Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Getting out of the way.

A paraphrased conversation with my dad:

Me: "Things are just feeling really good. And, it's not about me. People are feeling invested, like it's a place they're proud of and want to be. And that's catching."

Dad: "Ironically, it's precisely because of you."

I wonder how often pastors get in the way. I do think that the reason people are feeling invested has something to do with me - but in some ways it has more to do with the fact that sometimes I don't know what the heck I'm doing and so need to rely on others in a different way than a more seasoned pastor would. (Depending on the seasoning, of course).

These last couple weeks have been huge ego boosts - and so of course I don't trust them. I got a call today from a nearby pastor who many of my church ladies love (he comes and gives a devotion at our senior center about once a month...they love his weeks). He called to tell me of his lunch conversation with a bunch of my members in which they were just praising me for all that's going on. Again, it's more because I've gotten out of the way, I think.

Either that or it's the beautiful weather. I know I've been in an obnoxiously good mood lately. Maybe someone leaked a happy gas into the air and everyone who comes to the church breaths it in. Hey, if that's what it takes...

1 comment:

Backwoods Rev said...

Maybe a different perspective- the spirit doesn't need us to get out of the way- but rather to show up and be a catalyst for her work.

Through you, not because of you, but through you the spirit is moving. You are important, just like each and everyone of us is in our vocation.

You are a called, loved child of God! And a great pastor