In my travels I often have an opportunity to talk with pastors. In these conversations I’ve discovered that one of the foremost questions on the mind of American pastors is “How can I make my church grow?”
Asking how to make a church grow isn’t a bad question, it’s the wrong question. Here’s a better question for pastors to ask – Lord, what are you doing and how can I do it with you? If we honestly knew what God was doing and were able to faithfully cooperate in doing it with him, then it really wouldn’t matter if our church grew or if it didn’t. We’d be doing the will of the Father and in the end that’s all that truly matters… right guys?
Could it be that it’s all just a test, a test of our character, a test of our integrity, a test of our motives and a test of our hearts? Of the servant faithful with ten minas Jesus said…
'Well done, my good servant!' his master replied. 'Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.'
In the economy of God’s Kingdom faithful stewardship of small matters like 100 days wages qualifies you to take charge of ten cities, wow! Could faithful stewardship of a small church qualify us for greater Kingdom oversight and responsibility? Scripture points to - yes.
Maybe, just maybe if we refuse to compromise to get big, we’ll refuse to compromise when we are big. And maybe, just maybe if we do compromise to get big, we will compromise to stay big.
Oh God, raise up shepherds and fathers who will be faithful in the small matters. Men who truly have clean hands and pure hearts, incorruptible men with untainted motives. Oh God make me just such a man, amen.
© Tom Zawacki 2008
It's easy to fall in the trap of wanting more - bigger. I can attest that bigger is not always better. I've come to see that good/great things come in small packages.
ReplyDeleteYou're a good man.
ReplyDeleteWe love your heart!
ReplyDeleteGeez...and all this time we've been laboring under that whole "size matters" pretense. Whew! Glad that's over...
ReplyDeleteSeriously, this is the crux right here:
"Maybe, just maybe if we refuse to compromise to get big, we’ll refuse to compromise when we are big. And maybe, just maybe if we do compromise to get big, we will compromise to stay big."
Great thoughts.
Eating a New York Bagel... thinking of you!!!
ReplyDeleteHello Pastor Tom,
ReplyDeleteI came across your comment on Strider's blog, and had to have a bigger look at your photo. You resemble a cousin of mine a great deal. My cousin Bill in New York State.
I read your two most recent posts. I really like what you have written. It's very well thought-out and thought-provoking.
You have a way with words. Frank, to th epoint, but elegantly expressed. I am going to delve deeper into your blog and I'm looking forward to it.
Regards,
Lavinia
That is also a good example for all of us in our own lives. How do I grow my business? How do I get ahead? Knowing what you have taught here takes the pressure off of all that. Just do what you do as unto the Lord. He brings the increase. Great post, Tom
ReplyDeleteTom,
ReplyDeleteThis just one more example of why it's so easy to call you my shepherd and my leader. I love that your heart is for the good of God's people and that you hold loosely to the flock you oversee. I've known no other pastor who so freely and truly blessed people in his care to find their destiny in another church if that's where God was leading them.
I hope you aren't one of a kind, but my experience leads me to think that you one of a very few.
Love you tons, my friend!
Can I hear a Hell yeah!
ReplyDeleteSeriously
ReplyDeleteThat's something I'll never forget about the Bridge in Kennewick - the pursuit of striving after the King. And a willingness to look stupid if that's what He wishes.
I, for one, can vouch that you walk this - and I will follow that model. Thanks for being a good daddy.