We Are Just Pastors After All

When the phone conversation concluded only then did I realize how disturbing it was.  

Pastors concerned about their missionaries serving overseas should be able to talk with the sending agency in confidence, with openness yet discretion, and be taken seriously.  

As I was explaining a delicate situation and one with significant relational implications, it became apparent that the agency’s representative didn’t really care.  He listened but didn’t want to understand or trust my judgments.  

He was saying in effect, “what would you know about missions, you are just a pastor?”

Shut Out from Above

As pastors we are often sought out but then kept out.  We are sought out because we are the gatekeepers of people and money.  Once people are captured and funds plundered, we are seen as partners only as long as we continue to be useful in the same ways.  We are not asked to be real participants in the missionary work, just non-meddling suppliers.  Further attempts to be involved, if perceived as too threatening, are brushed off by these experts as the experts.  Some churches have realized this and have ended their relationships with certain agencies, or all of them deciding to go it alone (not usually the best course of action however).  When mission agencies act like this they miss out on the potential for valuable partnerships with pastors.

Shut Down from Below

Then pastors can get slapped on the other cheek by their own congregations having been instilled with tidbits of expertise by these mission experts.  They echo the sentiment that they don’t think their pastors know much about missions, or ever really could.  Many churches simply want their pastor to serve them and their communities, and they shut down any serious attempts to engage the mission endeavor.  When congregations act like this they miss out on astounding opportunities to be used by God in reaching the world for Christ, being led by their pastors whom they love and trust.

Shut Up from Within

As pastors we sometimes stay in our realm because of intimidation from above and below, or because it is more convenient, comfortable or peaceful to do so.  We retreat perhaps to focus on ministries and ministry management that only we can do and do well, or that we enjoy most and for which we are most appreciated.  We can end up accepting the view of ourselves that we don’t belong in missions, at least not at the level of strategy and direction.  We might only be used for resources and knowledge and yet we seem to be okay with that; but when we act like this we miss out on broader influence for the Kingdom of God.

Leadership and Partnership

Most pastors are successful in ministry and are faithfully teaching the Word.  They are helping to bring about spiritual transformation in the lives of many people in a wide variety of life situations.  Pastors are doing the work here that we are all attempting to accomplish over there on the field to one degree or another.  Many have been doing it for years, and will continue doing it for years to come.  The gift of pastor-teacher is a true biblical position not to be downplayed but highly honored.   To have pastors strategically involved in leading in the mission only makes sense.

I am looking forward to having more pastors leading in the Gospel mission; and to having more congregations acting like mission teams under the direction of their leaders.  And I am looking forward to more genuine strategic partnerships functioning among agencies and churches, which will lead to the greater results we all dream about and pray for, results that I believe can only be attained by such quality partnerships.