Seek counsel

I was visiting with one of my neighbors the other day and he was telling me that he was on the search committee for a new pastor for their tiny church. He said he was amazed at how many applicants that had applied for this position. He supposed that perhaps the bad economy was behind all of these unemployed ministers searching for jobs.

Huh?

How would a bad economy result in an unemployed minister? Are churches closing their doors?

He went on about how difficult it was to find and hire the right pastor. “After all”‘ he said, “If they were any good why would they be looking for a job?”

Hmmm. Good question. I suppose all things being equal pastors are just like the rest of us, in that some are definitely better than others.

Now that we have settled in on the plantation we are on the hunt for a new church home. We attended a dynamic church the other day and the pastor was beaming at their tremendous growth and remarked during his sermon at how God had blessed their budget to the point of far exceeding their goals with a surplus. You could tell this guy had his own act together, but I soon noticed that he was surrounded on stage by several young energetic smart associates with whom he shared parts of the service especially the parts about the building projects that they were engaged in.

They have embarked on a building project and before it is even finished are looking to expand again. Hmmm I thought the economy was bad???? Doesn’t he know that?

How is he growing in a bad economy?

Ummm He is doing a good job?

Or was it solely a miracle of God and the church is blessed beyond measure?

The Bible I read states, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. If we analyze that statement it becomes apparent that the verse does not say that “Christ” will do all things for me. This would seem to negate the theorem that God has blessed us beyond measure and laid a fortune on the church alter this morning.

This little verse does not say “I” can do all things and end there either. So-o-o-ooo if we use logic we can deduce that we cannot be successful solely on our own either.

No this verse tells us that we must do our part and God will strengthen us with wisdom, perseverance, and opportunity. If something is within God’s will and we will do our part and do a good job, we should succeed mightily. If we do not succeed, then we are most likely not within God’s will, or we aren’t doing a good job. Personally I believe that it is definitely within God’s will for His Bible believing Bible preaching church to not only survive, but thrive.

Then why do so many falter? Dare I say it? Just maybe the minister in a faltering church is not doing such a great job. Too much “I” and “me” and not enough Christ? Or maybe too much reliance on Christ while he sits on the couch awaiting deliverance?


During my tenure as CEO for more years than I care to remember I have seen thousands of employees come and go. It is interesting to see some employees struggle mightily while others are prospering at virtually the exact same time under the same conditions. Contrary to the liberal agenda, I have concluded that everyone is not equal and some are just better than others.

This is not to say that all is lost if someone is weak. I have seen many otherwise weak employees excel by supplementing their talent with others and forming a team. In fact everyone, even the best CEO in the world is strong in some areas but weak in others. No one is a master of all things. Smart CEO’s will recognize that axiom and carefully and objectively evaluate their own weaknesses and surround ourselves with good people to fill the voids and strengthen their weak links. Ministers and all of us should take a page out of their book.

I was always exceedingly strong in sales and marketing but weak in finance. I recruited an excellent finance guy for my team and our organization became stronger. Duhhh Nuff said?

Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes; But he who heeds counsel is wise.