As a leader of a church it is my responsibility to not only build a darkness penetrating, sacrificial, outwardly focused church but also to do this in a manner consistent with a balanced, healthy life. The first part of my job description as listed above is on most pastor's radar but what about the second part? We all know that it is impossible to be unhealthy and yet produce something healthy! As the cultural architect of this young church it has been heavy on my mind and heart lately that Discover Church must start at a sustainable pace that works for your God and your family. Is this a possibility? Most of the stories I hear that are equated with success are of all the "sacrifice" and pain that is infected into families in the name of "God's calling". As I attempt to lead Discover Church through this VERY difficult balance here are some thoughts that I am implementing to create a culture of health and balance. I am really just digging into what this could look like. Please feel free to add your own suggestions or ideas...
- We must keep church life simple and healthy
- The Gathering (our worship service) must not ask so much of people's time that it ends up reinforcing the "busyness" cycle of unhealth
- Sacrifice is expected but should not come from essentials (family, time with God, etc.)
- Leadership Team must model the health wanted replicated in the church
- Their must be an atmosphere of trust/accountability/vulnerability to assist in maintaining healthy pace
- Everyone of our team members MUST be a part of one of our Gatherings (Discover Kidz or Adult)
- Set up/Tear down environments MUST NOT be beyond our ability to complete in a reasonable amount of time (preferred 1 hr)
- Pursuit of "health" is not a viable excuse for the lack of the hard work and sacrifice expected of a follower of Christ.
- If I lived a balanced/healthy life how much time would be a sacrificial offering to present to God?
6 comments:
"Jesus died a full time death on a full time cross for our full time salvation. So we're all in full-time ministry." Steven Furtick
Good list. I like the one hour setup rule but setup time is a direct result of volunteer levels. One can drive the other in either direction. Leadership will keep it from being a downward spiral.
I long ago vowed that my kids would not be ministry orphans.
Carl, thank you for your feedback. Yea we are trying to limit our set up and tear down materials by the amount of "man power" available to us. So in a sense we are able to be more elaborate the more hands we have committed. Do you guys have any type of formula (for lack of a better term) that you try to adhere to?
David, agreed with the statement but Im not sure of the implications or contribution to the post. (Im probably missing the point because its over my head :)
@chip Does guilt and condemnation count? lol
We did not do the launch large thing. But we have grown in our setup as we have had people to staff it. The only thing worse then not doing a lot is doing a lot poorly (that will preach).
haha yea guilt can be a great motivator but poor sustainer. Good word on the healthy progression of a set up.
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