WHATEVER IS ...

BY STEVE DUNN

^" Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." - Philippians 4:8-9

These days I am working as an Intentional Interim Pastor for a church of nearly 700 men, women and children.  I have been with them since March when their Senior Pastor left.  I will probably be with them until about Easter when a new one will arrive.  It's interesting work--invigorating and challenging, rewarding and frustrating.  An Intentional Interim these days is a combination Ministry Coach and Church Health Specialist with a large element of Systems Analyst and Resident Sage.  You question everything, change only what is essential, counsel the impatient and rebuke those who believe the only way to be a church is their way.

You are also the church's pastor - its preacher, chief shepherd, leader.  You try to squeeze some of this in while doing all the above, preparing the church for the nest pastor, and coaching those who are in search of that individual that God has chosen.

There are days, far too many when the persistent problems nag at your peace; the attitudes of some about the past become annoying, the reluctance to learn a new way irritating.  And then the awareness that the church will not become all that God desires it to be during your brief tenure becomes simply depressing.

It is those times when you need to refocus what occupies your mind.  You need to see and celebrate where God is healing the church and moving it into new fruitfulness.  You need to rejoice at the life change that continues as new people follow Jesus.  You need to sing out those stories of where Jesus is at work on the mission field under your care.

And then you will have peace -- and influence the people you lead to have peace as they trust and follow God into the future.