It's Not About Us

The weeks are passing by, fast enough that it's becoming increasingly difficult to remember how far back a particular writing exist in the archive when trying to reference a concept or idea by saying "if you remember a few weeks ago." If feels like it could be quite a bit longer than a few weeks ago. Nevertheless, I remember bringing up the concept of legacy, as it relates to pastors. And something clicked in my mind yesterday morning, during the opening minutes of the sermon.

While not quite related to legacy, it was the process and continuation of what happens in organizations after a long-standing leader is no longer in the leadership role. President, CEO, Senior Partner, Lead Pastor... whatever the head of the organization may exist as far as title in concerned, eventually someone else will sit in that seat.

And yet, it's the concept and understanding that the business, organization or church is bigger than the people who "run" it and bigger than the people who contribute to it, that continue to accomplish great things regardless of who is at helm.

For the stories abound... of people who built incredible organizations and then when new leadership stepped in and thought they were the cat's meow and over time, things went down hill. It's certainly a humble perspective that helps the process. When we understand that what we have been given; what we are responsible for; what we contribute to... that we do so as stewards of a picture and a purpose bigger than ourselves. It changes what we do, how we do it and how we respond to what happens to around us.

Many have witnessed the downfall of organizations who have suffered where this understanding was lacking or non-existent and quite frankly, it's a process the church-world and the kingdom of God as a whole, can't afford. It should be the last place such an even should transpire.

So, let's pray this #seniorPastorMonday. Pray that churches would not decline in their efforts and accomplishments as leadership roles and people change and transition. Pray for churches, where people and positions have taken on a selfish and unhealthy nature. May their be process of confession and healing, as acknowledgement that the mark has been missed comes to light and change is made. Pray God's help and wisdom for churches that are in transition; may the understanding of stewardship be at the forefront, as decision-makers converse and seek counsel. May the know the will of God as they work to advance the kingdom of God to new heights and greater depths... not because of who they are, but because of what God has called them to do.

For our lives our not our own.
And ministry is not about us.
In service to God.
For the advancement of the Gospel of Christ.

- PNC

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