church leadership

Thursday after our music practice, I spent about an hour and a half with one of our Shepherds. I was able to share some concerns and questions I've had about my role at the church. He listened, conversed, and we prayed together. He is my friend, mentor, and fellow journeyman. I left that meeting feeling heard, confident and mostly, blessed. From both my personal experiences and what a lot of my full-time ministry friends tell me, having that sort of relationship with your shepherds is the exception, not the rule. I am truly thankful to God for bringing me to a place where I can experience that sort of leadership. I'm still getting to know these guys, but am excited and confident that they will always seek HIS kingdom and not be afraid to make the tough calls, even if it's not always popular. Would I always handle every situation the way they do? No, but when push comes to shove, I'll follow their lead. They are living testimonies to what the word "shepherd" is.

So those of you who are thinking, "yeah, that's the way church leadership is", be thankful that you are part of a body of Christ that works that way. But for those who are wishing they had a church leadership that made them feel welcome and appreciated, empowered the people to do real ministry, was open to new ideas and always bathed decisions in prayer, I encourage you to not give up. Pray with and for your shepherds. And for any of you reading who may not have a home church for whatever reason, know that there are men and women who are being led by the Holy Spirit, who put others' needs above their own agendas, care more about your family than your finances, and want to genuinely see you fall more in love with Jesus than with church. They're out there! Are they perfect? Far from it (and if they will admit that to you, most likely you're looking at the right church) So don't give up. I'll pray that you find that home, and you ask God to show it to you.