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Serving those who serve others
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Serving those who serve others
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This is a republication of a post on Mr. London’s blog “The Heart of a Pastor.” Original article found here: http://hblondon.typepad.com/blog/2009/11/have-you-found-your-niche.html
A few years ago, I had a very positive experience. I had the opportunity to preach at one of the most successful Cowboy Churches in America. It was so interesting. The architecture, the dress, the rodeo arena, the cattle grazing beyond the parking lot, the music, the atmosphere — all of these things went together to create a “Cowboy Church.” The church was seven years old. The pastor was a former rodeo performer and racetrack chaplain who felt a burden for those who might not fit the norm of another church. Montgomery, Texas, is not a very large place, but those who have been loved and fed by the Lone Star Cowboy Church flocked into the two services. I even preached in jeans and cowboy boots. It was a real blessing. How about you, pastor? Are you living your dream? Have you found your niche? What is your niche? If you could pack it all up today and start fresh, what would the church you served look like? Perhaps, it’s right where you are. Hope so! I know for a fact that a lot of us who have struggled at one place and succeeded at another most likely found our comfort zone in that place. What does niche mean? “A place of employment or activity for which a person is best suited” (Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). What keeps you from your “niche zone”?
I talk to so many clergy friends who are “tied up” and unhappy with their situation, but they do not know what to do about it. Caution: You must not make a move without godly counsel, a clear response from the Lord and cooperation from your family. I value and love my niche — how about you? The scripture says, “I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Cor. 7:22). When I hear some of my colleagues say, “I’m like a fish out of water at this place,” it saddens me. Have you found your niche? Remember, we are available to you. Call our toll-free Pastor Care Line at (877) 233-4455, or write us at pastors@family.org. We are also available through our Web site at www.parsonage.org. Have a great week!
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Posted on 06:53, November 2nd, 2009 by 
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It is very easy to get stale when we get comfortable. great word picture of living stones – “changing shape, size & color”!
It is very easy to get stale when we get comfortable. great word picture of living stones – “changing shape, size & color”!
Finding your niche.
A couple of years ago I was preparing a talk and I closed my eyes and I saw this wall which had, yes a perfect corner stone (Jesus), but the rest of the wall was made up of many stones of all sizes and hues {colours), all pulsating with life. The stones were changing shape , size and colour.
It is wonderful to have found ones niche in life and in church. However I am concerned that so many people in church find their niche and never move.
Paul describes us as “living stones”.
What I felt God was saying that individuals must allow themselves, give themselves permission, to change their position, colour etc etc.
We must not see ourselves as static in church. We need to change and grow in our relationship with God, allowing Him to reposition us.
The other side of the coin of course is that our fellowship must allow us to grow, change and not get bogged down.
I guess that I believe that one of the greatest gifts the leadership of any church can give it's members, is to hear God for themselves and encourage them to be living stones that are pulsating with life.
I have seen so many Christians bowed down by the very questionable authority that many wield. My heart brakes as I see Christians who were happier before they believed!! Where has the true joy of Christians who were SET FREE .
Lets seek to encourage “living stones”, who are alive, changing and moving on. Lets cry FREEDOM over our people. Lets allow mistakes, but not condemn. I want a messy church of smiling people on the move. Damaged brothers and sisters healed up and rejoicing, and never viewed historically.
Enough is enough!!
Finding your niche.
A couple of years ago I was preparing a talk and I closed my eyes and I saw this wall which had, yes a perfect corner stone (Jesus), but the rest of the wall was made up of many stones of all sizes and hues {colours), all pulsating with life. The stones were changing shape , size and colour.
It is wonderful to have found ones niche in life and in church. However I am concerned that so many people in church find their niche and never move.
Paul describes us as “living stones”.
What I felt God was saying that individuals must allow themselves, give themselves permission, to change their position, colour etc etc.
We must not see ourselves as static in church. We need to change and grow in our relationship with God, allowing Him to reposition us.
The other side of the coin of course is that our fellowship must allow us to grow, change and not get bogged down.
I guess that I believe that one of the greatest gifts the leadership of any church can give it's members, is to hear God for themselves and encourage them to be living stones that are pulsating with life.
I have seen so many Christians bowed down by the very questionable authority that many wield. My heart brakes as I see Christians who were happier before they believed!! Where has the true joy of Christians who were SET FREE .
Lets seek to encourage “living stones”, who are alive, changing and moving on. Lets cry FREEDOM over our people. Lets allow mistakes, but not condemn. I want a messy church of smiling people on the move. Damaged brothers and sisters healed up and rejoicing, and never viewed historically.
Enough is enough!!
http://cli.gs/EdWMS #ChiefShep HB #London asks WHY #ministers are not living their life’s dream? http://bit.ly/3RBT4N.
This comment was originally posted on Twitter