I once heard a pastor say that a guiding maxim in his ministry was "If it is to be, it is up to me." I was uncomfortable when I heard it. Where is God in such a philosophy of life and ministry? Is it all really up to me? Really?
May 30 marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of my ordination. I remember well that rainy Memorial Day weekend. What I also know is that I have worked very hard over the past 35 years to be a conscientious, successful servant of the church. Sometimes I have worked too hard--claiming as my own the responsibility that rightly belongs to others. Was it really up to me? Really?
Last Thursday, I went to a Boundary Awareness Seminar, which was led by Margaret Marcuson, a communicator and coach who helps "clergy make their lives easier." During that session, I learned that over functioning is a serious boundary violation for over achieving clergy; and I learned that I am one of them.
So, what is my role and what is my schedule for today? Can I avoid the incessant distractions that tear me from one thing to the next and leave me exhausted at the end of the day? What is my priority for this day? What are my goals? Where is my focus? Is there space in my life for renewal, creativity, and fun? Is there space in my life--its routines and rituals--for God?
I share this because you also may be living with the idolatrous illusion: "If it is to be, it is up to me." I see this in congregations where clergy and lay leaders do not step back and teach others, allowing them to develop as gifted leaders for the church in the next generation. The weight of being responsible over the long haul builds resentments and diminishes the overall ministry of the church. The decline of the church is not only the effect of cultural attitudes; it is also about leadership that refuses to relinquish its power and dominance. Others need to contribute and lead, shaping the church for new and effective ministry today.
The truth is it is not all up to me. It is not all up to you. Relying on God's grace and mercy, we will follow and serve Jesus Christ together. We will pray for balance and for awareness. Boundaries--knowing were my responsibility begins and ends--is essential for healthy disciples and healthy churches.
A memorable verse from Psalm 127 guides me as I seek to live with greater balance and faithfulness:
May it be so!
May 30 marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of my ordination. I remember well that rainy Memorial Day weekend. What I also know is that I have worked very hard over the past 35 years to be a conscientious, successful servant of the church. Sometimes I have worked too hard--claiming as my own the responsibility that rightly belongs to others. Was it really up to me? Really?
Last Thursday, I went to a Boundary Awareness Seminar, which was led by Margaret Marcuson, a communicator and coach who helps "clergy make their lives easier." During that session, I learned that over functioning is a serious boundary violation for over achieving clergy; and I learned that I am one of them.
So, what is my role and what is my schedule for today? Can I avoid the incessant distractions that tear me from one thing to the next and leave me exhausted at the end of the day? What is my priority for this day? What are my goals? Where is my focus? Is there space in my life for renewal, creativity, and fun? Is there space in my life--its routines and rituals--for God?
I share this because you also may be living with the idolatrous illusion: "If it is to be, it is up to me." I see this in congregations where clergy and lay leaders do not step back and teach others, allowing them to develop as gifted leaders for the church in the next generation. The weight of being responsible over the long haul builds resentments and diminishes the overall ministry of the church. The decline of the church is not only the effect of cultural attitudes; it is also about leadership that refuses to relinquish its power and dominance. Others need to contribute and lead, shaping the church for new and effective ministry today.
The truth is it is not all up to me. It is not all up to you. Relying on God's grace and mercy, we will follow and serve Jesus Christ together. We will pray for balance and for awareness. Boundaries--knowing were my responsibility begins and ends--is essential for healthy disciples and healthy churches.
A memorable verse from Psalm 127 guides me as I seek to live with greater balance and faithfulness:
It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for God gives to his beloved sleep.
--Psalm 127:2, RSV
May it be so!
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