And, I think it would be easy to insert the “pat answer” here. I don’t think it is that easy. I think I know what the right approach is, but I have not had the opportunity to put my theory to test… and to continue that thought, because of the culture climate we have created, there is no guarantee that even “right” answers or pathways to change will be effective.
At the end of the day I have determined that I will take a zero capitulation approach using the Starfish story as my metaphor for mission and method. My Mission Statement = it matters to one… My method = ignore the status quo voices of dissent (See Ezekiel 3:1-10). The plan is to teach people to enter deep and meaningful relationships through the example of Jesus: He went before, walked beside, and is always there to catch our back and break our fall as we follow Him. True pastoral leadership should follow this example I think. I don’t have it figured out, but I think it is important enough to engage the plan and be willing to figure it out on the fly… Sorta like an Abrahamic journey; more organic and dependent upon God for the increase than an prescribed and systematic approach. Anyway…that’s a thumbnail of my thoughts.
Jeff, what I find myself thinking as I watch this video is that pastors and/or church leaders bear much responsibility for having created this mindset in people. We try to get “our people” to change, but how can we truly expect them to change when we (the pastors) buy into the very system that has bred this sort of mentality?
March 24, 2010 | 
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I hear you, brother…
And, I think it would be easy to insert the “pat answer” here. I don’t think it is that easy. I think I know what the right approach is, but I have not had the opportunity to put my theory to test… and to continue that thought, because of the culture climate we have created, there is no guarantee that even “right” answers or pathways to change will be effective.
At the end of the day I have determined that I will take a zero capitulation approach using the Starfish story as my metaphor for mission and method. My Mission Statement = it matters to one… My method = ignore the status quo voices of dissent (See Ezekiel 3:1-10). The plan is to teach people to enter deep and meaningful relationships through the example of Jesus: He went before, walked beside, and is always there to catch our back and break our fall as we follow Him. True pastoral leadership should follow this example I think. I don’t have it figured out, but I think it is important enough to engage the plan and be willing to figure it out on the fly… Sorta like an Abrahamic journey; more organic and dependent upon God for the increase than an prescribed and systematic approach. Anyway…that’s a thumbnail of my thoughts.
Jeff, what I find myself thinking as I watch this video is that pastors and/or church leaders bear much responsibility for having created this mindset in people. We try to get “our people” to change, but how can we truly expect them to change when we (the pastors) buy into the very system that has bred this sort of mentality?