Iron-Types

It is good that iron sharpens iron. It is a direct relationship; a true 1:1 comparison. Inspired from a devotional I read yesterday, it got me thinking... of course, about ministry.

We often hear of "big picture" conferences and gatherings designed for a defined group, but I couldn't help but wonder, if there aren't times where they should be more specific. Case in point, it's great for pastors to get together and encourage one another and learn from each other, but as we break up the week and pray for specific positions within the church, is it not wise for worship pastors to meet, share and learn from other worship pastors? Associate pastors have issues and challenges that differ from senior/lead pastors. Likewise children's and youth pastors have an entirely different perspective, regarding their target audience of ministry.

I'm not saying there's not overlap, that these pastors can't learn from others who hold different responsibilities elsewhere in ministry; but at the same time, a dad struggling with his teenager is more likely to seek help from another dad with a teen than one with a toddler. A specific iron needs to be sharpened. A specific iron is required.

The same is true for business. It's a great opportunity for managers and CEO's to learn from each other and those times are necessary and appropriate. But you'd have to agree, the conversation looks entirely different if the room were exclusively CEO's or exclusively a group of specific managers, like sales or HR.

On this #associatePastorTuesday, can we pray, that opportunities for connections  would be opened? Pray that conversations and discussions would take place, whereby pastors would be sharpened, both in their ministry life and their personal life. May relationships be formed, that would give way to mentoring, encouragement and wisdom, as specific ministries are able to speak into similar ministries. Pray the challenges and difficulties they face would be opportunities for life to be spoken; that health and wholeness would result. Pray that any spirit of loneliness, abandonment or fatigue would be laid at the cross, as hearts and minds are renewed and strengthened, by the sharpening of iron.

A spirit of unity
And solidarity of purpose
For those advancing the work of the God's kingdom
Through the office of "pastor"
For the glory of God.

- PNC