Romans 7 has always been one of my favorite scripture passages. Paul’s honesty about his struggles, “I do the things I don’t want to do but the things I want to do those I don’t do”, sounds somewhat like a Dr. Suess book but it is encouraging and hopeful. We all know the struggle of discipline, trying to do what we should and avoid all that we should avoid.
Today I am reflecting on my role as pastor and all the things that I do in this role, especially those in which I have little training, giftedness or motivation verses the things I do that I feel most qualified for. I am sure that your job is the same way. Here is a list of the different responsibilities and roles that I have in my job.
Shepherd
Leader
Discipler
Counselor
Copier Technician
Website Designer
CFO
Encourager
Trainer
Teacher
Preacher
Prophet
Visionary
Vision Caster
Board Leader
Writer
Roadie
Video Technician
Prayer
Listener
Entrepreneur
Boss
Servant
Janitor
Healer
Whatever else will manifest itself the rest of the week…..
The hard part for me is to know which roles I should concentrate on and try not to let personal preferences replace the needs of our church. I have days when I just want to be a reader, writer, and prayer but the needs of my people mean I am instead a counselor, encourager, healer and janitor. I am learning how to find contentment with that and to place the needs of a situation above my own desires.
The funny thing is, however, that often the role I am needed to fill is one I feel absolutely unqualified for. I feel like I must sound like Moses sometime complaining to God that he can’t use a stutterer to speak his truth. That is the amazing thing about God isn’t it? He chooses to use our weaknesses as a reminder that he can all and that even when we are using our strengths it is only through him we can accomplish anything.
So I will choose to celebrate my life and how God continually calls me to use my weaknesses for his glory. Whatever my expectations were in becoming a pastor it seems that the joke is on me. God has a role for me to fill that I am completey unqualified for. Thanks be to God!
February 13, 2009 at 3:42 pm
You are kind to say that. I also found out I’m a post-it (which is a nag) — I can hear you laughing all the way from here. I guess I’d rather be a red pen than a post-it. (but thanks for the stapler and scotch tape bit — I hope that I am that (rather than a hammer) –oh yeah, that’s not technically an office supply… Hope you are having fun in the snow. It was nearly 80 here the other day:)
February 13, 2009 at 4:31 pm
WOW!
Never would of thunk it! I’m a calculator!
No matter what someone tells you, you’re likely to focus on facts and data.
You’re a highly analytic person. You are only concerned with what you can know for sure.
You look at situations objectively, and you have no problem approaching problems from multiple angles.
You would make a good analyst or investment banker. You are confident enough to make tough calls and hard decisions.
Well, I guess it makes a little sense seeing what I do for a living.
February 13, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Oh yeah!
I think some of your other roles would also be:
Producer
Director
Sound Tech
Musician/Rapper (Your Mic check two weeks ago was very good, like you’ve done it before! lol)
February 13, 2009 at 5:34 pm
My rapping skills are legendary in pastoring circles! My wife can’t stand when I rap.
May 30, 2010 at 10:15 pm
i am truly blessed by your message. God bless!