Wednesday, October 29, 2008

where?

You probably know what I mean when I say, "where do I begin?" As a pastor, at times it seems that there are so many things vying for my attention. Something to do...someone to see. None of these things are bad. (I know you can't read inflection in the written word, so know that I am not complaining...I'm actually very hopeful.) Along with that something to do or someone to see, there are priorities. Things that must be done. Stephen Covey has the Time Management Matrix.

The struggle I have is not with daily tasks. It's with "prioritizing" the church. If you followed the link above, it's the things that reside in Quadrant II. The things that are Important and Not Urgent. These are not emergencies. These things are the "meat and potatoes" of church life. I'm trying to figure out where to begin on those things. Most pastors will tell you the pillars of their ministry are evangelism and discipleship, outreach and education, width and depth. Whatever monikers you assign, I agree these two build the foundation for a growing church.

So where do you begin? In a place where both are sorely deficient, do you deal with reaching the people or teaching the people? I'm pretty sure I know what you'll say...but the dialogue is welcome either way.

Thoughts?

2 comments:

Critically Christian said...

I would say you start with teaching the people and discipleship, and then be a sending source for the community. It is not your responsibility as pastor to win the lost, it is your responsibility to equip your congregant to go and spread the word. Look at the example of Willow Creek, Hybels has come out and said it didn't work we needed discipleship. Grow your people and they will grow your numbers.

Stan Britton said...

That's my thought but it's convincing the people who think my job is to win the lost. Hybels made a bold move when he okayed the study of Willow Creek. I think that revolutionized much of "progressive" church.