Comments on: I Am Not Indispensable

By: Andrew Conard

Andrew Conard — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 14:55:31 +0000

Brian – thanks for your thoughts from the IT world. That is a great quote!

By: Brian Slezak

Brian Slezak — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 23:49:02 +0000

Somewhat of a parallel I’ve heard in the technology field is “Always be working yourself out of the job.” I’ve honestly never thought how relevant that is to pastoral positions, or for other things in this life.

By: Andrew Conard

Andrew Conard — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 21:21:05 +0000

Ben – Good point, recognition that the pastor is not irreplaceable should not lead to apathy or lack of striving toward how God would work through the individual in the life of the congregation. Leadership is necessary in any organization.

Amy – Thanks for passing on wisdom from Rev. Selby. I might take that up that practice.

By: Amy

Amy — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 17:09:40 +0000

The wise Rev Bill Selby suggests that we all carry a letter of resignation in our pockets to remind ourselves that we can (and will) be replaced and to remind ourselves that we are not trapped by our employment. The world really doesn’t rest on our shoulders.

By: Ben Hanne

Ben Hanne — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 16:54:22 +0000

Interesting thoughts Andrew as always. I affirm your statement that Clergy should not see themselves as irreplaceable in their congregations because it fails to remind the people that THEY are the Church.On the other hand this should not push ourselves into failing to recognize our own gifts.

Even during those times when the circuit rider wasn’t present there were leaders (officially or unofficially) who held leadership in those parishes. Recognizing the Pastor isn’t the Chuch (capital C) doesn’t always combat people’s seemingly endless need to defer.