Humility & Transparency

So, a small of handful of blog posts have come across my radar the past few days, continuing the discussion of pastors and ministry burnout, using, in particular, the resignations of prominent, mega-church in recent weeks. It's hard to fathom, on this side of the situation. It's hard to comprehend how people can work so close together in ministry and working a vision and executing a plan; fulfilling a calling... and suddenly just arrive at a place where a pastor can't continue or experiences a life event causing them to step down and away.

The commentaries on social media were diverse; many thoughts and prayers in-line with the purpose of Bring Me 70; others... lots of theories. Ego, celebrity-status, a focus on things other than the teaching of the Word, a lack of the moving and leading of the Holy Spirit in their ministries, the responsibilities that come with caring for a church rather than leading a church and the list could go on. Sadly, any number of those reasons could be valid and accurate and any combination could be served and offered as an explanation when the bottom falls out.

As I've said before, no church is perfect. However, as I considered the dynamics of church leadership, consider perhaps, this relationship between humility and transparency. Deacons and church admins are their to serve, so there should never be a "smelling of blood in the water" if you will, when we think there is a problem or something is amiss in the life of a pastor. The relationship should be one of trust and acknowledgement that if there is a problem, it can be dealt with and sorted out before one hits the exit door.

Having said that, for pastors, humilty and transparency is a direct, two-way street.

A humble pastor won't have a problem being transparent.
A transparent pastor won't have a problem remaining humble.

If one doesn't think there is a problem, then there won't be a discussion on potential problems.
If a pastor can't open up, to at least admitting there is a circumstance for which they need direction and prayer support, then everyone will assume all is well and they know where they are going and what they are doing.

I'm not saying pastors should be an open book; but on a Wednesday prayer service, when the offer is given that the congregation can come and agree in confidence with a couple of people who are available at the altar, to join in prayer regarding people may face; then a pastor avails himself to step up and take advantage of that same offer, it sends a message to the church... he or she is facing a difficult circumstance or decision just like I am. They know they need God's help, just like I do. They are asking for prayer, just like I would.

There's no expectation of perfection by the church; no projection of perfection by the pastor.

So, should the relationships be throughout the church, during the week. I don't mind a level of discernment depending on who the conversation is with, but pastors need people with whom they can have a heart-to-heart conversation about what's going on, just as much as the church does. We talk about iron, sharpening iron... who is sharpening pastors? Clearly, if they are suffering burnout, something is missing from the process.

Pray, this #deaconThursday, that God would do the miraculous in the relationships and inner-workings of church operations. For those circumstances where, perhaps, a level of transparency and humility are missing or in lack, pray that God would change hearts and minds, where perhaps there is more distrust than trust. Pray an honest conversation, for those environments that need to experience a change in this regard. Pray that pastors would feel a release; that avoiding problems is more of a failure than admitting one needs wisdom in navigating a problem. Pray for a strengthening in leadership, to rely upon God, to seek His face and to work together as a unit, as they embark to accomplish the work they have been called to fulfill.

A hedge of protection over leadership;
Not that they are immune;
Simply not left to themselves when trouble arises.
In His strength,
For His glory.

- PNC