CRM - Empowering Leaders
I QUIT
Location: Manila, Philippines
Ministry Division: usMinistries
Staff Members: Gary Mayes
Every once in a while I am struck, as if for the first time, by the reasons God called us into this ministry. I was in Manila leading two training conferences for pastors and denominational leaders when I heard Richard's story.
Richard is a pastor in his late 40s, has a great smile, a wonderful sense of humor, and is the kind of guy you would enjoy spending time with. During the second day of our training, Richard said, "Three weeks ago, I resigned from my church. I had no idea what to do anymore or where to go for help. I had simply done everything I knew in ministry and was without ideas for what to do next. I didn’t want to become a hindrance to my church."
I know this conversation took place in Manila, but it was similar to those we have here in the U.S. We find that the biggest challenges facing pastors are not the lack of resources or workshops. Consistently, they find themselves alone. About 70% of pastors don't have a single person whom they consider to be a close friend.
In contrast, when pastors become part of a safe-place learning community, they find the mentoring coaching, accountability and encouragement they need to deal with the challenges they face in ministry.
We were in Manila to equip these pastors with tools that might
help them strengthen their churches. But even deeper, we were there to create a learning community of peers where they might minister to one another.
Even the most gifted and godly leaders face the challenges of ongoing growth and development. It really is overwhelming to realize God would appoint us for a moment like that in the life of a good man like Richard. On the final day of our training, Richard received a call telling him the elders had met and were united in asking him to rescind his resignation and continue as their pastor. He responded, "Because of this time here, I feel differently now. I have what I need to move forward again."
I_Quit.pdf
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