Sometimes I get the feeling that contemporary "churchworld" is diminishing into one big popularity contest. Between comparing of sizes of congregations/attendance stats (yours is bigger than mine - something guys have a problem with anyway you look at it), book deals, salaries, publicity, conference exposure, etc...you have to start to wonder. I have to admit, years ago - I fell into that trap. There was a secret placator alive and well within my soul who took great pride in the adulation of others. I was seeking information and encouragement and stealing as many ideas as I could to be able to achieve the culture's standard of success. Well, maybe I'm older (definitely) and wiser (not very likely)...my importance is no longer a dream, goal, objective, or hope. I'm simply glad to be alive...taking my place within the Kingdom and doing what I can do to incarnate Jesus in the circle of relationships in which I find myself. It seems a bit arrogant to quote the, "I must decrease, He must increase" verse...but that's essentially what it is all about. My life these days? See how much I can get out of the way and let the Spirit work...if I'm involved, great. If not, great. Maybe this Naked Pastor cartoon can put it in perspective for ya:
I am soooo bummed. I thought that winning "American Pastoral Idol" was the goal. That was my soul purpose in life. Now that you've taken that away what am I supposed to strive for? Maybe I can win "Canadian Pastoral Idol", or "Really Cool Preacher Idol"? I had thought that I might enroll in "Super-Duper Missional Church Leader Idol," but I wasn't sure if that was the contest for me, but now I'm thinking it might be. I guess if all else fails I can try "Pastor Who's Gained The Most Weight Idol".
What do you think?
Posted by: Nathan Barnes | May 29, 2009 at 03:10 PM
you will always be my Canadian pastoral idol!
Posted by: robin dugall | May 30, 2009 at 01:44 PM