“If you are holding your own in a city church, it’s a miracle. If you are slowly dropping behind, God is blessing. But if you begin a new work you are a fool.”
There was no mistaking the intent of this minister’s words. His analysis was factual and his advice sound. No precedent existed for beginning a new church in the inner-city, and there were certainly no guarantees of success. Northing is more difficult to explain reasonably than the unreasonably leading of God. And, there was no convincing this friend that our project plans were anything but audacious.
Thus began a new adventure for me and for a core group of people who believed that God was leading us to begin a new work in the heart of downtown Chicago. I’m not sure I can claim that the anticipated step was totally one of faith. At the time it seemed to be the only option. I was employed by a large Chicago church as assistant pastor. A new head minister had been called. In accord with the custom, the staff members were considering tendering resignations and locating other positions. In a way I was glad, due to the considerable misgivings I was experiencing in this, my second job in the traditional church.
My frustrations had reached the point where it was not uncommon for me to endure tension headaches on Saturday afternoon in anticipation of the Sunday services. Typically, I would not find relief until after a good night’s sleep following the Sunday evening meeting. Monday and the first half of Tuesday were fine. But, the pressure soon returned with the approaching midweek service.
What about you? Is your ministry causing you to experience extraordinary stress? Are the pressures of serving your local congregation on the increase? Perhaps through this blog I can offer you some suggestions from my own experience that will point you in a new direction. At least that’s my prayer.
You see, I have heard God’s call in these last years of my life on this earth. I have responded to Him and devoted my efforts to helping pastors become all God wants them to be. I urge you to stay with me for a while and see if God causes my words to resonate in the core of your being. Maybe, just maybe, God will speak to you through my thoughts.
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