Does the leader go first?
What is it the Pastor preacher types really conceive to happen in the lives of those in their congregations? I suspect there is probably a gap between the theoretical and real here. But from what I seem to hear what many want is better church support, more faithful attendance, an up swing in their giving and probably general all around, more commitment.
I conclude that from the newsletters I read, sermons I hear and discussions. But in the ideal we will say that we want people to be winning people to Jesus, making disciples and worshipping God.
My question is where do they learn? So my challenge to pastors is this: before you preach your next sermon on evangelism, tellme the name of the person that you are currently engaging in conversation with the end purpose of telling the story of Jesus' act of love? Tell me the name of the person that you are currently engaged with in one on one discipleship. The person that you are teaching how to read and understand the scripture, that you are walking alongside as you grow in spiritual devotion. If you can't tell me a name, then hold off on the sermon until you can.
You see I am growingly convinced that we have come to believe that churches evangelize and disciple when they do not. Disciples evangelize and disciple, Churches equip disciples. The pastor, as leader must go first.
I conclude that from the newsletters I read, sermons I hear and discussions. But in the ideal we will say that we want people to be winning people to Jesus, making disciples and worshipping God.
My question is where do they learn? So my challenge to pastors is this: before you preach your next sermon on evangelism, tellme the name of the person that you are currently engaging in conversation with the end purpose of telling the story of Jesus' act of love? Tell me the name of the person that you are currently engaged with in one on one discipleship. The person that you are teaching how to read and understand the scripture, that you are walking alongside as you grow in spiritual devotion. If you can't tell me a name, then hold off on the sermon until you can.
You see I am growingly convinced that we have come to believe that churches evangelize and disciple when they do not. Disciples evangelize and disciple, Churches equip disciples. The pastor, as leader must go first.
posted by Phil | 7:02 AM
1 Comments:
You know, I totally agree with you 100% on this. However, when there is the strong expectation to spend half of your week visiting your church members... sometimes it extremely hard to make and maintain relationships with those who are outside the church. Somehow, the body of Christ needs to learn that one of the best thing they can do is to encourage the pastor to be out "in the world."
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