20 LESSONS IN 20 YEARS: LESSON 7

Every time I write: "I have learned", I realize that perhaps I should state it: "I am learning". As a pastor, there are so many things I have learned; and yet, I continue to learn every day. in fact, much of what I say I have learned, I am really still learning. I am thankful God has not given up on me; and is still allowing me to learn, even today.

Lesson 7: I have learned to listen

I don't know if there was a time of major change in me; but as long back as I can remember, I preferred listening to talking. Most people who know me well say I'm a good listener. But, it is still something I have learned and continue to learn. Listening is not easy. The kind of listening I am referring to is connected to truly caring for people. It is also connected to helping people grow.

When I think of some things I have learned, related to listening, these come to mind:

• Look them in the eyes
• Listen carefully
• Ask a lot of questions, for the purpose of understanding
• Laugh with them, cry with them, feel what they feel
• Point their focus to God, and the hope only He can bring
• Be faithful to God's Word in whatever you say
• Speak only if necessary

Listening well has not always elicited a thankful, grateful response. Interestingly enough, there have been times when listening in this way has caused irritation, blame and even threats. But, even in those times, I have found that listening well, by God's grace, has brought a peace and confidence that He has used me. I pray that I will continue to learn more about listening; and that I will never stop taking the time to truly care.

NUMB IN NUMBERS?

When is the last time you had your personal devotions from the book of Numbers? When was the last time you heard any pastor speak from this book? This is not one of those books we look at very often; and once you begin reading it, you probably understand why. There are lots of details, numbers, laws, and other things we don't normally find very exciting. But, if we can keep in mind that being excited is not the highest priority for our Bible reading; and that there is great benefit to all of God's Word
(II Timothy 3:16,17), then we can stay alert and engaged rather than getting numb.

Allow me to share some introductory words, from commentator Eugene H. Merrill. As I read what he believed to be the purpose of Numbers, it was an encouragement to me, and helped me to get prepared to work through this book. Hopefully, it will be a help to you as well.

"The Book of Numbers seems to be an instruction manual to Israel. The "manual" deals with three areas: (a) how the nation was to order itself in its journeyings, (b) how the priests and Levites were to function in the condition of mobility which lay ahead, and (c) how they were to prepare themselves for the conquest of Canaan and their settled lives there.

The narrative sections, of which there are many, demonstrate the successes and failures of the Lord's people as they conformed and did not conform to the requirements in the book. The fact that the book covers the nearly 40 year period from the giving of the Law at Sinai till the eve of the Conquest points to its character as history. But it is more than a recording of history. It is history with the purpose of describing the Lord's expectations and Israel's reactions in a unique period, an era when the nation had God's promise of the land but had not yet experienced its fulfillment."

20 LESSONS IN 20 YEARS: LESSON 6

It is hard to imagine that it has been over 20 years ago when I began pastoral ministry. It has flown by! And it is hard to remember all the details. But, there are certainly many things I do remember, and that God has brought back to mind, from time to time. These things include great blessings, as well as lessons learned along the way:

Lesson 6: I have learned that this is God's Church
That doesn't sound very ground breaking, does it? Who is going to argue with that? If I heard this over 20 years ago, I would say Amen! But saying "This is God's Church" is very different than acting as though it is. The reality of pastoral ministry is that we are "told", usually by actions and innuendo, that everything that happens with the local church and will happen in the future revolves around us. If you are a good leader, it will grow and be successful. If you are not a good leader, it will die. You must figure out how to get people saved, baptized and disciple. You must shepherd everyone, and lead them into a growing, effective ministry. Those things don't necessary sound bad.

However, that thinking is centered around the pastor, or leaders, and can easily distract us from who is really in charge. This is God' church. I don't of any pastor who preaches that the church is the building. We all preach, boldly, that the church is the group of people who assemble here. It is about people, and their spiritual growth. I know these things to be true. But, I admit, that early on in ministry, and it continues to be a temptation, I felt it was my job to get people to feel and do what they needed; and if people did not, I was a failure. I had to figure out a way to make this happen, and bring people to a growing relationship with Him.

The lesson is that since this is God's church, He is the one responsible to make happen what He wants to happen. I am responsible to being a good steward of what He has given me, for as long as He has me there. But, I should not get too attached. This isn't my church. On a very practical level, what does learning the fact that "this is God's Church" look like? A few things come to my mind:

• All praise goes to God when lives are changed
• All criticism is accepted by us, the human beings who continually make mistakes
• I can have peace even when things are not going my way
• The goal is to accomplish His purposes not mine
• He gives and He takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

I have become attached to the people I have served over the years. But, since they are God's people, I am able to move or stay, humbly serving His people wherever He calls. I am privileged to be serving His people right now; and I pray I will never forget that this is His church!

20 LESSONS IN 20 YEARS: LESSON 5

For 20 years now, I have had the privilege of serving God as a pastor, with some time in between with transitions. The time has gone so quickly; and it is my desire to enjoy every opportunity God gives me now and in the future to serve in this way. Part of that enjoyment is to learn from the past and to keep learning through my present experiences. If I can learn from those years, and keep an attitude of learning, I believe I can be even more effective for God's glory as I pastor into the future.
These are some of the lessons I have learned; and continue to learn:

Lesson 5: I have learned that everyone needs to be discipled
We normally think of new believers as the ones who need to be discipled; but the truth is, we all need to be. Regardless of our age or level of spiritual development, there is always a next step for us to take toward Christ for God's glory. As growing disciples, we are to be always learning more about Jesus and how to follow Him. Even the Apostle Paul made it clear that he had more growing to do, until He was with Jesus face to face.

This is not as easy, however, as it sounds. Not everyone agrees with this statement, at least in practice. In fact, I'm not sure I really believed this in my early days of ministry, as well as my growing up years. The people that I looked up to, or was taught to look up to - the ones that were considered godly, were the ones who had attended the church the longest, and usually had served in some area of the church for decades. Because of the way they dressed, and talked, and were committed to the ministry of the church, they were seen as mature, godly Christians. Some of them certainly were; and yet they always had more growing to do.

Unfortunately, the idea that once people reached a certain age, or level of respect from others, they were "untouchable", from a discipleship perspective. The only way they would have connection with discipleship is if they were the ones discipling. Additionally unfortunate is that some of those who tried to disciple were not leading others to follow Jesus more closely, but follow their own personal preferences, which they believed were equal to holiness. Of course, this was not always the case, but I have seen it enough in my life and ministry to know that it happens far too often.

So, as a pastor, I figured that it was my job, before God, to make disciples and equip people for ministry. I was to call everyone to follow Jesus, help them take their next steps (as I was taking mine), and help them learn how to help others take their next steps (discipleship). However, what I found is that certain people were, seemingly, "off limits" for discipleship. I don't know if it was my naivety, or foolishness; but I decided that if no one else was going to help them take their next steps, then as one of their pastors and shepherds, I would be willing to. I had no idea what I was in for!

I learned, fairly quickly, that some did not feel it was my place to disciple them; and took great offense at it. And I'm not necessarily talking about the kind of discipleship where you sit down for a 13 week Bible study. I'm just talking about the every day kinds of conversations where you do the "one anothers" of scripture with each other. In trying to shepherd and disciple in that way, I have had some of those who were seen as the most godly say and do some of the most ungodly things. I know I am no better, for I don't always live godly as I should. We are all in the same "boat". But, it was very disconcerting to have people respond so "violently" against my attempts to love them in that way.

One of the things I learned to do was to have others with me, who could help with the process; especially with those who were the most difficult. And I also learned, that there might come a time, when a person demonstrated they had no interest in "taking their next step", and so I didn't waste anyone's time trying to continue. The only exception would be is if they were publicly sinning, and refusing to stop. In those cases, I had no choice, biblically, but to continue helping them as God directs in His Word.

I learned to love in a way that others might call unloving. I would be very upfront with others, if they were clearly wrong; and I would tell them what God has to say, and then offer to help them. It broke my heart to have professing believers in Jesus talk and act that way, and show no desire to grow spiritually. I tried to help them see that true spiritual maturity is not in how many years we attend or serve, or how we dress or the music we listen to. It is about our walk with Jesus in His Word; and our willingness to continually submit our lives to Him. It is a sanctification process, until God takes us home.

God did use some of those times to help some of them decide to leave; and in some cases, that turned out for God's glory, because the rest of us were able to focus on growing spiritually and really loving and helping others grow in their faith. On the sad side, my willingness to love in this way turned into others pushing for me to be fired; and eventually, even several of my leaders decided I needed to go. Much of it was traced back to my willingness to disciple everyone, including those who are older, or those who serve as missionaries or other types of leaders. Even my willingness to keep growing myself and admit my own weaknesses were not enough to change people's minds.

But, as I look back, I don't regret it. God taught me a very valuable, although difficult lesson. We are to make disciples; and we are to love others enough to tell them the truth (in love). Sometimes, that turns into spiritual growth for everyone; but sometimes, it turns into people leaving or asking you to leave. Either way, there was growth; and as long as we faithfully (albeit imperfectly) follow God's Word on discipleship, it goes to His glory. And that, of course, is what it is all about in the first place.
I would do all again; and as I continue to pastor now and in the future, I pray God will give me the courage and faithfulness to keep growing and help others grow - regardless of mine or their age or level of spiritual development!

LABORING THROUGH LEVITICUS

In the Bible reading schedule that I and many at our church are following, we are right in the heart of Leviticus. If some passages in Genesis or Exodus did not provide some challenge to continuing, Leviticus very well may. It is full of details of ceremonies that are unique to that time, and include some things that might make us say: "yuck"! Add on to that things that just don't seem to relate to us...at all! This is a place many stop reading; and if they struggle through Leviticus, they are almost certain to stop once they begin Numbers! However, if we stick with it, fully believing that all of God's Word is breathed out by God and is profitable for our lives today (II Timothy 3:16,17), then perhaps we can continue, praying and asking God for understanding and help. One of the resources that was encouraging to me was the introduction of Leviticus in the Bible Knowledge Commentary by John Walvoord and Roy Zuck. Perhaps it can encourage you as well; and bring some context to your reading.

"The Book of Leviticus was the first book studied by a Jewish child; yet is often among the last books of the Bible to be studied by a Christian. However, a book referred to about 40 times in the New Testament should be of great significance to every Christian. Apart from the question of the typological significance of the Levitical sacrifices, the Book of Leviticus contains extensive revelation concerning the character of God - especially his holiness but also His electing love and grace.

Also it provides many rich lessons concerning the holy life that God expects of His people. Many New Testament passages, including some key concepts in the Epistle to the Hebrews, cannot be evaluated properly without a clear understanding of their counterparts in the Book of Leviticus."

Happy Reading!

20 LESSONS IN 20 YEARS: LESSON 4

I continue to learn lessons every day. God has been very good to me, allowing me to continue to learn as the years pile on. And, in many cases, it seems that my learning comes as a result of my flubs and failures. Nonetheless, learning takes place! Over 20 years of pastoral ministry, I certainly learned a lot; and I recount some of those lessons here. If for nothing else, these remind me of the privilege of being a pastor, and my faithful God who keeps teaching me about Him!

Lesson 4: I have learned to give people, and the hurtful things they say, to God
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words have caused a lot more damage.
I think I was naïve going into ministry. Even though I am sure someone must have told me about some of the nasty things that are said to pastors, I don't remember hearing about it. It may have been that someone said something, but I thought what most think before they experience it: "oh, it probably wasn't that bad"; or, "you probably deserved it"; or, "what did you say first"?; or, "it will never happen to me!". I don't remember being prepared for it in any of my Bible college or seminary classes. I suppose it is one of those things that is hard to prepare you for; but it would have been nice to try!

My unrealistic expectation was that I would love the people and the people would love me. As long as I treated them kindly, they would treat me kindly. And I couldn't imagine any Christian being intentionally mean and nasty. Why would they? I don't know if this has every been answered satisfactorily. Any pastor I have ever spoken to, who has been honest, and has not spent his ministry days just pleasing people, has had some unimaginable things said to him, by his own congregation. And no matter how hard I tried to be nice and kind and have people like me, I also received comments that I would have never thought possible before I entered ministry. I mean, I imagined that there were damaging words spoken to leaders in all other fields of work; but not in ministry, not in the church, right?

I will not recount all the nastiness from my 20 years of ministry, but I can remember the 3 worst things I was ever called (that I can remember). They were all delivered in different ways: by anonymous note following a morning service; by phone call; and in a personal meeting. In all 3 cases, I was taken aback, and surprised. Even though these 3 people did not agree with me about something, I did not expect them to call names. Although I don't know who the anonymous writer was (I have my guesses), it was certainly someone from the church, who knew about our mailbox system, since it was put there during my message. These were involved members of my churches, and seen by others as very godly. But, as I can attest about myself, there are times when even godly people do ungodly things.

What did they call me? Hitler, Howard Stern, and the Devil. I'm pretty sure they meant these all in a negative way. I was called Hitler because of my leadership on a particular matter in missions. I was called Howard Stern because of a message illustration they disagreed with. And I was called the Devil, because the person believed I was using God's Word in a twisted, self-serving way. And although you might laugh about these, when they are aimed, seriously, at you, it is hard not to take them personal, and not to be hurt by them.

Here is what I learned through these and other similar circumstances, where people have called me names and said other nasty things: if I don't give those comments and the people who made the comments to God, then I will be full of discouragement, anger, bitterness, or some other negative emotion that will keep me from honoring God and growing through this. I am not saying I have perfected this, or am never hurt by other's words. But, what I have learned to do is summed up well in this verse of the Bible, which describes what Jesus did when He was unjustly criticized:

I Peter 2:23 - "When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly."