Please pray for our
Lower Pacific District Board
“By God’s grace, we are committed to encourage and resource our growing family of churches to reflect Jesus Christ.”
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Do as I do, or do as I say?
Over this past week, we have heard stories of a growing list of politicians and leaders who have traveled outside of Canada for vacations in Mexico, Hawaii, Dominican Republic and other warm destinations.
While such travel is not illegal, it is in opposition to the Federal Government’s recommendation that all “non-essential” travel be curtailed, in the interest of “flattening the COVID-19 curve.” Some of the politicians found to have vacationed outside of Canada had themselves urged their citizens to obey all health directives, including not engaging in non-essential travel and to stay within their home bubble. Ontario Minister of Finance, Rod Phillips, had even gone so far as to pre-record videos of a Christmas address in which he urged Ontario residents to comply with directives to not travel. These were played as he vacationed in the Caribbean.
We have reason to be cynical of leaders today. Many seem to demonstrate that they believe that they are entitled to live by different rules than those they serve. Such practice is in direct contrast to the actions and example of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, after washing his disciples feet, said,
When he had finished washing their feet,“Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. (John 13:13-17).
As pastors and leaders, we have become accustomed to “working from home,” and in this, in some isolation – from church, from the people we serve, the people of the communities in which we serve. How can we lead by example while in isolation from those we serve?
This point was driven home to me this week. Karen and sat down Monday evening and watched a Christian move, “Do You Believe?” This is the movie that we gave to district pastors and missionaries at Christmas time, as part of a “gift bag” that our district provided as an encouragement and for a “night out at home.”
The movie told several stories of God’s work through his people as they reached out to those in need, as prompted by their faith and sensitivity to the voice of God. The homeless, the lost and those opposing the faith were ministered to in the Name of Christ, and several came to faith in Him.
Tuesday morning (the morning after watching the movie), Josephine (our LPD Office Administrator) and I were at the office at Johnston Heights Church, when a homeless man came to the church seeking help. As no pastors from the church were present at that time, Josephine approached me, and I agreed to meet the man.
We spent much of the day talking, praying and, with Josephine’s assistance, finding community resources for both addictions and shelter. I purchased the gentleman l lunch and offered to purchase him a coat. I drove him to one store and then to another, and willingly agreed to give him some funds to go into the store to purchase a coat on his own. We prayed and he left. Sadly, he did not enter the store he promised to enter…
I am not sure how this story ended that day, but the experience provided me with some food for thought. Often today, we view pastoral ministry as primarily “leading and managing” a local church, and preparing and delivering sermons. During COVID, we have learned to do much of this from home.
In this season of COVID, many of our church ministries are suspended, as are our church services. What is not suspended, is our ability to be neighbours, and to be, “salt and light” to those around us. Right now, we cannot refer people to church programs or invite people to attend church – we cannot even invite a person for a restaurant lunch or even a coffee – but we can be available and seek to serve and witness to others in the Name of Jesus.
As a superintendent, may I never be so occupied by “the ministry” that I do not have time to minister to others in the Name of Jesus. Jesus found time and led by example. We who follow Jesus and serve others in His Name are called to do the same. As we “equip the saints for ministry,” may we have the ability to say, “do as I do,” and not simply say, “do as I say.”
In a world where leaders seem to be aloof and unprincipled, may we set a refreshing example of servant leadership.
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Feeling Discouraged in Ministry today?
If so, you are not alone! Many pastors in North America have been feeling discouraged, and some are considering resignation. Darrell Johnson, a pastor and professor has recently written an article titled, “Don’t Give Up,” and word of encouragement to pastors. I encourage you to read this. This was shared by Focus on the Family, and can be found at the following link:
https://clergycare.ca/2021/01/05/dont-give-up
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Upcoming Dates:
LPD Annual Conference – virtual…
Saturday, March 6, 2021 – 10AM – 12noon.
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This is a free online seminar for pastors and leaders, provided by Journey Canada
Tuesday, January 26, 10:00AM – 11:00AM.
Register online at:
http://www.journeycanada.org/webinar
