There is a disturbing and insidious trend afoot and it's time for some whistle-blowing. I received another report today for the file, "What Churches Want." This one went into group one - Churches searching for a dynamic preacher who makes the congregation look good. Group two is much smaller: Congregations interested in leaders whose greatness is measured by service.
I have a friend who was rejected by a group one church. It makes me sad because he's a good man and a quality shepherd. Doesn't it seem like churches are seeking someone who can put them on the map, instead of laborers who know how to get dirty doing the work of harvest?
There are ten primary passages in the New Testament that leave little doubt about the kind of man needed by the One who said: "I will build My church." The verses tell us everything that Jesus considers mission critical to identifying good shepherds. (I have attached, for your reference, the section from my Shepherdology course-notes which identifies these "top ten" - 10 Key Shepherdology Passages.) Adding to Jesus' list or substituting other qualities only makes sense if you're planning to build something other than Jesus' church. Stick to what the Bible clearly says and you can accomplish what Jesus expressly wants! He is not interested in getting churches on the map, He wants leaders who can help get His people in the field!
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