This morning I gathered with other pastors in the Baltimore area to be part of the Pastor's Growth Group, a group that meets monthly for ongoing training. The guys were reflecting on their ministries and where they felt God had gifted them, and to what level they felt they could lead. One pastor, Prince, spoke up and really brought a powerful thought.
He related the parable of the Talents. You remember that the master gave talents to three servants according to their ability. They did not all get the same amount, but each had ability to grow what he was given. Prince shared that some pastors hoard their Talent by selling themselves short on potential and then hoarding spiritual leadership to stroke their own egos. And he said something that really challenged me: "If your people think that when you are not preaching that they can take that Sunday off, then what you've created are people that have affection for you that belongs to Jesus."
Wow! That is a tough word, but I think he's right. As pastors we should be leading people to a deepening affection for Jesus foremost not ourselves.
--Ben
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