It was Anonymous's true and sad comment on the ease with which Baptist ministers can often be removed that made me take a good look in the mirror this morning.
It is truly said that what congregations really want in a pastor, is a strong leader who agrees with them. And that although people will talk of their need for a prophecy, they don't really need a prophet. They generally need someone who can raise the money to get the roof fixed (I talk of many English churches and chapels here - in America I am sure that godly prophecy can be found in every church).
And so I saw myself in the mirror this morning, looking an awful lot more like Moses than I did a couple of weeks ago. And reflecting - do the Frisby Baptists need a prophet just yet? Someone they could disagree with - and if more than 50% did so, they would be looking for a new prophet. Maybe not just yet. I must step more slowly. Maybe their great need - at least for the moment - is of a solid and capable administrator.
And so, regretfully, I have shaved off my beard. I now look a lot less prophetic, but a lot more like that calm, solid pastor who is biding his time until the day for vision is come.
Frisby will be a much poorer place spending another generation w/o a true prophet. It's no wonder there are so many lost w/o proper condemnation being pronounced on them by a self appointed prophet. I completely understand that it can't be done before the people are ready for it though. Will pray for the next generation!
ReplyDeleteOh no, you've lost your prophet motive..
ReplyDelete