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.
how old is your boss?
ReplyDeleteShe'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.
ReplyDeletePassion comes from youth. Commitment comes from age.
ReplyDeleteI 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?
ReplyDeleteI 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 . . .
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ReplyDeletei'm all passion.
ReplyDeleteit 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.