Curing Souls
Though Eugene Peterson wrote this outstanding article over two decades ago, today's pastors ought to dust it off, give it another read, and put it into practice.
If This Is Not A Place. . .
If this is not a place where tears are understood, Then where shall I go to cry? And if this is not a place where my spirit can take wings, Then where shall I go to fly? I don't need another place for trying to impress you With just how good and virtuous I am. I don't need another place for always being on top of things; Everybody knows that it's a sham. I don't need another place for always wearing smiles, Even when it's not the way I feel. I don't need another place to mouth the same old platitudes; Everybody knows that it's not real. So if this is not a place where my questions can be asked, Then where shall I go to seek? And if this is not a place where my heart cry can be heard, Where, tell me where, shall I go to speak? So if this is not a place where tears are understood, Where shall I go, where shall I go to fly? -- Ken Medema
WOW! This is definitely a must read for all pastors. Any leader in the church would greatly benefit from its wisdom.
ReplyDeleteRunning a church has become more important than care of souls. Pastors who want to reclaim the saving of souls as the 1st and foremost responsibility cannot get a quick fix at job retraining or retreats.
True pastors are interested in who people are and who they are becoming in Christ. Their language is words the heart speaks. Secularized minds label people.
THREE CHEERS (more than that) for Eugene Peterson.