Momentum... Gaining Or Losing?

The extreme differences in Sunday mornings' events continue to process in my mind, as I think about pastors and ministry in general. I couldn't help but wonder... what finally gave way that this pastor recognized he was in trouble? Many comments on social were those of prayer and support and it's awesome to see people rally around that. There were comments of applaud and commendation.... that thankfully he caught it before there was a tragedy or failure and I agree.

However, I couldn't help but wonder... 14 years of ministry. Did nobody see this coming? Were there not signs that he was running thin? He said he felt like he was "leading on empty". It seems like something would have been amiss somewhere; that perhaps someone would have noticed he wasn't operating at the top of his game, as it were. Curiously, it makes one wonder how long he had felt like this, until coming to the conclusion that stepping back altogether, rather than for a season, was the best solution.

Contrast that, with the new youth pastor. I've heard it said, many times in fact, that a good indicator of a pastors tenure in ministry can be marked by two events... the success of their internship with a church and the success of their first pastoral position. Obviously, there's a lot more that goes into situations, and life happens along the way; I understand that. But certainly, if a good foundation for ministry is established by having a great internship experience and then gaining a good understanding of pastoral ministry,setting boundaries and putting in place solid disciplines in their lives, it will go a long way; regardless of what they encounter.

I understand the struggle is real, but it's necessary. Enter a friend, in the middle of these two. For about the same decade and half, give or take a few years, she's been working with at-risk youth. She posted on social media that someone suggested her taking a sabbatical. To which her reply, was... how? Even a weekend without bills and worries seems too much to ask for! To this, my heart sank. This is how it unfolds. Needing a time of respite, recognizing it and not knowing how to make it work to actually get it.

Will you join me, this #youthPastorWednesday? Pray for this pastor as well as my friend; that God would strengthen them anew and afresh. Pray God would help the find and establish balance in their lives; that ministry and the work they endeavor to accomplish would never so overwhelm them that the only break is through resignation. May God give them wisdom and discernment in their disciplines; and people who would speak encouragement and help provide tools that will be effective in their leadership. Pray God would gird them up... to bring rest and hope when needed; to bring clarity and direction when required. May they be surrounded with the support and love of body of Christ; ready to serve God in fulfilling the calling and purposes He has placed upon their lives. The next generation will be impacted greatly by the outcome.

Effective for the work of the Lord
With the stamina to endure, 
No matter what comes against them to destroy them.
For His glory.

- PNC

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