HippoChurch

Just a brief thought today, but in conversation recently with some guys who are interested in doing a new work in their community, it’s clear that they are dreading having to reveal to their current church employer that they might be leaving. I can understand this somewhat in the private sector, having started in it myself before going on a church staff, but it really saddens me that all too often the reception and repercussions of leaving a position in the church world evoke more ugliness than any other “industry”. Why is that? If you’re in charge at a church, what threatens you about people pursuing something else?

I know that for real leadership to flourish and for people to fully engage the gifts God gave them, there has to be a spirit of openness, mutual respect and a shared understanding that God only deserves our best. If someone can’t give you their best at your church, for whatever reason, by all means support them, give them a blessing and let them go pursue what they’re passionate about. If you’re afraid to lose them, you’ve probably forgotten the fact that God doesn’t need any of us. He’s allowing us to participate with Him. He owns all the resources and is free to move the pieces around as He sees fit.

I’ve seen some great instances where pastors recognized that and they’re only response to someone being called to something else was gratitude and “how can we help you in pursuing that?”. And fruit abounds.

Unfortunately, the inverse is way too prevalent. Come on Church! How big is your God?