the state line, sitting in some serious construction traffic. According to my GPS estimated time of arrival compared to my actual arrival, it really felt like that was an more than the extra 10-15 minutes caused by the delay. Some days, I'm not sure why flashing red lights are more nerve-racking... the ones in the rear-view mirror or through the windshield, as everyone tries to figure out which lane is moving faster.

Be that as it may, I kept a close eye on east-bound traffic; staying very aware of my ETA back home, should I have to sit in that mess of red lights. And the back-up getting longer. And slower. And longer. As I got on the overpass, to change freeways, there was the end of the line... yeah; we're not sitting in that on the way back. A few miles out of my way, but I by-passed the whole mess, got on significantly closer to the state-line and was back to my starting reference point in about the same time as it took getting there. Now, as long as there's no more delays the rest of the way (which there weren't, at least on my side of the expressway).

So it's #missionsFriday. Why are we talking traffic?

Because, for the sake of the hypothetical.

What if, people were exiting corporate America to pursue ministry and church leadership at a rate on par with the current burnout rate? Roughly 400-600 missionaries leave the ministry every year. For the sake of math, let's call it 520/yr. Ten per week. One every 16 hrs and 40 minutes!

What if people were stepping up to the plate, saying what can I do for the kingdom of God at the same clip at which current ministers and missionaries are struggling, leaving, falling to the way-side and failing out of their leadership position.

How different would church life look in such cross-town traffic?
How much stronger, the mission field?

Life is hard.
The struggle is real.
The ministry is challenging.
The expectation is high.
The commitment is demanding.
The reward is a blessing.
The consequence is heavy.
The balance is razor-thin.

You have to want ministry. You have to want to do ministry.
Calling? Yes.
Purpose? Absolutely.
Willingness? Crucial.

Like emergency responders, may there be a readiness to run INTO the fire, to rescue a lost and dying world.

Pray, this #missionsFriday, for a rising up within the church, of those who will step up and into ministry and missions. Pray; that God would strength and support pastors and missionaries alike, on the verge of burnout. May God stem the tide of the exodus, for those heavy and burdened; being left in the wake of the pressures of ministry. May they be renewed, revived and refreshed. May they be encouraged, by those coming alongside them, to pray, support and join with them. Pray that the back-up to get into ministry would be greater than those desiring to leave. May God help us, strengthen and encourage church leadership through prayer, friendship and support.

A willingness and a readiness;
To join in the support,
Advancing the cause of Jesus Christ
That God would draw all unto Himself.
Not willing that any should be left... un-rescued.

- PNC

---