The Temptation of Disconnection

Wednesday September 10, 2008 ~ 28 Comments

Today, something personal.

This post is the product of a conversation I recently had with Bill Kinnon, uber blogger and provocateur, about the importance of the local church, and the questions I often get while preaching and teaching across the country. Questions like, "Ed, why are you currently serving at an established church?" (being a denominational leader and, formerly, a church planter).

The simple answer is I do not believe I can talk about the church without being a part of a church.

But let me unpack this a bit.

In the past I have worked for Southern Seminary and the North American Mission Board, and I currently serve Lifeway, the International Mission Board, Southeastern Seminary, and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Whatever you call them, they are not the church, but serve along side it. However, my experience has been that in many cases they are staffed by people who were formerly pastors. And, in some cases, it seems that moving into a role like this leads many to a diminished connection to a local church. Some of that is a function of the role change, but in most of the places I have served, we have sat down together and lamented the disconnect we felt with the local church. Some worked hard to overcome it. Some did not.

This is not a criticism of others. The point is that I found the temptation in my own life. You see, I teach pastors and church leaders. I tell them they should be biblical, missional, and spiritual (see chapter one of Comeback Churches). I have a high standard of church, and, to be blunt, it seems that no church meets that standard (except maybe the churches I plant, which points to a pride issue).

So, here is what I am trying to avoid in my own life: too many church consultants, speakers, leaders, professors, and denominational leaders (like me) see themselves as voices to the church and not a part of the church.

I have often heard people say (and have said myself) the church is, in many ways, broken and in need of some change. However, it is exceedingly dangerous to become a critic of the church while you are not a part of one. I love the church, and therefore feel compelled to point out our challenges with the hope of seeing transformation. I guess this makes me a critic of the church, but it should also makes me a critic of myself.

I currently serve as interim pastor. For those of you not in our autonomous church tradition, I am basically the "fill in" preacher until they find a new pastor. The role allows me to be a part of the church here and help them during the transition. It is not a perfect situation and I know I need deeper connections, but it is how I am connected at this time.

This brings me back to the question I am sometimes asked, "why are you currently serving at an established church?"

For me, doing an "interim" helps me be a little more faithful in several ways.

First, it keeps me home on weekends and in community. It is a temptation to be on the road every weekend. A lot of great churches will invite you to speak - but as interim I can't do that. This keeps me in my church and home with my family.

Second, it keeps me preparing messages. In the past, I have "re-preached" many of my sermons. Having done 7 or 8 interims, you can basically re-preach the same messages in each church. But, my former co-pastor (Philip Nation) challenged me to bring a "fresh word" at church every week. So, that is what I try to do at church and that keeps me preparing. When I look in a pastor's eyes, and that pastor is tired from sermon prep work, I know what that means. (I finished my message at 12:30a.m. this morning.)

Third, it reminds me of what real ministry work is. It's all too possible for me to fly in and out for pastor's conferences and start to believe my own P.R. (Being a mere D-list celebrity doesn't dissuade one from believing his own press releases).

At church, I am not the normal pastor (being an interim), but I still have the privilege of opening the word of God and sharing it with God's people. It is not the same as being the congregations shepherd, but it keeps me in real world life and ministry. People still complain to me, there is still that opinionated guy who keeps coming up after the service to question my Bible teaching, and I get an occasional piece of hate mail. If I were a "real" pastor there would be more, but since the church has over 3,000 Sunday morning attendees, there are always some percent of people who are unhappy enough to tell me - and it reminds me that real world ministry does not look like a TV show - it is messy because it involves people. And, that is also what makes it real life ministry.

Lastly, by serving as interim in a local church, a simple and very important truth is reinforced in my life; God has chosen the church, not denominations and parachurch organizations to make known his manifold wisdom (Eph 3:10). This fights against some of the triumphalism in my denomination and elsewhere. They may come and go, but it is the church that will prevail against the gates of hades.

Let's be honest, there are more verses in the Bible that justify you having a concubine than us forming a denomination (much less a Lifeway). Yet, I stay in what is basically a church support (rather than a full-time local church) role. Why? Well, it is for the same reason we have a denomination. We can do more together than we do apart. For example, I value church partnerships like denominations as it means I can help resource 5,000 missionaries around the world through organizations like the IMB. I believe in partnerships (of which denominations are one expression) because I believe we can do more together than we can do individually-- and, although the Great Commission is given to the church, each local church can not (by itself) effectively evangelize the world.

The reason I do not become a full-time pastor is that for now I am called to help pastors and church leaders. However, I will always remain a pastor and will always be a part of a church.

Is it a lot of work sometimes? Yes. Do I regret doing it sometimes? Honestly, I do. It would be easier to be a "prophet" to the church and not be a part of the church. But that seems pretty hypocritical to me.

The bad thing about being an interim is that eventually you have to leave. What then?

Well, I am leaning against doing another interim. This one is great - the church is 3 miles from my home and we know many people in the community. It is a great church with a passion for the Bible and has a heart and desire to be missional. However, teaching every week has been a bit too much and I have not been able to connect in some other ways. After my interim, I hope to serve in a church role where I do occasional teaching (weekly has been wearing me out!) and serving in a church's ministry and leadership teams.

All that being said - I know that many who read this are frustrated by the church. Most of the denominational leaders I know are. I am. Yet, I love the church. It is that love that makes me want to provoke the church "to love and good deeds" (Hebrews 10:24).

The church is filled with people who know Jesus, love one another, and are (or at least want to be) on-mission. It is the family of God. It is the temple of the Holy Spirit. It is the sent people of Jesus Christ. I am convinced that the good God wants to accomplish in the world, and in me, will happen in and through the church.

Posted on September 10, 2008 at 10:22 PM ~ 28 Comments

Tagged with: church, denomination, interim, ministry, parachurch, pastor, sbc

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28 Comments

By brad on September 11, 2008 7:47 AM

Thanks, I needed that.

By Todd Benkert on September 11, 2008 7:52 AM

Ed,

I just wanted to say that this is a refreshing post. Thanks for being a prophet from within our midst. Praying for you.

-- Todd

By Don McLaughlin on September 11, 2008 7:59 AM

Thanks for reminding us that no follower of Christ should be a critic of the church without being a champion of the church.

By Bob Cleveland on September 11, 2008 8:05 AM

For starters, the question itself wasn't all that appropriate (sorry, Bill). Kind of like "If you're all that smart, why ain't you rich?"

I don't really see why your exercising of your gifts (church planting) ought to negate the biblical admonitions to be a part of a local body, to edify it, etc etc.

By Ed Stetzer

on September 11, 2008 8:18 AM

Bob,

Actually, Bill and I were talking about the dangers of disconnection. Others have asked about why I work at a church when my job is elsewhere.

By Byron Hill on September 11, 2008 8:25 AM

Good word Ed. Thanks!

By Rick Womack on September 11, 2008 8:33 AM

thanks ed! i'm in a new role on the state level of our denomination (IPHC) - this is a great "perspective" post. i appreciate your candor and challenge in this post. it is indeed a challenge to not become disconnected.

keep bring the heat about the issues such as this!

By Kathryn on September 11, 2008 9:03 AM

I love your honesty. I've become a daily reader of your blog and share it with Randy. It helps us stay connected with you and your family.

By David Landrith on September 11, 2008 9:21 AM

What you need is to find a church in your area that needs a teaching pastor! Grin!

By Joseph Radosevich on September 11, 2008 9:27 AM

Thanks for that post. It makes me more likely to listen to you. Leaders who tell the church how to do things while not being involved lack integrity in my mind.

By Bill Kinnon on September 11, 2008 9:37 AM

Ed,
Thanks for the shout out.

Let me echo Kathryn's appreciation for this blog and add how much I appreciate your gracious leadership in the wider Body of Christ.

I wrote a post a while back called Missional Gurus - a bit of a snark on those who would have us believe they are "important" voices in the missional/mission-shaped conversation, but who themselves are not connected to a local Christian community in their own "neighborhoods."

I am impressed by the fact that your theology has legs, Ed. You don't just write, teach, consult, lead, speak, investigate, test, poll, track, write even more... You actually live out what you believe. 'Tis what makes you a trustworthy voice in this "missional conversation." In my not humble, but accurate opinion. (To steal a phrase from Tom Wright.) :-)

By Ryan Sanders on September 11, 2008 9:39 AM

Thanks for your thoughts, Stetzer.

Although not on staff at church. I feel this disconnect with working full-time in the Christian publishing world (LifeWay) and attempting to finish seminary within the next 100 years! It's tough to juggle full-time work and study for seminary.

Thanks for reminding me that the church is priority. I know that and keep telling myself that I WILL be more connected after finishing seminary in May '09. I've struggled to stay connected my entire seminary career.

Thanks for the motivation. It's much needed or me.

By Bob Atwell on September 11, 2008 9:57 AM

Thanks for the insightful thoughts on staying connected to the church. As a DOM I struggle with this, since I do make an effort to visit and be a part of all the churches I serve it still is a struggle. Thanks for the continued challenge.

By Ed Stetzer

on September 11, 2008 10:18 AM

Bob,

I can't imagine how you do that. It must be hard. In your role, your churches expect you to visit them... it is part of your job.

I don't know if I could do that... and I hope you have a place in your church when you can connect on times other than Sunday.

You are more of a man than I!

By Ron Kidd on September 11, 2008 3:31 PM

Ed,

We're glad to have you at FBCH. I know how difficult it would be to become a teaching pastor at another local church, move the girls, etc.

So ignore the Landrith guy above and settle in where you are. And thanks for all you do.

By A.J. Martinez on September 11, 2008 5:04 PM

Ed,

My question is this, what is your thought on the reveal stuff that Willow Creek came out with? They admit that they've been doing things wrong. How are you not becoming exactly what they are now admitting is the wrong thinking?

By Steve Schenewerk on September 11, 2008 5:42 PM

Thanks for your honesty. As a pastor it is a constant challenge to bring a word from the Lord several times a week to a people who often don't really want one. I appreciate your servant's heart. From my perspective, I hope you stay at Lifeway a v-e-r-y long time. Each of denominational agencies need more people like you,, so keep teaching, writing, and keep connected so that the rest of us can continue to be encouraged!

By Kevin in Manila on September 11, 2008 7:59 PM

Great post!

By Ed Stetzer

on September 11, 2008 8:46 PM

Landrith, You are trouble. But, I am glad you made it back from the Middle East. I heard you were a bit "under the weather." Note for next time: don't drink the water!

Ron, I love being there. You guys will soon call a great new pastor and that will be a bittersweet time.

A.J., Unless I misunderstand it, your comment does not seem to relate to the point of the post. Reveal is an interesting and helpful study, but I do not see how it relates to the point here. This is a post about staying invovled in a local church.

By Dan Kimball on September 12, 2008 12:53 AM

Ed,

What you write about here is why I listen to what you say about missional and why I respect you quite highly.

Dan

By irreverend fox on September 12, 2008 6:05 AM

Great post Ed!

Didn't Augustine say something about the church being his mother...and...something else...his mother and...oh...I can't remember...

By Chris Aiken on September 12, 2008 6:56 AM

Ed,
Thanks for the post. It was an encouragement and was helpful to me as I read lots of guys with suggestions on how to do what I do (as a pastor) better. Your insights (and actions as you live them out) are why I respect you as an authoritative voice in my ministry.

By Mike on September 12, 2008 11:50 AM

Ed,
We are thankful that God has allowed you to connect with our local church in such a special way.
As your "extended family", we love you and appreciate all the sacrifices you are making for God and our church. Praying that God has blessed you as much as you have blessed us.

By Eric King on September 12, 2008 1:27 PM

I too have noticed that sometimes there is a "flight" from local church due to conflict, struggles, or the promise of greener pastures. I pray that this never becomes my story. God has placed a burden in my heart for His church and has given me an incredible privilege to serve His churches. There is no doubt that His church is His prized bride and His primary medium of representing Himself to a lost world. Thanks for the challenge and reminder.

By Nancy on September 12, 2008 2:08 PM

Now look what you made me do! I have totally messed up my monitor by marking out every use of the word "interim" in this post. Curses.

Still in denial that you will not be the "permanent" teaching pastor. ;) But I understand your crazy schedule and all the strain you must be under. It is a privilege to learn from you, and I will look forward to it for how ever long it continues to last.

Then we will recruit you to teach a Wednesday night class.

Or work in preschool . . .

By David Mosley on September 13, 2008 9:33 AM

Ed,
I follow your twitter and now your blog, I've read Come Back Churches and parts of Planting Missional Churches and I have to say that I do agree with you, we all of us needed to be connected to a church somewhere. A church where we serve and actively do ministry. As a Bible college student, the temptation is high to simply say, "I get my church at school," but the college is not the church. Yes, it is made up of believers who are seeking to better worship God (I have a broad definition of worship), however, Bible Colleges and other parachurch organizations only serve a small purpose, like preparing young people, or translating the Bible for other nations. These are good things but they do not a church make. It is a combination of things and people that make the Church the church. If more people could get actively involved in a church then less people would get hurt by the Church.

By Mark Marshall on September 13, 2008 9:17 PM

After being the "interim" 8 out of 10 years during my time at LifeWay, I would say "amen" to your post. Great word. It is indeed difficult to strike the balance needed with family ... especially with kids the age of yours.

By smurrell on September 15, 2008 7:29 AM

ed,
correction. you referred to yourself as a "D-list celebrity"

not here in the every nation office. we have elevated you to our C-list, right up there with reality show stars and late night tv preachers. thought that would encourage you today.

also, if you ever reconsider that interim pastor thing - let me kmow - i'm sure i can find you an interim gig in manila.

by the way, great blog.
i love the church too!

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