I am on the cusp of 70 and have humbly served for decades, though I have no desire to still be sitting at the leadership table when I'm 80. But that's how things are looking. Out in the world, there's no shortage of people who aspire to claw their way up in their chosen field. But in the church, it is so hard to get people to step up.
In the Navy, we give 20-year-old sailors the training, responsibility and keys to operate multi-million dollar pieces of equipment. With that trust, they strengthen and protect the country. In the church, it takes a similar investment: mentoring and discipleship. And there are no shortcuts. We need to ask the Holy Spirit to inspire people to aspire to positions of responsibility in the Church.
Absolutely, great thoughts. The Navy idea is key - they don't get to do everything when they enlist, but the longer they're around, the more responsibility they can be given. Churches seem to want guys to sit on the bench until 60 and then suddenly spring into action as leadership. We need a better pathway.
If not a military analogy, how about the trades? I thought about how people in the electrical, carpentry and other professions learn the basics, expand their knowledge and skills, and then move up to more complex work. And I see that the trade levels can correspond to my church's mission statement:
Apprentice - - Connect With God
Journeyman - - Connect With Others
Master - - Connect Others With God
Could the trades model be used to help marginally-involved men and women to step it up? Like, who wouldn't want to be a Master Craftsman?
Very well said! This is exactly why I have started my Substack. I am currently talking on the idea of leadership. I hope to call others to be better and grow as leaders. Hopefully some of those are men who will strive to be an elder in the church.
Wow… Great article! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Thanks!
I am on the cusp of 70 and have humbly served for decades, though I have no desire to still be sitting at the leadership table when I'm 80. But that's how things are looking. Out in the world, there's no shortage of people who aspire to claw their way up in their chosen field. But in the church, it is so hard to get people to step up.
In the Navy, we give 20-year-old sailors the training, responsibility and keys to operate multi-million dollar pieces of equipment. With that trust, they strengthen and protect the country. In the church, it takes a similar investment: mentoring and discipleship. And there are no shortcuts. We need to ask the Holy Spirit to inspire people to aspire to positions of responsibility in the Church.
Absolutely, great thoughts. The Navy idea is key - they don't get to do everything when they enlist, but the longer they're around, the more responsibility they can be given. Churches seem to want guys to sit on the bench until 60 and then suddenly spring into action as leadership. We need a better pathway.
If not a military analogy, how about the trades? I thought about how people in the electrical, carpentry and other professions learn the basics, expand their knowledge and skills, and then move up to more complex work. And I see that the trade levels can correspond to my church's mission statement:
Apprentice - - Connect With God
Journeyman - - Connect With Others
Master - - Connect Others With God
Could the trades model be used to help marginally-involved men and women to step it up? Like, who wouldn't want to be a Master Craftsman?
I like that a lot, too. And some won't make it all the way up the ladder, but just like the 1, 2, and 5 talent men, everybody can give at their level.
Very well said! This is exactly why I have started my Substack. I am currently talking on the idea of leadership. I hope to call others to be better and grow as leaders. Hopefully some of those are men who will strive to be an elder in the church.
We can always use more of that - I'll check it out!
Awesome! Thank you!
Jack, your choice of words is excellent and so easily understood. I wish everyone could read this article.
Thank you!
It’s so ironic how the Bible commends aspiration, and leaders today are selected based on hesitancy.
Surely that won't have any negative consequences, right???
I can’t think of any!