I’ve been re-reading The E-Myth: Revisited and think it is simply one of the best ministry books out there…even though it is not a ministry book.
Let me give you the premise. Basically, Michael Gerber (the author), works with small businesses. Over the years of consulting, in almost every case, he has run into once inspired and excited “entrepreneurs” who are now tired, worn out, frustrated “laborers” whose businesses (the businesses of their dreams) have become a complete nightmare. They have lost their love for what they do, they have neglected their families and friends, they have forgotten the joy they once got out of their jobs. Most will close up shop and head back to work for someone else.
I’ve got to be honest. This is what I see often in Youth Ministry and in ministry in general. I see tired and overworked people who don’t love what they do. They are so behind and have so much to do that they can’t even step back to set priorities and get things under control. I’ve seen family after family left in shambles because of ministry. Men and women with so many “paper cuts” and they have no more blood to give. Life comes along and sweeps them away.
I’ve got to be honest again. I see people valiantly marching into that future every day.
And, If I can be honest a third time…I really don’t think that’s the way it needs to be.
Read this excerpt from the book except consider ministry as you do.
“The E-Myth is the myth of the entrepreneur. It runs deep in this country and rings of the heroic. Picture the typical entrepreneur and Herculean pictures come to mind” a man or woman standing alone, wind-blown against the elements, bravely defying insurmountable odds, climbing sheer faces of treacherous rock–all to realize the dream of creating a business of one’s own. The legend reeks of nobility, of lofty, extra-human efforts, of prodigious commitment to larger-than-life ideals.”
Hey Church…I think we’ve bought into a lie and you’re sending your next generation of leaders into a battle they cannot win alone. Youth Pastors…chances are you’re headed into destruction. Let me give my version a shot.
The YP-myth is the myth of the Youth Pastor. It runs deep in the church and rings of the heroic…or the “callen.” Picture the typical Youth Pastor and super-human pictures come to mind. You see a man or woman who knows every kid deeply…I mean every kid. A counselor who can tackle marriage issues, identity issues, and the unmotivated kid in a single afternoon. You see a Bible scholar who can argue the most well schooled punk atheist under a table…but with grace! You see a man or woman who can be in 10 places at once…Younglife club, basketball games, drama productions, and band concerts. Missions…heck yeah missions….He or she is well versed in ways to reach both the Appalachian lost as well as the Townships of South Africa. When it comes to logistics and stewardship they are incredible! They can pull off 2 mission trips, a ski trip, 52 Sundays mornings, nights, and Wednesday nights with a budget of $479…a year. Oh!..and don’t forget they lead the student worship band as well as speak 3 times a week. The legend reeks of awesomeness. This is how we pay our dues….right? What radically saved Christian wouldn’t want to do this? This is a calling for a saint! This is the righteous Right of Passage to the next level of church leadership!
Ladies and Gentlemen we’ve got some thinking and talking to do. I thought I’d kick things off by giving our issue a name.
Is this a righteous right of passage , or just ineffective strategy with an excuse?
Is this how we, the Church, prepare our future leaders, or terrible stewardship of them and their potential?
What do you think?
If my leaders are doing this then they are doing it like the proverbial duck on water, everything calm that’s visible and churning like crazy where we cannot see. And I do not think that is the case. I think they do a great job of inspiring/motivating/leading others (namely volunteers) to pull their own share. They do this in so many ways, but one of their best ways is to always point towards others when credit is due. Too hear them talk they just bring the keys and unlock the church and everyone else does all the work. While intuitively you, they and us know this is not true, the point is they constantly fill up their teams so they do not end up standing alone trying to heroically brave the elements.
PS. Sorry for the long post, but thanks for reminding me how lucky I am to serve with the three leaders I serve with
totally agree. i think its a systemic problem too – a lot of orgs are setup to expect this.
I’ve seen it time and time again when leaders hire, or place young(er) leaders in a position to fail. To no fault of theirs, because they seem to get desperate and feel the sense of urgency to fill that “YP” need coming down from either a)elders of the church or b)the “boss” who doesn’t really pay attention to how equipped the leaders are when they actually do hire.
So I would say yes to both, in many cases. Unfortunately.
The question is how can they better-equip themselves so they will be better stewards of the talent they posses in their members?
Excellent book! It transformed my ministry philosophy. Say it with with me people…. BOUNDARIES and PERSONAL FOCUS!
I needed this today! Thanks!