As a pastor I sometimes feel as though I am trying to row a big cruise ship. I’m pushing and struggling to move the vessel forward while many are just along for the ride. This is a heavy burden that many pastors and leaders carry each day. Few are rowing and many are just along for the ride, waiting for the vessel to reach its intended destination. Many leaders actually see this as a necessary burden that they must bear and they spend a majority of their time trying to ensure that their passengers are comfortable and enjoying the ride, rather than challenging them to drop an oar and row. As a result of going it alone, the vessel rarely moves forward and unfortunately results in the eventual burnout of the few, and the leader eventually jumping overboard. This is a real problem in many churches today.
In John 15:1-2, Jesus teaches, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit…” The truth is that as leaders, we waste a great deal of time trying to please the passengers and as a result never see the full potential of the vessel. Therefore, it stands to reason that if we are to see such potential come to fruition, leaders need to be willing to toss a few overboard. Okay that may be a little rough…but we can bless them and send them away in a dinghy or something. ☺ Nevertheless, we have got to let some go. Jesus was constantly challenging people and if they did not want to join him on the journey to which he was calling them, he simply let them go. Once, Jesus challenged a rich young ruler to give all he had to the poor and join him on the journey and yet the guy, “went away sad, because he had great wealth” (Matt. 19:22). Jesus let him go. In John 6, Jesus was challenging those who were following him and many could not accept what he was saying. As a result, many “turned back and no longer followed him” (v.66). Jesus let them go.
For the sake of forward movement, we have got to challenge people to drop their oars and row or lovingly send them on their way. We have many waters to navigate and the mission of the vessel is too important to wear ourselves out catering to those who are simply waiting to reach the final destination. It’s time to move…we have been sitting still for too long.
Matthew 11:12
“From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.”
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8 comments:
I love it….but I’m a little confused (imagine that….) shouldn’t we be teaching and encouraging our bothers and sisters in Christ to ROW, “not drop the oar”…..cause, if someone drops the oar ~ im pushing them overboard…. I don’t have time for people to rock the boat!!!!hahahaha just my opinion …..aye aye captain!
"We have many waters to navigate"~ WOW
There is nothing confusing about that …….How exciting!!!!Good News, we all can be apart.....
Thanks Stephanie. The term "drop an oar" means to put your oar in the water and row. We should encourage others to help advance the vessel.
The mission of the vessel is a rescue mission. If we are not moving forward, we are forsaking our mission.
You say in the comments that "the mission of the vessel is a rescue mission" yet you talk of lovingly sending people away. I don't understand how we can be on a rescue mission when we send people out to the wolves. I respect what you have to say and I understand it (maybe in my own way), but for me, I have my personal battles with God and I am growing to know him. ACC has helped me grow further, but I feel pushed out for slowly finding my place in this church and finding where I may serve him best.
Dear Anonymous:
I'm sorry you feel pushed out. The rescue mission is for those who need Him and are seeking Him. Judging from your comment, this sounds like you. The article was meant to challenge leaders as well as those who are "rescued" to join the mission. It wasn't directed solely at ACC, but was more of a general observation of the church at large, many of which have forsaken the mission to please those who refuse to be a part of the solution, but are often a hinderance from accomplishing the mission. As a result, many churches have become stagnant. The church is a community of faith, a movement of "followers" of Jesus, who embrace His purpose to "make disciples". This is not just about one particular area of service within one "church", but about followers being obedient to His command to "love our neighbor", which is a lifestyle, not merely an area of service on Sundays. If you are a follower of Christ, you are invited to be a part of this journey, wherever you sense God moving. If you are slowly making your way there, that is no problem. Sitting still is the issue. We have got to keep moving and cannot stand still, because the mission is too important and has eternal consequences.
If you would like to set up an appointment to discuss this further, I would be happy to meet with you. Please email me or call me. God bless you as you continue to seek Him.
Dear Anonymous,
Welcome aboard, we’ve have been waiting for you~
As you walk slowly around the boat, it is evident you are looking for an oar, take your time there is one with your name on it.
We are all searching for an oar, to find our place.. but in the mean time shouldn't we just pick and oar and possibly try it out to see if it is the right one, all the while keeping our eyes open for one that may be the perfect fit? God doesn't call us into his house to sit back and just watch all the others row while endlessly searching for what we think may be the right fit. He has a purpose for all of us we just need to be open for whatever it may be! Choose an oar people - help row and follow God to what he has in store for your life!! He's not going to care if you change oars during the trip as long as we are moving forward. He loves us unconditionally... WOW what a blessing!!
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