”God gives us the boat and the oars, but then tells us, ‘It’s up to you to row.’ Making ‘positive acts of faith’ is like training this faculty; it is developed by training, as the muscles are developed by gymnastics.”
–From Letters from the Desertby Carlo Carretto
This passage got me to thinking about the training that the church provides to persons that are it’s elected leaders. In the past I have thought that training would be good, but also felt that I didn’t want to impose it upon members of the various church boards and committees. My mind has changed on this issue. I cannot assume that just because the Charge Conference elects a person to a leadership position that he or she has any knowledge as to what he or she is supposed to do. Using the quote above, it would be like putting them in the boat (giving them the job) but then not giving them the oars and asking them to steer the church in a certain direction. Sure they could put their hands in the water and try to painfully pull the boat along, but how much easier would their job be if I had given them the oars!
As the new crop of leaders is announced, I will begin providing them with materials that will help them better understand what they have been called to do in their leadership role. For pastors that might be reading this blog, I encourage you to check out www.buildingchurchleaders.com I have used material from this site for years. However, I have never fully utilized the training capabilities of the material found on this site. I will be utilizing this material in the months that lie ahead.
For my church members reading this blog. I want you know that I have new expectations of the leaders of the church. I expect them to show up and take an active role in their ministry area. I further expect them to take the time to learn what they have been called to do and will provide them with material to make this learning possible.
