I have been to many leadership conferences in my life and have never been able to put into words as to why the materials always were sitting on a shelf months after getting home and not getting used. When I read these words, they rang true in my heart:
“I find [leadership] conferences to be very exciting on one level, but there is something darker that happens as well. Sometimes they leave me feeling competitive toward other churches and what they are accomplishing. I leave the conference feeling dissatisfied with my own situation – my own staff, my own resources, my own gifts and abilities. My ego gets ramped up to do bigger and better things, and then I go home and drive everyone crazy. Three months later, the conference notebook is on a bookshelf somewhere, and I have returned to life as usual with a vague feeling of uneasiness about my effectiveness as a leader, never quite sure if I am measuring up.” Ruth Haley Barton
This can be the same feeling that initially happens in a church pastor and/or youth pastor network. Everyone shows up, talks about the size of the ministry, the camps from summer, and the amazing new program that the newest youth pastor is building. We all leave that first meeting with slight uneasiness if we really fit.
Let me tell you the difference between FP and a leadership conference. FP happens every day, every week, every month, and every year in the same community with each other. The competition will wear off if you stick it out. The ground will level out among you. You will learn each others imperfections and hopefully get to the place where you complement each other in the community rather than try to one up each other. At first, it may feel like a leadership conference and that you need to go start a club. Yes, the actual ministry at the school is important. But, our work is not transactional, it is transformational. Transformational takes time.
So, keep it up! Work through the initial resistance. Walk with those that are willing and love those who aren’t. The road will level out and the path will be filled with joy that only community can bring.
Peace,
Brad Schelling
