I heard an interesting term a few weeks ago -- "Ministry Pornography." Four members of our Ministry Team attended the Refuel Conference at Thomas Road Baptist Church and during one of the messages, Ed Stetzer, VP of Research and Ministry Development for LifeWay Christian Resources, used that term. He defined "Ministry Pornography" as pastors lusting after ministries that they will never have, nor lead.
Sadly, Ed was right. As young (and older) pastors look at the mega-churches in America, there is a desire to have a church like it. There becomes a dissatisfaction with the place to which God has called, and there is a desire to have something supposedly bigger and better. Ministry pornography can have the same devastating effects as real pornography -- the pastor starts lusting after a larger ministry, and he loses sight of the beautiful work that God has already given him.
The cure for ministry pornography is appreciation for the work God has given you; devotion to your congregation, and the realization that size doesn't matter in the work of the Lord. Some of the most faithful ministers I know are serving in small churches. So pastors, stop lusting for a larger work, and keep laying up treasures in heaven as you faithfully serve the people and work that God has entrusted to you!
1 comment:
hello! nice description of the problem. indeed, size doesn't matter and a church should not be bigger inside but rather outside (reaching out). though there may be dangers for this, the 'cure' is very important to remember. thanks for this! God bless us.
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