December 16

Day 277: Harder Than They Need to Be

Sometimes, the usual things seem harder than they need to be. This year, in particular, has proven the point.

Like most other church pastors, I too am now focusing on this coming weekend. And not a whole lot else. When a Sunday before Christmas comes more than a few days before Christmas, decisions have to be made.

Do we treat it like a Christmas Eve service? We will. Or do we just go on as usual? We won't. To what extent will the most recent weather forecast (snow, and more snow) have impact? It will.

We have secured a place to meet this Sunday. As has been the case for months now, we have some in our church who are not comfortable gathering in person. And we have others who are not comfortable not gathering in person.

Adding to the confusion, both our city and our state seem to write mandates in a most ambiguous fashion, leaving the application of such open to differing interpretations.

And most, if not all will agree, gathering digitally on Zoom is not the most satisfying experience. (And I'll add, especially for those who lead.)

But, and I've mentioned this before, someone's conviction does not automatically lead to commitment. (See the comment re: snow.)

With all of this in view, I am reminded again. Leaders don't have to be comfortable with it, but must accept the reality that not everyone will be happy with any decision, irrespective of the decision. Leadership never comes with the guarantee of a 100% approval rating.

I read how leaders often feel lonely in their role. I don't feel that so much myself. But by its very nature, being a leader is different from being a follower. Leaders have to own their decisions. No blame-casting allowed. Followers don't have to own anything.

This may be why some leaders daydream about being a follower. It feels like it may be easier. I've seen several of my pastor friends tap out from their roles this past year. I really hope I don't hear of more.

Leaders are forced to restate to themselves their identity; who they really are. And strangely enough, when a leader, me included, considers his/her gospel identity, it does not include any real separation from everyone else.

1 Peter 2:4 tells us, "As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

Jesus was rejected by men. And precious to God. Our own identity tells us we are not too unlike. We're being built up, like stones that are alive, to offer sacrifices; the sacrifice of our own lives, that God accepts.

Turns out, leaders are no different from anyone else. Leaders need to be reminded of who they are, and what they are not. Leaders are living stones, just like everyone else who is being transformed by the reality of the gospel.

Especially when things seem harder than they need to be.

-Mike Rydman, Lead Pastor, Radiant Church Juneau