The Fruit of the Spirit

If I ever write a book (which I won't), it will be on the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22ff) as exemplified in the life of the pastor. I know Paul described these for the entire church, but surely we pastors and elders should be known for our love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

We pastors tend to blame other people for all our problems, but I wonder how much church turmoil could be avoided if leaders demonstrated the Fruit of the Spirit rather than giving in to reactions of our sinful nature?

When I'm gone, I don't want to be remembered simply for staying at my church for a long time, I want people to say, "He was a man who loved his people (and was loved by them)."

Consistent, persistent generosity

Seth Godin's words from his marketing blog might resonate with some long-term pastors:

Consistent, persistent generosity

That might be exactly the strategy you need to have an impact on the market.

Consistent as in not stopping to say, "my turn." Persistent as in long-lasting, not as in annoyingly over the top. And with permission, because interacting without delivering anticipated, personal and relevant messages is a waste at best, annoying at worst.

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2009/10/consistent-persistent-generosity.html

Gratifying Comments

"My people" have always been generous with their comments to me, but today, I received an email note and a phone call expressing appreciation for my ministry. I try not to let such things "go to my head," but they are nice to hear every so often! Here's the email:

"A little over a week ago, I was at an event where, as part of an ice-breaker, we had to answer a series of questions in writing. One of those questions was: 'Who was your best teacher?' I initially, like most everyone else began to consider school teachers I had had, but, in a moment of revelation, I realized that you had to be the one! I knew immediately that I had to write a note of appreciation.

"I actively sat under your teaching longer than anyone else, including my dad, and my world view was radically reshaped in the process. I owe even more than I really know to your guidance, as you taught and counseled my wife and children as well as myself. You led me to discover more in scripture than I had, or would have, and to see it as a whole, complete and sufficient, both simple and unfathomable. You introduced me to evangelism and discipleship, and inspired me through your servant example to a reduced level of selfishness. You put up with my immaturity, and did not give up on me or become hostile or dismissive, even when it was deserved. Your wisdom and counsel was useful even when it was ignored at the time: I heard and understood it later. You allowed me to question and to err, even when it would have clearly been more convenient to put me in my place. I understand you are not perfect, and, unfortunately I have not been particularly graceful on those few points, though you always were more than gentle toward me. Your perseverance is remarkable: Others often cut and run, or give up, but you have persisted, despite occasional temptation to do otherwise. You have a legacy that cannot fade or spoil: complete the course in the same manner as you started it, and you can rest assured that you will hear 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'"

The caller (who also lives at a distance now) called to say he had been on our web site and was surprised at the breadth of ministry that we had. All I could say was, "It helps to stick around for a few years!"

The Philippian Jailer

What a great service we had this morning. Some months ago I officiated at the funeral of a friend (not from our church) whom I had known for a number of years. As a result of that funeral, this man's widow and their daughter and family began to attend our church.

As part of our new members class, I always give a presentation of the gospel along with an invitation for people who've never done so to place their faith in Christ. The dad of this new family became a believer as a result of our class, and today I baptized him and his two boys (his wife was already a believer and had been baptized).

What made this morning so neat was that the dad is the administrator of our county jail. And so, during the baptism, I told the story of another jail "administrator" from the city of Philippi, as told in Acts 16. And, of course, it was this jailer who asked Paul, "What must I do to be saved?" and was told, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved -- you and your household." And, indeed, not only was this man baptized but also the rest of his family. So it was fitting (and very touching) this morning to baptize this dad and his two boys -- just as Paul had baptized the family of the Philippian jailer.

On this blog that focuses on long-term ministry I would love (but won't take the space) to elaborate on how many years and how many contacts went into making this morning's wonderful service possible. This sort of fruit is rarely seen by a pastor who feels the need to move from church to church -- or by churches who trade off their pastors every few years! But I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Experience Helps

Yesterday was one of those days that if it had occurred 30 or even 25 years ago would have left me -- if not devastated -- wiped out and discouraged. It began, moments after I arrived in the office following a week-long vacation, with a desperate call from a parent that her daughter's marriage was in trouble. Shortly afterward, I met with the husband and learned, in a very tense discussion, that infidelity was involved. Meanwhile, a recently divorced woman came to see me -- sure that her former husband would try to wile his way back into my good graces. Finally, a man called to tell me that his elderly mother had just died.

Death, divorce, and infidelity -- all in about four hours!

But all, I now know after more than 35 years in the ministry, a pretty normal part of pastoral care. And so at the end of the day, as I finally had time to think about all these crises that I had managed, I was able to smile and reflect upon the thought that what had been a very full and rather intense day -- but by no means overwhelming -- would have left me dish rag limp had it occurred toward the beginning of my ministry. Instead, I was able to commit the various crises to the Lord, deal with each one lovingly and thoughtfully, and simply thank the Lord as the day closed, for His wisdom and presence.

Experience does help!