The Reluctant "Pastor"

I remember going to a “Christian leader’s conference” shortly after I resigned from a paid position as a Youth Pastor. I resigned because I felt God was calling me to plant a church and I was at this conference to be “inspired”. I was with a friend who was also part of the new church plant. He knew one of the key guys at this conference and we ran into him in the common area between sessions.

My friend introduced us and we talked a little about what was going on with the new church. I remember the conference guy clearly asking me, “So, you’re the pastor of the new church?” I hesitated in my answer and he gave me a strange look, as if to say, you’re not a very fired up pastor.

The hesitation took me by surprise, but I knew why. I do believe God has gifted me to be a leader, I also believe He has called me to be a pastor. But not the typical pastor I’ve always experienced in my life, but more like the Ephesians 4 pastor. I want to equip people, not just talk at them. I want to share life with people; not just counsel them.

But there was another reason for my hesitation – I battle pride just about every day of my life. And too often the role of pastor is seen as the “power-seat” in the church. I just don’t agree with that. I look at Jesus washing the disciple’s feet. I think about His instruction to them not to “Lord over” people. Then I look in the mirror and I know I am capable of doing it all wrong. I can move a crowd by creating an emotional environment, picking my words well, and know just when to pause and when to get loud. But none of that is what pastor-ing is really all about. It’s not a show; it’s a position of service.

That encounter at the conference was about two years ago and my feelings have grown stronger and stronger. The body of Christ already as it’s Head – that’s Jesus position. My role as a pastor is simply to do life with people, to learn from them and to share what I’ve learned. But more important than the learning is the loving. Jesus boiled it down for all of us – love God with everything you are, and love the people around you as much as you love yourself.

At times, people will call me “Pastor Dave”, and while understand this is normal within church world, I’ve always been a bit uncomfortable with it. So, am I a pastor? Yes, but that’s not my title, it’s my role within the Body. You, too, have a role within the Body. And It would be weird if your role was caring for orphans and I always referred to you as Orphan Helper so-and-so. I think when we label some (i.e., pastors) and not others, we create a division or hierarchy that I don’t see in the Bible.

My role is to help you find your role and give you ways to express it for the benefit of the Body (and in the world); and to help you understand that every role (including yours) is critical. So, you can just call me "Dave", and I’ll call you by your name and we’ll all work towards loving God and loving people – together!

/D

Poll Results - How often do you read the Bible?

My last poll asked: How often do you read the Bible?

Here's what you said:

Daily - 50%
Once a week - 16%
A couple of times a month - 34%
Once a month - 0%
Rarely - 0%
Never - 0%

Interesting. So, it would appear that we have "spiritual" people (in some form or fashion) who read this blog (or at least the ones who answer the poll).

In a previous poll I asked who you would turn to for help - 0% said you would turn to a church leader. I'm curious how many of you attend church. I know the definition of church may differ. So, the new poll question is up (How often do you attend church?), but I'd also like to hear how you define church, so you can respond to this post with your thoughts on that.

/D

Church Structure

I'm currently doing a lot of study on "the church". Specifically, on church structure (or organization). I'm sorting and praying through a great deal of information on this topic and don't have any specific points to make just yet. The reason for this post is to get your input.

How do you feel about church structure (I'd also be interested to know your church background)?

What do you believe the Bible teaches about church structure (specific verses would be great)?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

[Note: You can leave a comment without having a Blogger account. Simply use the "Anonymous" option in the comments section. Of course, you can still put your name directly into your comments if you like.]

/D

Poll Results

The results from our last poll:

Is church relevant in you life?

54% - Oh yeah - a lot
34% - A littel - sometimes
9% - Nope - not at all

My new poll question is now up on the right sidebar.

Define "Church"

Okay – here’s a question for all of you – what’s “church”?

Over the past year my definition of church has changed significantly. I think most people’s definition of church would include some or all of the following elements:

1) A building where people meet;
2) There must be a decent number of people;
3) Some music, a sermon and a passing of the plate.

Honestly, I don’t think any of these things are bad, but I also don’t think any of these are “church.” I believe all you need for church is two or three people and Jesus. Isn’t that what Jesus said in Matthew 18:20?

The church is believers (those who believe Jesus came to restore our relationship with God) gathered together. No mention of buildings, crowds, music, sermons or offerings. Again, none of these things are bad – UNLESS they get in the way of people helping people and people spending time with Jesus together.

In fact, Jesus told the church leaders they needed to figure out what God meant when He said, “I desire mercy not sacrifice.” (Hosea 6:6; Matthew 9:13 & 12:7). Mercy is what we show towards each other; Sacrifice is a ritual we perform. Another time Jesus taught that if we are bringing our offering to God and remember that someone has something against us we are to leave the offering and go work thing out with the other person. Then come back and worship God (Matthew 5:23-24).

It appears God values relationships over rituals.

Okay, that’s enough stirring of the pot for one day. Let me know what you think.

/D

Too long

Wow, almost two months since my last post - I'm such a slacker!

It's been a busy two months - holidays, a new seminar class started Jan. 2nd, and still working on starting a church (oh, yeah, and it's tax season). Some cool news on the church-front - we will begin having meetings in our home this coming Sunday.

We did have some meetings at the Park this past summer (and may do that again this coming summer), but it's been a while since we've had a "public" gathering. So, I'm looking forward to spending time with these guys again this coming weekend.

We've also started some new ideas - we're calling it Project Relevant and I'll be posting more on this in the near future. You can also check it out (though there's not much there yet) at ProjectRelevant.com.

/D

A New Paradigm

I'm finishing up another seminar class. I believe this one has, by far, been the best one I have taken. The material is practical and relevant. It is helping me "put legs on" beliefs and views I have held for a while about church and religion.

I'll be sharing many of my thoughts with you (via this blog) over the next few weeks (or longer).

Dave

The Vision of Relevant Community Church

I wanted to take some time and post what’s been happening with the new church start where I serve as one of the Pastors. We have just completed our Vision Statement – that describes what we’re all about. I’d love to get your feedback on these thoughts.

Our Vision statement is – Building life-changing relationships with God, each other and our community.

We spent many hours praying, reading God’s Word and discussing the right words to convey what we believe God is calling us be as His church.

Building – acknowledges this does not just happen – we have to be intentional and it takes work to have healthy / life-changing relationship. (Some key verses: 1 Corinthians 3:10-17; Ephesians 4:11-12)

Life-changing – we have many relationships in this world, but few are “life-changing.” We recognize that truly biblical relationships with God and others will change our lives for the better. (Key verse: Colossians 1:6)

With God – until we can have healthy relationships with other people we must have a life-changing relationship with God. Only then are we able to begin to see others as God sees them – has His prized possession. Naturally we look at the outside – looks, personalities, etc., but God enables us to understand how He sees them. (1 Samuel 16:7)

To help people connect with God we will provide environments of large group, high impact Worship that includes inspiring music and dynamic biblical teaching.

With Each Other – once we have a life-changing relationship with God we begin to see each other differently and desire to have healthy relationships with other Christians (Christ-followers). (Key verse: The Great Commandment – Matthew 22:37-40)

We believe small group environments are critical for building healthy relationships with other believers.

With Our Community – We know God wants us to reach into our broken communities and point them towards health – which is found in life-changing relationships with God and each other. (Key verse: The Great Commission – Matthew 28:18-20)

We talked about the need to reach the world for Christ, but also realized that our main point of influence is within our community. As others come into a relationship with God we will help them discover their spiritual gifts and help them connect to ministry opportunities both in the church and with other ministries. This would include other mission ministries throughout the world.