A Text Message translation of Genesis 1:1

"In da Bginnin God cre8d da heavens & da earth." That's part of a new version of the Bible translated into the text message language of cell phone users. (from Pastor's Weekly Briefing - Oct 13, 2005).

Pastoral Ministry: The Temptation to Turn Stones into Bread

David Hansen (The Art of Pastoring) writes that in ministry we are often tempted to turn "stones into bread" (Matt 4:1-7). We are tempted to take shortcuts to accomplish ministry, or to pander to people's desires for ministry. Hansen writes that there are three areas in which we can be tempted to take the shortcuts - to have a significant ministry (often identified in terms of numbers attending).

1. We are tempted to provide entertainment instead of leading God's people in worship. It is a shortcut that can attract numbers, but there is no participation of the congregation in worship of God. They miss the opportunity to participate in true worship. It is possible that if we emphasize true worship instead of entertainment, the church might actually shrink until it is made up of people who really want to worship.

2. We are tempted to provide management instead of leadership. Too often people want things managed, but don't want to be led. We look for some program that we can plug in that will bring success to the church (and there are plenty of programs). As an undershepherd we are called upon to lead the sheep that belong to The Shepherd, but that is hard work. It means staying in tune with the Shepherd to know what he desires for the flock that we serve, and to understand that sometimes (often) we are called to lead the flock into areas that they do not wish to go.

3. We are tempted to do counseling instead of discipleship (please note - this is not intended to be an attack on counselors). Too often people want the shortcut of counseling - fix my problem so that I can get on with living and feel better. What is really needed is discipleship, learning to follow Christ and live out the reality of the Christian life through the full spectrum of life's experiences. Discipleship takes time.

Jesus was tempted to take the shortcut and jump off the building, perhaps to excite the people. We are often tempted to turn stones into bread, but end up crippling the sheep whom we are called to shepherd. "The soul of the church is being lost to a pandering pastorate.... Jesus knew what would happen if he left the Way of the Cross for the cheap shortcut. If he jumped off the temple, he would crash on the cobblestones below. The devil is a liar" (p. 76).

Pastoral Life: Living as a Parable of Jesus

I was challenged with the thought that a pastor is to be a parable of Jesus to the congregation he serves (The Art of Pastoring: Ministry without all the Answers, by David Hansen). Whether we interact with people of the congregation, or people on the street, they ought to know that something about God is happening. When we encounter people, it ought not to be their “experiencing me so much as they experience God” (p. 26). Jesus is communicated through us in our every day lives as we reflect Him to those around us. It is matching our life with His life which gives meaning to every day events. Pastoral life and ministry should not be task-oriented, nor should it be trend-driven. Hansen writes,

“the power to do pastoral ministry and its central focus, that which gives every aspect of it meaning, lies specifically in the everyday, concrete following of Jesus, led by him on the Way of the Cross. That is how we become parables of Jesus and deliver Him to the people we meet.” (p. 27).

What an awesome responsibility!

Note: of course, every Christian’s life is meant to be a parable of Jesus, but we must show them how.