Winter 1993

ARTICLE TOOLS

Find similar articles E-mail this page

A few weeks ago I called a church member, a mechanic, to see if he'd agree to oversee the maintenance on our church van. It turned out to be a case study on the pressures pastors feel to let others use (and abuse?) their time.

"Hey, Rick, it's great you called," he said, as soon as he picked up the phone. "I was going to call you today and ask you a favor."

Wonderful, I thought to myself. If he asks me a favor first and I say yes, then he will feel more obliged to help us out, too.

"What a coincidence-why don't you ask first," I suggested.

"Well, we have this city chamber event on Saturday afternoon, three weeks from now," he said. "We'd like you to be the emcee. Are you free that day?" (That was probably a double message: check your calendar, and be aware we want you gratis-no honorarium.)

My wife and I had a day trip planned for that Saturday. But, wanting him to help me, I said, "Well, I've got a conflict that day, but maybe I can get out of it. I'll try to rearrange my schedule." Rather than saying no, which I wanted to do, I was trying to bend (albeit manipulatively) to fit his and the church's needs.

"That would be wonderful," he said. "Now, what did you need?"

I told him our need, stressing the maintenance wouldn't be too time-consuming.

"I'd love to help you, Rick," he quickly responded, "but I'm really a busy guy, and I'm over-committed right now. Sorry. But thanks for being willing to help us out. Talk to you later."

I hung up the phone, dumbfounded. My secretary, who had witnessed the whole thing, was laughing.

"That's not fair," I protested. "Why can he say no so easily, and I can't? What's wrong with me?"

Figuring out who I am and who God wants me to be is no small task. So is living out that design, not conforming to ...

Like the preview? To read this complete article and 20,358 more in the archive—JOIN NOW! Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history. Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
It's easy and quick to join: 2-for-1 Deal. Two powerful resources for 1 great price! A 1-Year Membership to CTLibrary & a 1-year print subscription to the magazine of your choice! Enjoy your first 7days online FREE! Only $49.95 1-Year Membership Plus your first 7 days are FREE! You won't be charged until after your free trial. Only $49.95 1-Month Membership Includes automatic renewal each month. Only $9.95 1-Year for Print Subscribers Special offer if you are currently a print subscriber to Christianity Today, Leadership journal, Books & Culture or Christian History & Biography. Only $29.95 first year Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l		FREE e-Newsletter! Even if you're not a member you can take advantage of the free "Christian News & Research" twice monthly e-newsletter! Sign up today for the FREE e-newsletter!   Note: Members also automatically receive this free e-newsletter.