A PRINCIPLE FOR CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP

There’s an odd story in Leviticus 10 that few will have ever read.  This is NOT one of the great chapters of the Bible!  Even if you read this chapter, you would be unimpressed – and likely left scratching your head.

Essentially, we must realize that in the years that followed the children of Israel’s escape from Egypt, they had a lot to learn about being God’s chosen people!  They had not been a godly people while serving as slaves in Egypt, although they did know enough to cry out to God for deliverance. 

[God speaking to Moses in Exodus 3] “I have seen the troubles my people have suffered in Egypt, and I have heard their cries when the Egyptian slave masters hurt them.” (v.7)

But the Israelites had no structure for worship.  They were homeless, countryless wanderers who had been liberated from Egypt, but were forced to live as vagabonds in the wilderness.  They lived in tents and moved frequently under God’s direction.

Moses was their leader.  Gradually – under God’s direction – he shared leadership with Aaron and his sons.  Apparently the sacrificial system began at some point after Moses delivered the Law from Mt. Sinai.  He was instructed by God to make special clothing for Aaron and his sons.  Moses instructed them in the intricate details of making sacrifices.  God has now provided a way for the Israelites to be forgiven for their sins and reinstated under God’s favor.

This new system was complex.  Aaron and his sons were new in their roles.  Moses was determined that everything should be done precisely as God ordered!

In these early days, we learn that two of Aaron’s sons did an offering wrong.  Details are thin.  We can assume that they knew what they were doing and that there was some rebellion involved in their actions.

Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their pans for burning incense, put fire in them, and added incense; but they did not use the special fire Moses had commanded them to use in the presence of the LORD. So fire came down from the LORD and destroyed Nadab and Abihu, and they died in front of the LORD.  [Leviticus 10:1-2 All quotes from the NCV unless otherwise noted]

 Moses was not happy and his next words to Aaron were:

This is what the LORD was speaking about when he said, ‘I must be respected as holy by those who come near me; before all the people I must be given honor.’  [v.3]

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It is appropriate to ask: Is this still true today?

Are spiritual leaders held to a higher standard?  As those who lead and teach the people, are these pastor/teachers expected to have an exceptional regard for God and relationship with Him?

Do we expect purer behavior from our spiritual leaders today?  Are we right in doing so?

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I think on some level we want our pastors and spiritual leaders to be holier and more committed to following Christ faithfully.  And yet, we also recognize that they – like us – are human.  They have faults. They make mistakes.  They sin.

However, it isn’t wrong for us to hope that those who serve us Holy Communion have a deep and vibrant connection to the Holy One! 

When we turn to a pastor or spiritual leader for counsel, we anticipate that they will guide us in ways that are pleasing to God and will correct us in our thinking and ways. 

Yet, we have observed – very painfully – the reality that some spiritual leaders have been wickedly deceptive.  They have presented a false image while living in abominable ways in secret.  They have deceived the crowds for years while leading despicable lives! 

The results of these situations have been devastating!  People are caught in disbelief!  They feel betrayed – even ashamed.  Their confidence in the Church is diminished and they often find it difficult to trust again.  This is a sad reality that many have had to deal with. 

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Pastors and leaders must recognize that they have a trust with God that directly impacts the people they minister to.  To violate that trust is a travesty! 

Some [myself included] believe that certain violations of trust should bar that person from the role of pastor permanently.  This is a sacred trust between God and the man or woman who serves Him in His Church!  Some breeches of this sacred vow simply disqualify a person from holding that office again.

Wait, Pastor Hal, are you saying that there is no forgiveness?

Absolutely not!  Indeed there is forgiveness – full and free!  However, the path to a restored role as pastor/spiritual leader may not be available to this person. 

There have been cases where grievous sins were committed, but after sincere remorse and genuine confession they were restored to their leadership role.  I could cite several cases where accountability and counseling were required during a period of reconciliation and restoration.  Some of these individuals – once restored – have used their platform to write and teach about the unique vulnerabilities of pastors and leaders today! 

It seems essential that these kinds of cases require forethought on the part of denominational leaders.  A process must be maintained and adhered to faithfully in all cases.  This process must surely involve:

§  Genuine confession and restitution - if appropriate and possible.

§  A complete surrender to leadership who will direct the person through an extensive process. 

§  Strict, extensive accountability by trusted, respected, peers.

§  A process that will continue – in some form – throughout the person’s ministry.

§  An ongoing submission to leaders for the duration of their ministry.

In my own faith tradition I have not seen this kind of response.  Bishops and superintendents have practiced leniency with no consequences.  I am aware of several cases where such a leader went on to commit further, grievous sins and have further tainted the name of God and the effectiveness of the church. 

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Ministry in the church is a unique role!  Guiding others in their spiritual development and walk is a significant responsibility!  It must be taken seriously.  Most churches require an educational and experiential process to be ordained into the ministry.  When they have engaged meaningfully in this process, they are ultimately questioned publicly as to their commitment and then - in a worship setting - are ordained into the ministry after having made public vows to be faithful to God and the Church! 

This is why significant breeches of responsibility must be dealt with carefully, judiciously and with the protection of the church in mind!   This is frequently the responsibility of synods, presbyteries, bishops and superintendents [depending on the denomination’s structure]. 

BOTTOM LINE:

Spiritual leaders and pastors ultimately answer to God!  But they also must answer to governing bodies that are responsible for them and their character.  These leaders must accept the fact that there are appointed people [or bodies of leadership] who will hold their feet to the fire and administer correction, discipline, and possibly a path to restoration. 

LORD OF THE CHURCH: Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

Bless Your leaders with integrity, determination, and genuine compassion as they solemnly lead Your Church!

Grant them wisdom, humility, and grace as they fulfill the awesome responsibility which is theirs as the preach, teach, counsel, cast vision, and oversee the growth of Your Kingdom!

Give overseers, bishops and denominational bodies divine insight as they exercise responsibility for maintaining the high standards for those who directly impact the growth of Your Kingdom on earth!

Preserve those who lead churches and denominations as they seek to maintain exemplary lives as a model for those who sit under their teaching and influence!

FOR YOUR GLORY AND THE CONTINUED GROWTH OF YOUR KINGDOM

AMEN.

HOW TO GROW A PASTOR

 As a young, novice pastor I faced lots of challenges without the benefit of a mentor.  In 1976, the use of mentors for pastors was a rarity - unfortunately.  I was leading a church in Jeannette, PA.  A nearby, experienced pastor - J. D. States - did reach out to me and we met a time or two.  He even suggested a pulpit exchange between his church [Penn Hills FMC] and mine [Penn Hills - at that time, was a thriving, growing church!].

Upon my appointment, the Pittsburgh Conference simultaneously went from three superintendents to one.  He was obviously overwhelmed as a result of this significant change.  Consequently, he never checked in with me during that first traumatic year.  

In spite of my struggling, the church began to grow and ultimately nearly doubled in size within two years.  [I had inherited a brand new building with a deeply split congregation of around forty mostly older people.]  However, the power structures within the church were overbearing.  They refused to allow me to bring these new converts in as members.  A key leaders' wife suffered from a self-declared, mental condition.  Sometimes she would greet me joyfully and praise my work; the next time she would be dark and threatening.  

I did reach out to a fellow pastor who was a bit older than me.  We met a few times and exchanged ministry ideas and prayed for one another, but it did not attain the level of support and help that I needed.

Sadly, the result of this dilemma caused me to ask for a move after only two years.  I have longed many times for a different ending to that story!  New believers were abandoned.  The church immediately plummeted back to forty people.  A few years ago, the Pittsburgh Conference sold that building with its ten acres of land in the middle of a developing community.  I mourn that fateful decision I made forty-eight years ago.

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Young or new pastors need support, encouragement and equipping!

Despite their giftedness, creativity and resourcefulness, they need coaching and an experienced guide to walk with them!  Leading a church is HARD WORK!  Opposition abounds!  We hear little about this, but the church is one of the largest operations in the world to utilize almost exclusively volunteer labor!  

I had a highly successful businessman in one of my congregations at a time when the church I was leading had doubled in size.  During one of our occasional lunches I told him that I envied him.  He had a perplexed look on his face, so I explained.  

You own your business and hire your employees.  When you tell them what to do, they do it, or you fire them.  In my work, I have to recruit, train and deploy people to do the work of the church without the incentive of a paycheck and without any direct line of authority.

 As (if) a church grows, a pastor does gain respect and an increase in influence.  However, a congregation's resistance to change is persistent and highly frustrating to a determined leader!  

• Fast-adaptors are few - probably less than ten percent of a congregation.
• Convincible adaptors will support new ideas with a measure of interest and a hopeful attitude.  They are not quick, but they are willing to see the benefits that can come through change.  They probably make up about thirty percent of the congregation.
• Late adaptors may eventually come along after much evidence is presented and deeper trust in the leadership is developed.  Until they are thoroughly convinced, however, they are oppositional!  They likely make up another thirty percent of a congregation.
• Resisters rarely adapt and remain oppositional and negative even when the changes have proven effective!  They typically get left behind and resent the new people who are becoming significant to the growth of the church!  

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Are you seeing the struggle that pastors deal with regularly?

Although the church did not provide me with mentors and coaches, or even attentive leaders, I did have a few consistent and dedicated prayer warriors who stood faithfully behind me!

The value gained from this kind of persistence cannot be fully appreciated!  This is why I survived!

First, there was my mother.  I rarely write about her, but she was THE MAJOR FORCE IN MY LIFE!  She taught me to pray.  She cultivated in me a love for the Lord.  She modeled leadership consistently through the years through her impact in the Women's Missionary Society, Coffee-Cup Evangelism, Christian Business Women's Association [although she wasn't a business woman] and a dedicated prayer life that impacted the lives of hundreds of people!  She eventually re-covered her Bible with pockets that she packed with prayer lists!  I knew that every Sunday morning, she was interceding for me!  

Second, there was my Uncle James Archer [actually, my great uncle who was more like a grandpap].  Officially known as JO, he was the only other pastor in my family.  He received his first appointment without being consulted while he was a layman in the New Brighton, PA Free Methodist Church.  I remember my pride when he was recognized for sixty years of service while I was an emerging pastor in the conference!  Everyone loved to hear Uncle James pray in his deep bass voice and great intimacy with God.  Uncle James always assured me that he was praying for me EVERY SUNDAY MORNING!  This was a great comfort to me!

My sister, Beverly, developed into a replication of our mom!  Over the years, she was my first resource for prayer after my mom and Uncle James had passed away.  Through the years, I always knew - every Sunday morning - she was praying for me!  She maintained a deep and intimate prayer relationship with God that could be relied on.  Those who know her will concur that on Facebook, she was constantly assuring people that she would be praying for them!  And I can assure you that when she made these commitments - she followed through!  In recent years she has been deeply impacted by dimentia.  I miss her dearly.  She still sparks with enthusiasm at times when she speaks of the Lord and her dedication to prayer, but her memory only lasts for a few moments now and she needs constant direction and support.  I'm grateful for the love and dedication of my brother-in-law, Dick, for being at her side twenty-four/seven!  

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I've just completed an interim assignment at The Foundery Free Methodist Church in Wellsburg, West Virginia.  Finally, after over a year of waiting, the church has been assigned a pastor.  He will serve as an interim until he completes some necessary educational and denominational requirements.  Hopefully, by next summer he will be appointed as the Lead Pastor of the church!  

Bobby Westfall is an intelligent, creative, passionate leader who has placed his entire trust in the Lord to direct the affairs of his family.  His wife, Stacy, is a dedicated mother who is also a Local Ministerial Candidate with interest in working with youth!  Together, they are raising four beautiful children:  Arabella, Madison, Jackson and Charlotte.  

I cannot understate the potential of this emerging leader!  In his first week on the job [which is just ending], he mobilized the church to send much-needed-supplies to the hurricane victims in the south!  That's right, the first shipment has already been delivered, and more is being collected!  One week!  What's that tell you about the potential of this new pastor?  

Bobby has invited me to continue to meet with him as a mentor!  I am excited to have the opportunity to shape, encourage and prayerfully support this younger leader!  I make him a promise here-and-now:  Bobby, every Sunday morning - as long as I live - I'll be praying for you!  

May God bless and encourage you!  May He keep you clean and pure and dedicated to His work!  May He resource you with everything you will need to grow His Church and increase His Kingdom!  May He foster humility in you as you lead and see the accompanying growth as fruit for your labor.  May He keep you approachable and caring and with your family in the foreground [and not the background]! 

I'll be watching from a distance with expectation and joy!  God bless you man!  

A NEW GENERATION OF CHURCH LEADERS

I came across this convicting excerpt that Senate Chaplain Richard C. Halverson, prayed in the Senate, December 2,1981:

"Forgive the churches, O God, for demanding that Congress legislate a morality that the churches fail to produce among their members."

This forty-three-year-old statement is even more penetrating today!

It's difficult to talk about the American Church as one body.  There are distinctions when it comes to:

• the fractured denominationalism in the U.S.  
• the waning influence of liberal mainline denominations
• the existence of very large, multi-site churches with diverse programs to appeal to a broad audience and small, country churches with less impressive numbers but dedicated cores

One thing is certain:  COVID-19 was the great leveler!  The AP broke a story about many houses of worship in the U.S. that were shuttered forever due to the pandemic.  So many churches closed their doors, unable to survive financially with the severe decline in attendance and tithes.

According to data collected in April/May 2020 by Barna Group, one-in-three practicing Christians dropped out of church completely during COVID-19. What’s worse, church membership in the U.S. dropped below 50% for the first time in 2020, according to Gallup data dating back to 1940. 

Many churches that remain are struggling to continue to exist.  A minority have managed to survive by taking advantage of the tech revolution that enables people to stay at home, yet view worship.  No statistics are available to indicate the financial support given by these 'viewers'.  

Recent decades have produced hurdles to recruiting workers - especially for children's and youth ministries.  Intensive background checks are essential - even for pastors - which is, of course, necessary in today's culture!

Continuing moral failures by high-recognition pastors diminishes people's confidence in their spiritual leaders.  

Halverson's comment was made at a time when the church still played a dominant role in influencing people's lives and the political scene!  Not so today!  

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The problem described above is more an indictment of cultural demise than of the decline of the local church!  Perhaps some blame lies with the church for failing to adapt and change to match the massive shifts in the culture.  The church has never been known to be a fast adaptor.  

Another factor is the aging out of a large quadrant of baby-boomer pastors!  Largely called during the 1960's and 70's, properly educated at theological schools, and deployed across the church, these leader's influence carried the church into the technological age and then retired.  

Those who followed may or may not be properly educated.  The newer generation of church leaders do not seem to be interested in caring for people.  Rather, they tend to view themselves as CEO's who desire to lead the church from their office!  

In one situation I know of, a young leader asked her new pastor if he would make a few visits to older members with her and show her how to handle that ministry.  His response: "I don't do visiting."  

This generation seems determined to grow great churches using high-tech methods to pack the house without having to really care about the people.

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I led churches from 1976 - 2016.  After a break, I am now leading a church again as an interim.  One of the methods I employed throughout the years was by writing lots of notes to people in the churches.  I sent thank-you notes to teachers, team members, ushers and greeters, board members, and anyone who I saw doing kind and caring things in the church.  Most Mondays, I would drop thirty to forty home-made cards in the mail.  

Of course, I resumed doing this in my new interim role.  Several people have responded by saying, "I've never received a note from a pastor before!"  

Sad as it may be, it appears that caring for people is not the motivation of many current leaders.  Instead it may be how quickly they can grow a big church and be recognized for their leadership.  

This does not bode well for a recovery of authentic ministry.  

OUR MOST POWERFUL SPIRITUAL WEAPON

There is a greatly underused tool in our arsenal that has far more impact than most people realize.  Many Christians have NEVER used the tool.  Others have used it – but incorrectly.  Our American culture almost completely fails to consider this tool unless it has to do with weight loss. 

I have recently gone from being retired to being back in the ministry again.  It’s been quite a change!  The last I led a church was in 2016 – at which point I retired.  Actually, the last I led a church as a full time pastor was 2012, when Debbie and I left for China.  I was sixty at that time – I’m seventy-two now. 

Returning to the responsibilities and strains of leading a church has caused me to experience increased stress and a return to that feeling I once knew so well – that one’s work is NEVER done! 

My work week once again revolves around:

• Preparing a message for Sunday
• Leading a weekly staff meeting
• Preparing for and leading a Board of Administration meeting
• Mentoring leaders and candidates for the ministry
• Visitation – minimal since the church has a nearly ordained Pastor of Visitation
• Prayer for the various people and needs represented in the church!
• Meeting requests for personal interventions
• Addressing areas of brokenness within the church in hopes of creating health and effectiveness
• Add to this that the church is nearly an hour-and-a-half from my home!

The last two weeks has brought a rise in my stress level – the kind that’s hard to escape from.  It has the potential to take the joy out of your life.  It’s pervasive.  It preoccupies your mind.  For many pastors, this is a perpetual state of being.  Leading a church - especially a growing church - may look easy from the pew, but it’s a VERY DIFFICULT THING TO DO! 

So, in the last two weeks, I’ve pulled out that old tool!  While I was actively leading churches, I used it a lot!  However, in retirement, I must confess that I haven’t used this tool in quite a few years.  I’m not proud to admit that!  I guess it shows how much I’ve allowed myself to be removed from the fray! 

This tool is – from my experience and perspective – the most powerful tool in our box!  Used properly, it can make a massive difference!  Yet, so many people misuse this tool!  But the problem is that this tool is difficult to teach about and explain.  Doing so can cause people to think that you’re super-spiritual – even when that is not the case!  In reality, this tool requires and creates a great sense of humility.

My study carrel is loaded with various reminders that intentionally catch my eye as I work there.  Back in the corner behind my lamp is one that serves as a reminder from a time when I used this tool. 

The tool – if you haven’t already guessed – is fasting.  Fasting is, of course, going for a period of time without food and focusing your life on prayer instead.  It is a willing deprivation in hopes that you will be able to create a more focused relationship with God!  It is a tool that is to be practiced in private – to the best of one’s ability.  In some sense, it is a ‘trigger tool’ that allows you – every time you feel hungry – to deliberately turn your heart to God! 

I’m dealing with a delicate matter in the church right now.  I don’t have the necessary wisdom to know how best to lead through this situation.  All my past experience still leaves me in significant need of divine guidance and the nearness of my Lord!  So, several times in the past two weeks I’ve returned to using this tool.  I desperately need the guidance of the Lord of the Church!  

Make no mistake about it:  it is a spiritual warfare tool!  My study-carrel poster reminds me [in my own words] of two very important facts:

I believe that fasting is

THE MOST POWERFUL SPIRITUAL WARFARE WEAPON

THAT GOD HAS GIVEN US!

and

I also believe that fasting is the most

UNDERUSED SPIRITUAL WARFARE WEAPON

that God has given us!

A PASTOR'S WORK AND A PASTOR'S PAY

The Apostle Paul addresses these delicate issues in I Corinthians 9.  

First off, I'm not sure that the Apostle Paul viewed himself as a pastor.  He did view himself as an apostle - and he hotly defended himself in that role.  He probably fits more into the role of a travelling evangelist or church planter.  In doing so, he constantly supported himself by being a tent-maker on the side.  This is how he became friends with Priscilla and Aquilla (they were also tent-makers - a trade common and necessary to their day).  

Paul was proud that he provided for himself.  However, he consistently purported that he had the right to draw support from the church.  

If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you?  If others have this right of support from you, shouldn't we have it all the more?  [vs.11-12]

The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, "Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages."  [I Timothy 5:18-19]

Paul is crystal clear about his reason for supporting himself:

For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example.  We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it.  On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.  We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow.  For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule:  "If a man will not work, he shall not eat."   [II Thessalonians 3:7-10] 

"Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes."  [from Mary T. Lathrap's poem published in 1895. The original title of the poem was Judge Softly, later titled Walk a Mile in His Moccasins.]

The Apostle didn't say a lot about the stress of ministry, but we do have the conclusion of his record of sufferings from I Corinthians 11:

Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.  [v.28]

Perhaps only a committed pastor can speak to this issue.   The joys and rewards of the pastoral role are significant!  However the toll is also arduous.  

To be clear, most parishioners need to be a bit more concerned about the level of support they're providing for their pastor.  At the same time, most pastors need to be somewhat more aware that God is their Source and trust Him to provide for their needs.  

Paul's incentive was to get a crown that will last forever.  [v.25]  A pastor who has this kind of motivation will not likely want for anything.  :-)

 

 

HEY PREACHER

My first pastoral appointment was to the Tunnel Hill FMC near the village of English in the center of the Hoosier Mountains of southern Indiana.  I was a student at Asbury Theological Seminary at the time.  Most of the older folks at that small congregation called me 'preacher'.  

I thought it was characteristic of the area until I returned to my home conference in Pennsylvania.  The truth is there has always been a small contingent in every church I've served who have simply referred to me by that title.  

It's never bothered me;  I'd heard it used as I was growing up.  One term I did resist was 'Reverend' - somehow, it just never seemed to fit for me.  I did, however, learn from a seminary professor (Gilbert James) that even this title was useful at times.  ;-)

My preferred title has always been 'pastor' because that's what I considered myself to be.  The adjective 'pastoral' relates to the keeping or grazing of sheep, except when used in regard to Christian ministry where it infers giving spiritual guidance.  

It's easy to understand how the term  'preacher' came into common use.  After all, when most people see us is on Sunday when we fulfill one of the more public parts of our role:  preaching.  Therefore, the one who does the preaching is the 'preacher'.  

Preaching has always been important to me.  I knew it was a big part of my public role.  I recognized it as a great privilege and an awesome responsibility.  I worked hard through the years to always be well prepared on Sunday mornings in particular.  Right up until 1997, I also had to be prepared to speak on Sunday evenings.  Add to this the responsibility for Wednesday evenings and I felt like I was in constant preparation mode.  Again, added ammunition for being referred to as 'preacher'.  

I suppose we all (pastors) have our unique ways of preparing.  I know during the crush of responsibility while being a husband, father, full-time-pastor and also advancing educational pursuits, I was guilty of reworking a fair share of Chuck Swindoll's books into Sunday night messages.  (blush)...  But for most of my ministry, the better part of one day per week was used for sermon preparation.  

My style emerged to be one of preaching series messages.  I felt this had a better chance of making a lasting impact on people's lives.  It also laid things out for six (or more) weeks which gave me plenty of time to develop my thoughts.  I kept an active file on each message and added clippings and ideas to it until the writing day arrived.  I preferred to sit down and write from beginning to end - whenever possible.  

NOTE:  I entered the ministry in 1974, and didn't write my messages on a computer until Chip and Ken Poole bought me one at Spencerville, Maryland in 1996.

The writing day was usually Thursday.  I would re-read and tweak the message each day after that until Sunday.  Many Sunday mornings, I would stand in my pulpit long before anyone else arrived and preach the message out loud.  I tend to have an apologetic style of writing and would not catch those phrases until I heard myself voicing them out loud;  so I preached to that empty sanctuary with a pen in hand.  

I almost always approached my Sunday morning responsibility with a great sense of anticipation!  I was genuinely excited to share what I had worked on and prayed over.  

Along with my fellow pastors, I suffered when well-known pastors fell to temptations.  It seemed that we all fell a bit with each of these exposes'.  I had my own role models throughout the years.  To name just a few:  Paul Rees, Don Demaray, John Hendricks, John Huffman, Alistair Begg (made his decision for Christ at a Yorkshire Billy Graham Crusade in 1975), Chuck Smith, Chuck Swindoll, and others.  

I've seen lots of transitions through the years, some of which were:

• transition away from making home visits  (especially unannounced)
• transition toward counseling
• transition to computers
• transition from pastors to ranchers
• transition from pastors to leaders (CEO's)

But still, some people continue to call me 'preacher'.  

We've lost one of the most significant of our group this week in the life and legacy of Billy Graham.  I heard an interview this morning with a highly recognized Christian leader.  He was asked why Billy Graham was able to transcend political parties in influencing presidents.  Debbie was sitting with me as we watched.  Before he could respond, I offered my own answer:  "Because he was a godly man!"  The Christian leader responded that it was because Billy was such a great communicator.  I shouted him down:  "No, no, no.  It was because he was a godly man who was worthy of their trust!"  

The day that Billy died, Karl Rove spoke of the grounding of all airplanes in the U.S. in the aftermath of September 11, 2001.  Then he noted that one (and only one) exception was made.  A commercial flight was approved to get Billy Graham to Washington, D.C. to be a part of comforting the nation.  

He stood above us all without arrogance.  He humbly and simply communicated God's love for all people everywhere and the necessity of having faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God.  I read that when he toured his own library in Charlotte, NC, he made the following comment at the conclusion of his walk-through:  "Too much Billy, not enough Jesus!"  

I heard it reported this week that in a private conversation with his father, Franklin  Graham asked Billy what he wanted on his tombstone.  His answer was significant and stated in one word:  PREACHER.  

He raised all preachers with that answer!  :-)

How To Get A New Pastor!

My ministry years have progressed through appointments varying from two to thirteen years:

• Tunnel Hill FMC (Wabash Conference)  2 years  [Student/Pastor]
• Jeannette FMC (Pittsburgh Conference)  2 years
• McClellandtown FMC (Pittsburgh Conference)  4 years
• Oakland FMC (Pittsburgh Conference) 13 years
• Spencerville FMC (Maryland/Virginia Conference)  2 1/2 years
• Cornerstone FMC (Ohio Conference)  5 1/2 years  [Lead Associate]
• New Middletown FMC (Ohio Conference)  9 years
• Teaching English in China (VISA Department)  3 years
• Kittanning FMC  (Pittsburgh Conference)  2 years  [Part-time]

Toward the end of my tenure at New Middletown, I felt a growing need for a sabbatical leave.  I researched the topic and cleared the idea with my conference leadership and then began to cultivate the idea of a six month sabbatical with my Board.  Gradually, they came to embrace the concept and we put a plan in place that would allow me to step away in the early spring of 2012.  My plan was to embrace the long-held dream of backpacking the Appalachian Trail!  

But, my preaching and personal development had also begun to move me toward a missions experience. God had begun to ignite a passion  in me for working in an environment that would put me in contact with spiritually lost people.  With much pain, I surrendered the sabbatical and left a healthy, vibrant ministry for one, two, then three years of teaching English in northeast China!  

I know I made the right choice.  My years in China were three of the best years of my life!  However, it was difficult to give up the hiking dream...

Just this morning I had a conversation with a fellow pastor who retired a year ago.  He is about six years younger than me, but had endured a difficult appointment and felt the need for respite.  However, after having a year of "doing other things", he is re-engaging in ministry!  Here's another example of a pastor who needed a sabbatical and had to find his own way of getting it.

He stated to me:  "Harold, the only way that a pastor can get a sabbatical is to either have a heart attack or a moral failure."  What a shocking and sad statement.  

Since I'm coming to the end of my official career, I can speak more straightforward than others.  Being a pastor is hard work!  It requires a wide array of skills:

• public speaking
• diplomacy
• leadership
• change agent
• counseling
• negotiating
• teaching
• vision-casting
• wisdom
• tact

Add to this the 21st century demand to be technologically savy and the need to be outgoing. 

Some would say that vacations should more than meet the need for rest and restoration.  However, the work I had to do to prepare for vacations was significant.  Plus, I was called home from vacations for funerals and other emergencies quite a number of times (mostly when my family was young).  I recently realized that in all my years of ministry, I have never taken two weeks off in a row.  Trust me:  vacations don't do it!

Needless to say, our ecclesiastical leaders don't promote it!  I'm sure they see the burn-out;  I'm confident they have to deal with the aftermath of moral failures.  Yet their burden of stimulating and sustaining growth seems to overshadow any tendency to promote sabbaticals.

Yet, a practice of sabbatical leave could reinvigorate pastors and extend their ministry years!  My friend told of a very successful pastor who told him that he could have served longer if the church had provided a sabbatical leave to give him opportunity for restoration.

One of my literary mentors, Henry Nouwen, created his own sabbatical by moving himself to a small parish in the mountains of a Latin American country for several years.  Some of his most effective writing came as a result of this experience!  

Even now, I admit that I never intended to retire at age 65.  To some extent, my retirement surprises me.  I truly thought that I would continue until I was at least 70.  But, I have been disappointed by the rigors of being a "commuting pastor".  Living one place and pastoring in another has been difficult.  Being away from my wife and home for three days a week has been challenging.  

I've already indicated (in another blog post) that I am conflicted about this transition.  I wonder if, like my friend, I might find myself wanting 'back in' a year from now?  We'll see.  

But for now, I choose to speak on behalf of my peers.  The value of a sabbatical leave for pastors needs to be reconsidered.  The evidence is in:

• being a pastor is a high-pressure role that can lead to burn-out.
• churches tend to flourish when they have long-term leadership.
• experiencing a pastoral change interrupts a church's growth and stability.

Perhaps the best way to get a new pastor is by giving your current pastor a sabbatical leave.  You might be pleasantly surprised at how innovative, fresh, excited and passionate s/he could be after a period where s/he is free to follow pursuits that captivate them.

Some pastors will use this time to continue their education.  Others may take an extended vacation or may travel.  Perhaps a few might turn to writing. I've read of more than a few who decided to hike the Appalachian Trail!  :-)  I don't think it matters what they do or how they use the time.  Relief from responsibility is the key!  

I challenge any church leaders who may read this to more seriously consider the value of sabbatical leave for pastors under their care.  I encourage them to lend their significant influence to any pastor pursuing this possibility.

I also challenge you who are parsihoners to have an open mind if your pastor ever raises this subject.  Why not ask your pastor what he thinks about this blog post?  Perhaps you could advocate for a sabbatical for your pastor.  There are no set rules for sabbaticals;  some might appreciate a month while others might need a more extended time (three to six months).  

With so many people's lives being influenced, it seems a valuable topic to be considered.  

As for me:  I guess you could say that I've engineered my own sabbatical by retiring a good bit before I ever thought I would...

Stay tuned!  We'll see what develops in the future...

The Easing Of A Burden

I had an unusual feeling while driving to Kittanning this morning that reminded me of something that took place many years ago.

In the early 1990's (25 years ago), I was leading the Oakland Free Methodist Church in East Liverpool, Ohio.  I was 40 years old.  A friend, John Kelley, and I had designed a program of small groups that was being used in the Pittsburgh Conference at the time to help its pastors stay healthy and connected.

I was leading a Pastoral Support Team for my area that included a fine group of local Free Methodist leaders:  Dave Stout, Norm Eckert, Fred Schreffler, Wilbert Bischoff, and Delmar Logston.  We met monthly for a couple of hours to study, share, and pray together.  We had a good group and enjoyed challenging and supporting each other.

Fred was leading the First FMC in East Liverpool at the time and was drawing near to his retirement.  At our meeting, he shared the following story [testing my memory here, but I think most of the details are correct]:

[I'm going to tell Fred's story in the first person]
"Many years ago, while serving as associate pastor to Glenn Hughes at New Brighton, I received my first appointment to the New Cumberland, West Virginia FMC.

Esther had just had a baby, so I made the early Sunday morning trip to New Cumberland alone.

As I drove down the Ohio River and crossed to the West Virginia side, I felt a burden of responsibility settling down on my shoulders.

With retirement now just a short while off, I'm just beginning to feel that burden lift!"

Fred was such a respected member of our group!  He had more wisdom and insight into the scriptures than most of us and we loved it when he began to share his thoughts with us!  If anything, Fred was probably under-appreciated over the years for the contributions he made to his churches through the deep teaching that he provided.  I know that he had a powerful impact on my father-in-law, Ken Whippo.  Fred's teaching grounded Ken in his new faith and consequently bore tremendous influence in Debbie's family system!

I am now a little over a month away from my own retirement.  I was praying as I drove to Kittanning this morning (a great way to redeem the time). Somewhere along the way this morning, I felt the burden beginning to lift.  It was a good feeling!

PS  -  Fred,  If someone directs your attention to this blog, please know that you had a good and strong influence in my life!  Thank you for being a faithful student of God's Word and an even more faithful teacher of His eternal truths!  I believe you've earned a great reward in Heaven!

RETIREMENT CONGRATULATIONS

I just wrote a letter to a friend who is retiring from the ministry.  This may be the first time I’ve written such a letter.

I feel a little ashamed because I have quite a few friends who have retired in recent years, but I never wrote letters of congratulations to them.  L 

I suppose every pastor feels that his/her season of ministry was unique.  However, those of us who began in the 1970’s have seen a massive amount of change over five decades:  cultural, economic, social, and leadership.

Some changes:

·       We started with no computers to assist us.

·       Research involved going to a nearby university library.

·       Home visits were a priority when we started.

·       Annual (or bi-annual revivals) were part of the norm

·       Dress expectations have relaxed.

·       The requirement of being prepared to speak three times-a-week have lessened.

·       The church culture has changed dramatically.

·       We adapted to the pastor/CEO transition.

·       We survived the ‘worship wars’ of the 80’s and 90’s

The stress of ministry has magnified which each decade. 

We’ve lost some partners along the way.  Some decided that ministry was not what they had desired or expected and moved on to other ventures.  Some, unfortunately, fell to temptation, depression, or burn-out.  A few others found pleasing roles in para-church organizations or administrative roles that provided a buffer from ministry stress.

Most of us have struggled at one time or another with personal crises, feelings of being overwhelmed, financial challenges, family concerns, along with the responsibility of caring for a congregation facing similar issues. 

Although being ‘on call’ does not become a factor with great frequency, it is a reality that invades even our rest and relax times.  Plus, all of us have counseled individuals in the supermarket, WalMart or at a graduation party. 

However, we’ve also enjoyed amazing perks that accompany our work:

ü  The joy of helping someone to grow in Christ

ü  The satisfaction of seeing someone “get it”

ü  Leaders who have been recruited and trained

ü  Baptisms

ü  Affirmations

ü  Control of our schedule

ü  Pastor’s Appreciation month

ü  Dinner invites

ü  Gifts/cards

In light of all this, I congratulated my friend on maintaining high standards and personal integrity throughout his years.  I wished him a joy-full future and a fulfilling satisfaction in forming his new future.  I wish this for all my pastor-friends who have officially retired.  It won’t be too long and I’ll be joining you.