"The question left for us is, 'Do we direct the attention of those we serve to the Source or do we sometimes, in exasperation, use the "tricks" of skills and strategies to accomplish heaven’s work?' Paul resisted these urges, clinging nakedly to divine promise, 'so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.' Leading means trusting."
The whole idea of Moses striking the rock a second time as a “shepherd’s trick� is completely new to me. It made sense, but it is new.
I don’t know how many “tricks� I have up my sleeve, but I do know that it is tempting, at times, to look back at old sermons, not just during emergencies, but because it would be easier. Or the old "Why don't you call my assistant on Tuesday" strategy for avoiding tough conversations on Sunday.
Given the constant pressure from within and without "to grow the church," there is always the temptation to substitute "growth strategies" and "five ways to increase attendance" promises for faithfulness to the the means of grace, reliance upon the Holy Spirit or the humility to acknowledge that it's not about me.
ShepherdLeader.com
A safe place for shepherds to reflect together.