Him: Do you think pastors do what they do because of passion or is it just a job?
Me: Depends on the pastor. Most, I'd even go as far as to say most all, definitely get into it because of passion . . . they feel God has called them. But it can become a job. The good ones do what they can to keep the passion alive.
Him: Hmmmm (with a look of some disappointment on his face)
Me: You'd be surprised at how the work of the church drains the passion right out of them.
After recapping this exchange to my boss and friend . . .
She: I think passion is overrated. Commitment may not be as hot, but it's to be valued.
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7 comments:
how old is your boss?
She's maybe five years older than me. She's seen the organized side of church life for many years and has a pretty good perspective on the highs and lows. She's also been in one of the most committed relationships I've ever seen for almost two decades so she's got a pretty good take on commitment.
Passion comes from youth. Commitment comes from age.
I know your blog isn't meant to be a consulting gig for you, but I have to ask: Of those you know who keep their ministry passion alive over time - how do they do it?
I actually told the "him" who did the initial asking that many pastors come to people like me to help them with that. I think I've seen the spectrum in ways to combat the problem. Here are just a few: some go to the top of a mountain and listen to snowflakes falling (see Gary's post at Life to the Lees for the rest of that story); some realize what they are not good at and complement their ministry with people who are so the drainage is at least slowed; some recharge at conferences; some use disciplines that are spiritual in nature; some admit that they initially followed a calling and that the calling could have changed or that they may have misinterpreted how to do what they were asked; some listen to others they admire and who can inspire; some put a pause on all things administrative and get reacquainted with the people they serve; some take sabbaticals . . . and some never return . . .
i'm all passion.
it is clearly under...rated.
i was passionate at 4, 8, 15, 19, 21, 24, and now 27.
i will be passionate until the day i die...(i'm like my daddy...who is 56 and still very passionate)...
i'm passionate because that is who i am.
passion doesn't keep me from being committed...neither does age.
passionate is who i am.
both committment and passion are valuable.
people should just be who they are.
if you aren't all fiery inside...who gives a damn...be who you are.
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