Saturday, July 26, 2008

IMMIGRANTS - Pt. Last

Sam Chand and Len Sweet mention immigrants and natives in some of their writings. Here is a final installment - for now - of my conversation about that with you.

Probably as a NATIVE myself, (there, I said it), I was taught that leaders are always in control. As a leader now myself, I have a tendency to be a 'control freak' (there, I said it). I hate the term, but it's a part of most strong leaders' tendencies. Although I don't think I've ever actually admitted to having the need to control or dominate - until now, that is - the need seemed nonetheless real.

As a pastor - whether consciously or sub-consciously - I believed I was the center of the local church universe (there, I said it). I was responsible for keeping everything moving in the right direction - translate 'RIGHT DIRECTION' as MY way of doing things.

I finally realized I didn't need to control every action and outcome. Part of my growth has been learning to trust others - depend on others - empower others. At one point I might have said "ALLOWING OTHERS' to express their giftings, indicating I still held control as the 'permission giver.'

At some point, this native had to deeply evaluate his own feelings about some of the changes that were going on all over:
'It won't be the same around here.'
'I used to know everyone by name.'
'I used to like the music we had. Why do we have to keep adding songs nobody can sing.'
'What's wrong with the way we used to do it?'

And in the final analysis I had to ask myself this final question: 'What am I doing that prevents our ministry from moving forward?' It's a question that a good immigrant would ask.

So -- which are you? IMMIGRANT or NATIVE? Read back starting with Tuesday, July 23rd, if you'd like. But let us know which you are in the poll at left. And remember, NEITHER IS BAD.

And be blessed.


6 comments:

Anonymous said...

PK, as always, I find your candor refreshing. I think as a leader, you must have a bit of a tendency to conrol. We need someone strong to lead us if we are to get anywhere....as long as you are open to other good ideas, should they come about. And I think you definitely are open.

I wrote earlier about having a solid base, but being open to change. The way I tend to look at it is as long as we have the stability that the Lord and His Word brings, then we can spread our wings and fly! As long as we continue to pray and ask His guidance, then the sky's the limit for the Kingdom's sake!

The more people that come to Jesus, the better..and if that means some things change in some ways, then the payoff is worth the cost. Of course, those are the good changes, that are effective...not just any old thing. However, the only way to know for sure that something is a good idea and works, is to TRY it and see. :) Then, if it doesn't work, back to the drawing board.

There is no shame in failure...it is a part of taking risks. Not everything will be a resounding success, but it's ok. God's plans for us are only good. In the end it all will work out for His glory and He won't leave us hanging. It is wonderful to know He is there for us! :)

JCsings4Him said...

Okay...I will admit it, I am a native. I like being a native. I think. Although I DO question things from time to time. And I really do not mind change. That comes from being a Military wife...change happens every three years, on average! :~) I kinda liked it!

I can't help but think that this series actually goes right along with your blog about "Candles". It's all about team work...right?

Thanks for an enlightening few days of blogging...and it was good to talk with Carl about all you wrote. He loved them. I'll let him decide where his personality lies...after all, us natives can't control EVERYTHING! :~)

Darren said...

this has been a great "blog series". very timely, very insightful. thank you for exploring this idea.

PK's BLOG said...

YES - GOOD STUFF HERE. Thanks, Anonymous.

PK's BLOG said...

JC:
No need to apologize for being a native - or feeling you have to 'admit it,' as if you had something contagious. It's all GOOD and it's all GOD. You're right; it takes us all. I just don't want to be the kind of native who throws stones and spears at the immigrants coming in to make homes among us. And I don't think you want to either.

JCsings4Him said...

You are right. No stone throwing...or slinging spears! That would really hurt! :~) I certainly wouldn't want them thrown at ME...

Thanks for your encouragement. It was good to see you...briefly...the other day! Heard you slam-dunked a wedding that afternoon, too! You sure wear a lot of hats!:~)

Maybe we'll see you on Saturday.