So here’s a short post about a problem I’ve had for years. When I turned 26 I became a full-time youth pastor. While I loved the transition to this period of my life one thing I learned quickly was that there was a serious lack of training within the church for pastors. We were all so busy doing our jobs that we never had any time to make sure that we were growing. As much as I loved my last church experience it was particularly bad there. Even when I was “Under Care” of the church in the ordination process I was essentially on my own; or at least that’s how it felt. I’m more than willing to own up to any part that I may have contributed to the problem. It could very well be that there was something I was missing that I was supposed to be doing. Perhaps I come across as too strong and with everything figured out. But, on the inside I feel like I’m screaming out for someone to take care of me. I wish I didn’t always feel like for me to have someone care about me as a person and a pastor I would have to be the one to reach out. But, this isn’t a complete pity party. I want to make sure that I am the Pastor who cares for the people that work for him. I never want them to question my commitment to them and my desire for them to grow. It could be that God put this isssue in front of me so I would be aware of what the neeeds were so I could help meet them for other people. But, I think I need to figure this out because if I’m alone trying to figure things out by myself I’ll probably continue to screw it up.
Lars, good word. I’ve been thinking about this same thing. I was watching the movie In Good Company the other night, and I was struck by the fact that Topher Grace (the young, hot-shot new boss) was this totally gifted guy who had absolutely nobody mentoring him. He latches onto Dennis Quaid, but he’s in no position to be mentored by the guy he just replaced.
I agree, in Christianity there is a huge vacuum of men who are willing to mentor other men, especially in leadership roles. I think we’re all just a little scared because we don’t have it all together, and we’re a little afraid that we’re not qualified to “mentor” anyone. I pray that I can not only find a pastor to be mentored by, but that I will look out for other men (potential leaders or not) who I could come alongside.
Good post Lars. That is something I need to be aware of as well. It’s easy to want those things, and then when we are handed the keys to the car, not to care for those that we have been set in charge of.
You took care of me in our time together at Bel Air. Starbucks owned us!