What it Takes to Get in, and Why You Might Want to Stay Out

A pastor I know was eager to get involved in mission work in a particular country and had started educating himself and his congregation and taking trips. The pastor contacted his denomination about partnering in the mission.

He was told over and over how great that would be, but was never given the names and contact information of the mission leaders. So, he and his church just went ahead working on their own, with other grass-roots partnerships developing along the way.

For five years they labored successfully in the field, all the while trusting their denomination to make good on their promises for partnership. He eagerly wanted to get in on what they were doing and share in the larger work together. He kept receiving polite affirmation, but never trust and partnership.

Eventually, he was allowed to look inside the tent and meet a few of the leaders, probably because they saw that he was doing good things. They started listening to his strategic thinking and observing his results, which were much better than their own. This denomination’s cautious treatment of one of its own pastors is not uncommon and is sadly revealing.

Getting In

In order to get in one has to fit in with the existing structures and prevailing theories. One has to follow along with the established goals and strategies and manner of doing things. One has to be a follower for a long time before being considered worthy of making original contributions.

However, depending on your goals, this may not always be the worst option. If all that is desired is to support the current mission, then things are usually setup for just this kind of involvement. But, don’t expect to be allowed to contribute leadership gifts or even input from pastoral experience over the years. It can be perceived as too threatening.

Staying Out

By staying on the outside one is free to create new things and start new works. One can be active in setting goals and developing strategies. And then, developing relationships with those on the inside can be very helpful, once one is seen as reasonably legitimate.

Staying on the outside allows one to be a leader. Leadership by pastors within the organization is not often appreciated. After joining up, don’t expect to be called upon for expertise in preaching, biblical knowledge, leading people, starting churches or even caring for people. This, and a whole lot more, is what often has to be sacrificed to get in, and so one might want to consider staying out, and so being able to do what we do best and what we are called and gifted to do.

A Better Result

In reality, it might actually be better for the mission overall to have these pastors leading outside the existing structures and mission works. They are usually very good at forming new partnerships and forging ahead to multiply the ministry. Then, with mutual appreciation and respect, partnerships can be formed that have great potential for a much better result.

(See related blog entry, “We Are Just Pastors After All”)