Comments on: Your Personal Pace, Part 5

By: LouieD

LouieD — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:31:31 +0000

The need, understanding, & living out of personal pace is a message that really resonates with me, as does the importance of understanding WHO I am; HOW I’m put together; WHAT my values & priorities are; & the need to release the weight (& disappointment) of other people expectations of me, my role, etc. And to be able to hear from ‘well-meaning helpers” how we’re “not doing it right…”

By: Do You Need A Nap? : Pastor For Life | Healthy Life and Ministry for Pastors

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 06:55:57 +0000

[...] in a while, if not almost every day. In reality, this post should probably stand on its own in the “Your Personal Pace” series. The topic is sleep, and you may think it a luxury. It may be a [...]

By: Paul

Paul — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:56:28 +0000

Jan & Kevin …. GREAT thoughts. You both bring a point that I think needs highlighting. Unrealistic expectations CAN be released. As we expect people to release us from them in their own growth and maturity and to take responsibility for their own growth, we also take the responsibility of not allowing ourselves to be led by what other people think.

I also hear you both saying that it’s not reasonable for us to think we can release absolutely every unrealistic expectation. We’re not gonna get this thing perfect!

Thanks to you both!

By: Kevin M.

Kevin M. — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:00:47 +0000

Good question Paul! As Jan said, I too I have began to release all those unwritten expectations. I know that I have a LONG way to go but as I look back over the past year I can see SOME improvement. Probably the biggest area that I do as a pastor because it is EXPECTED is counselling. This is NOT my gifting but there are very few options for people where I live.

By: Jan Owen

Jan Owen — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:44:00 +0000

1) We couldn’t do the listed pastor’s role – identifying, nurturing, etc. with everyone anyway! There is SOME personal responsibility for growth, it’s not all up to the pastor.

2) We are not God. Even Jesus was limited while on earth. We cannot do it all. Having the humility to admit we are not gifted or able to do everything is spiritually significant.

3) As to your question, I don’t know. In the past few years I’ve released alot of that. I would almost say there are things I DON’T do because of expectations. I don’t live into my actual gifting as much as I’d like due to the limiting expectations of others. This is changing.

One thing I think people expect is for me to be responsible for their growth, their passion, their learning, and their ability to “enter the presence of God” (a term I am coming to loathe). I cannot handle that burden. I can give opportunity and teach and shepherd, but I cannot in the end make a move of God happen, nor can I make them come with worshipful hearts and attitudes. That is all very much beyond me and my scope of responsibilities. I can do my best, but I cannot change hearts or prepare hearts per se.

So there, I did think of something!