I recently decided to take a break from FB because I discovered I was slowly slipping into pastoral mode every time I read of a friend's need or heard a cry for help. I realized that though I had retired from active full-time pastoral ministry over eighteen months ago, I actually was "back in the saddle".
I have been trying to figure out why this has happened, since I left the pastoral ministry I loved willingly--mostly because I was tired. In reading the book BEING MORTAL by Atul Gawande, a NY Times bestseller, I was reminded that what keeps us functional and productive is the desire to be/feel "significant". Having recently "celebrated" my sixty-seventh birthday, I have been rehashing these last months and asking if I am still feeling significant.
Such a question wreaks at some levels of self-absorption and pride; at another level for me, however, I think it links me to the core value I have that my significance is found in my relationship to Jesus Christ and my pursuit of His purpose for my life. Since I was twelve years old--and a rebel at that--I have never doubted that God called my to pastoral ministry, birthing within my heart, a love for people and a sensitivity to their needs. Though my circumstances have changed, my heart and passion has not.
I am resolved that God's call to pastoral ministry has only changed in scope and setting for me. God has opened numerous doors for me--teaching occasionally at a Chinese church, leading adult SS electives at our church, mentoring young pastors, coaching our growth group shepherds, "pastoring" our homeless through God's Storehouse (church program providing food for 150 families weekly), directing our pastors in Haiti through TLC, and through my weekly sessions with counseling clients--that my opportunities to shepherd are ongoing.
The daily challenge for me is to know when to say "no", and to realize that I can't fix anyone--that's God's job. Its's my welcomed privilege to point people to Christ, and to share how He uniquely is poised to meet their needs.
Once a pastor, always a pastor. That's how I affirm my significance in Christ.
3 comments:
Dale - I just read your blog for the first time today. Wow - great writing. I hope I can be encouraging to you in saying that I believe your ministry and caring for people may now be more significant than at any other time of your ministry life. You may feel you are in the background or have dropped of the radar, but I know God is using you in spectacular ways to affect the lives of those around you! Especially the lives of your family and friends. I hope and pray you'll find unsurpassed fulfillment knowing that Christ is using you effectually and lastingly!
I know you are making effort to balance much needed "personal time" with family and even just for yourself - and you need that for sure. As I know you are aware, the call of our Lord to love and minister to people never stops.
You spoke of 'seasons' in our lives... Seasons usually have a gradual change from one to the other - a transition if you will. I can see you doing things in ministry you may never have had the opportunity to do in past seasons. Be fulfilled in what God is doing through you and Bev.
Love you
Dear pastor Dale,
I just read your article written on your blog. I find it very interesting and encouraging as a young minister.
May God feel this new season of your life with joy, peace and all king of good experiences that will bring satisfaction to you and glory to His name.
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