I have blogged in the past on language we use to express our
thanks to those under our leadership for the roles they fill, tasks they
undertake and success they achieve. I have been struck again as to the subtle
way in which leaders chose to thank people for what they do rather than the
people they are. I maybe covering old ground but it has brought back into
focus the need for me to be conscious of my language and whether my thanks is
given on a results basis rather than as a way of developing and loving
individuals I love and lead.
I can confess that I have been guilty myself of being driven
to place more significance on the amount, types and effectiveness of my
ministry above the one for whom I engage in it to start with. As a result I
know that I have put large amounts of energy into doing rather than developing
the person within. In my time at Leicester I even put it ahead of other
elements of my life such as friends and family. I have learnt but still
learning what it means to have a fulfilling ministry without compromising my
humility and drive to serve God.
By putting so much emphasis on what we do, the amount we do
and the success of it we are actually creation a subtlety but significantly
creating a culture of guilt and pride. We are slowly reinforcing in our
churches and denominations that if we work harder, do more we will see the
blessings of God on what we do. This is a lie. We may see fruit but at what
cost. At Leicester, I put unnecessary strain and demand on my marriage because
of my desire to do more (this is in its self a sin against God’s community). I
wanted peoples praise and to feel my ministry was worth something and that the
church could not function without me. It has taken me a while to confess and
deal with that realisation that even God still functions without my input and
effort.
Matt
