Growing Your Church Through Training and Motivation

ARTICLE TOOLS

Find similar articles E-mail this page

I want to be the warm and gentle pastor who comforts and the visionary leader who challenges.
—Jack Hayford

One Saturday years ago some stunning, painful news came to me. Through a counseling conversation, I discovered that a pastor in our church had fallen into adultery. Since I trusted the person giving me this information, I knew I had to act—but what should I do exactly? I didn't want to presume his guilt; then again, if he was at fault, I had to deal with him.

The following Tuesday, that same pastor snapped at another staff member, so I decided to call him into my office to talk about that. Meanwhile, I hoped he would acknowledge his immorality in the course of the conversation.

Having known and even been involved in the training of this young man for years, I could be direct. In fact, I was pretty hard on him about his snapping remark. "We don't treat each other like that," I stressed. Then, spontaneously, I added, "But that's not the only problem here, is it?"

He looked up at me, began to tremble, hung his head, and wept.

I wept with him. He was not an evil man, but he had succumbed to weakness.

In the days that followed, I walked a fine line. I needed to lead, to take a strong stand against sexual sin, both with this man in private and before the entire church. Yet I needed to be pastoral, bringing healing and restoration. Both were essential for this individual and his wife as well as the church.

This is just one example of the tension between leading and feeding. And it is a tension.

When a pastor primarily feeds, people enjoy the church but lack a corporate sense of destiny. They graze comfortably in the valley and never climb to new heights. The church has a warm, fuzzy feeling, and people enjoy the inspiration and fellowship, ...

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.