Misconceptions About Ministry: The Platform & Picnic Mentality
Image Courtesy of: http://www.sxc.hu/profile/madmaven
[This is part of the Misconceptions About Ministry Series]
It almost sounds silly now, but I used to think that being a pastor (or being in ministry) was two-fold: the platform and the picnic. Let me explain. I honestly believed that most of what a pastor did was communicate from the platform (i.e. deliver a sermon). And then, I knew that the word “fellowship” was a pretty big deal and that the pastor tended to facilitate that. As I have thought about life in ministry and the things I used to believe about this whole thing, I began to wonder, where did I get these ideas?
Where it all began…
Then I realized that it all stemmed from one of the first pastors I had. This guy was an incredibly supportive and honest guy, I am so glad that I was able to sit under his leadership for a season. Well, as a young kid, I only interacted him in two environments. And you probably guessed it, in the church (I was in a pew and he was on the platform) and occasionally at picnics.
This isn’t a bad thing. And it is certainly not his fault. But when I felt God tugging my heart and really calling me to full-time ministry at the ripe (and very awkward) age of 11, I thought, I like speaking and I can get used to this picnic thing. But of course, I was wrong…
Those two things are very important parts of ministry (delivering the Word and being in relationship with those you lead, essentially) but after being on staff at Family Life Church for two years and being involved in Chi Alpha since I was a freshman in college, I would have to say those activities feel like they are only 20% of the pie.
My friend Justin Adams once said this about youth ministry (but I think it applies here too):
It is really about two things: moving chairs and putting out fires.
And although it is a bit of hyperbole, it is true. There are a lot of administrative tasks in ministry (especially as a missionary) and then, there is this idea of conflict which can run through families, staffs, volunteers and church attenders.
What Now?
I think it would have been helpful for me to ask more questions about what a pastor does and what ministry looks like pragmatically – but I have enjoyed the journey. And I am trying to be like Brother Lawrence, in that, if I am making copies or picking up coffee, I am doing it with a heart dedicated to God.
Am I the only one that had misconceptions about what being in ministry looked like? I would love to hear your thoughts!
I think my primary ministry misconception was that everyone had not grown up knowing every in and out of ministry…
So you were an insider that thought that most people were not insiders, is that correct?
How has that shaped or changed the way you do ministry?
I meant the misconception was that I thought everyone else should realize all the things that I already knew from my experiences… It took me a while (and still does sometimes) to realize that some people might not realize things I think of as obvious, and that less experienced people can have great ideas or do great things, even if they are different from how I would have done it.
I think it is a great reminder to me as well, it can be so easy at times to apply my experience to others. And of course, that would (and does) shape a lot of my decisions as a leader and follower.
Thanks for your thoughts and joining the community here on the blog!
I spend most of my time visioncasting, preparing messages to deliver at conferences, reading fan mail, and promoting my newest book: I’m Full of It – And You Can Too!
Seriously, there are a lot of days I feel like I’m the Pastor of E-mail.
So Will, I cannot tell if you are being sarcastic or that you do actually have a book coming out…
Although with your job, I am sure you are the Pastor of e-mail!
LOL, I’m definitely being sarcastic. I do a bit of visioncasting, but no one asks me to speak at conferences and I have no book
Unfortunately, the Pastor of E-mail part is far less sarcastic.
From my little experience as a youth pastor back in the day, I found there to be an ongoing Martha vs Mary battle between admin & getting in God’s presence. As you mentioned, Brother Lawrence solved this by keeping himself aware of God’s presence during all of his daily duties. I think that can be applied to all Christians, ministers or otherwise. Even though it requires some serious personal discipline, if you really are “with” God all day, I can’t imagine a more fulfilled life.
I thought it was so interesting that you wrote, “From my little experience as a youth pastor…” as that is the only role I knew you in. That is a sidebar, I guess.
And I think I would say that the Martha vs. Mary battle continues in how we equip students (or people, in general) for ministry. Do we train them to do admin tasks or do we teach them how to get in the presence of God and also lead others in that regard…