This image (source unknown) sums up what both pastors and people have to remember during any transitions. In some groups the clergy itinerate moving from one charge (church) to another as placed by superiors. I some groups a clergy is called by the congregation to come and assume the leadership in a location. Whatever the model, this principle from 1 Corinthians 3:7 is a reminder.
Churches need leaders in the pews who participate in seeking God's will, who pray for God's guidance and who involve themselves in fulfilling the mission of the Christian life in community. Churches need pastors who will teach, guide, direct, inspire and encourage in a loving and grace filled manner. One person in agriculture put it this way, "Church people are like a herd of sheep. I am their shepherd and I care for them, keep them safe, plan good for their future and teach them. I leave the making more sheep to them."
It is a good thing to remember that no one person can go into any situation and "fix" it. Major consultants indicate they, for all the thousands they are paid, are seldom listened to and less than a quarter of their clients actually implement the solutions suggested. The desire to be active in ministry, mission, and discipleship has to be born in the hearts of the people on the pew, they have to be released to follow that vision, trained as needed and then feed regularly a diet of good spiritual food.
Don't wait for the Rev. Bandage Who Will Fix All Our Problems to unload in your town, stir up the gift God has already placed in the hearts of his people, and make it possible for God to work in your heart, in your town and in your church.
---Marilyn A. Hudson, dedicated to all those moving to minister in new settings.
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