Pillars are Just Crutches

There is a good article on small group myths that I think hits the nail on the head on why small groups don’t really work.  At the beginning however he gives some reasons why small groups in North America are easier said than done:

1. We have few role models, at least in our own culture.

2. The literature on the subject has promoted the idea without offering practical methods.

3. The American concept of home privacy causes such ministries to develop more slowly here than in some countries.

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I am in the middle of reading another book by Henri Nouwen.  This one is entitled, “The Wounded Healer”.  Although the book has it ups and downs there are some really insightful moments in the book.  In one part, I have never read anyone articulate the need and dangers of formal ministry training so well.  He says:

More training and structure are just as necessary as more bread for the hungry.  But just as bread given without love can bring war instead of peace, professionalism without compassion will turn forgiveness into a gimmick, and the kingdom to come into a blindfold.

Then he goes on to describe exactly what I use to be like:

The man who does not know where he is going or what kind of world he is heading toward, who wonders if bringing forth children in this chaotic world is not an act cruelty rather than love, will often be tempted to become sarcastic or even cynical.  He laughs at his busy friends, but offes nothing in place of their activity.  He protests against many things, but does not know what to witness for.

I have found that the book is quite good at explaining the human condition still, even though it was written over 30 years ago.  Nouwen, to a large degree, manages to look past culture and talk about man.

I would recommend anyone in ministry or thinking about ministry to pick up this book.  If you can make your way past the first chapter the rest is quite insightful.

I just finished a rather powerful book called, In the Name of Jesus by Henri Nouwen.  He shares his insights on leadership that he gained through his move from being a Harvard professor to ministering to mentally handicapped people in Ontario, Canada.  I previously wrote on his section about relevance and now I’ll continue with a look at the next section about popularity.

The second temptation that Nouwen talks about is the temptation to be popular or spectacular.  He talks about how being at Daybreak stripped him of his individuality.  He used to do things alone and could go on his own route, but when he made his transition there was always someone there with him or wondering where he was.  Nouwen comments that we have this feeling that we have to do things solo and that we need to have recognition for the things that we have done.  However, fhis is just the temptation to be popular

.As a remedy to this Nouwen switches tracks to talk about Jesus send his disciples out, not alone, but in pairs.  This works to keep people accountable, as Nouwen notes, “I have found over and over again how hard it is to be truly faithful to Jesus when I am alone” (p.58).  The partner is a vital part of ministry for guidance, accountability and encouragement.

Just earlier I posted about pastors who are using video so they can preach in more than one venue at a time.  I think this is a classic example of not having people in ministry that you can work with.

Nouwen also remarks that confession and forgiveness are the keys to help from falling for the popularity temptation.  I know first hand that confession and forgiveness have had a huge hand in helping curb any temptation and let me know that I will always be in need, not only of the grace and mercy of God, but also of the people around me who are an encouragement and support.

We are left with the realization that ministry cannot be about popularity and any such goal only serves to make a fall that much greater.