EVEN CHRIST CARED FOR SELF
When an interim seeks to educate the church leadership about the care of clergy, it might be valuable to remind them that in the Scriptures we are told that even Jesus knew the importance of caring both for his body and his spirit. When we read the story of Jesus stilling the storm in Mark 4 and parallels, we often focus on the miraculous event of Jesus re-enacting the creation story by stilling the chaos by speaking a word. However, it is important to recall what led up to this event. When the storm arose and the disciples were traumatized with fear, they went to find Jesus and discovered that he was in the boat fast asleep. (Mark 4:38) While this is not the most dramatic part of the story, it does remind us that Jesus did pay attention to the needs of his body even when those about him had needs.
THOSE CALLED ALSO RECEIVE
In several places in the Gospels, we are also reminded that Jesus took time to withdraw from the needs of others to pay attention to the needs of his Spirit. (EG Luke 5:16) and looked for opportunities to encourage his disciples to withdraw as well. (Luke 9:28)
There are also clues indicating that Jesus knew how to receive support from others. Luke 8:3 indicates that there were some women that provided resources for Jesus and his disciples and Luke 10:7 makes clear that those who were involved in proclaiming the word were to expect support from others. As both Luke (10:7) and 1 Timothy (5:17-18) make clear, the laborer deserves to be paid.
EMOTIONAL TRAUMA COMES WITH THE TERRITORY
From the beginning of the biblical story, it is clear that those called by God will face both exhaustion and emotional distress. Moses had to be admonished by his father-in-law that his over-performance was harmful not only to him but to those who worked with him. (Exodus 18:13-23) The story of Elijah’s despair (1 Kings 19:1-10) comes right at the point of a great success. Jesus quotation of Psalm 22 on the cross is a clear example that faithful people have moments of great agony. The truth of ministry is not that we will be protected from the stresses of life but that we have resources to which we need to turn.
THE MUTUALITY OF MINISTRY
All of this is background to enable the interim to work with the church leadership in understanding the mutuality of ministry. While the pastor is called by God, so is the congregation. It is as they work together, caring for each other, and drawing strength and health from each other that the ministry of the church becomes vital. As Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, said to him, so the congregation should say to any pastor who is being worn out by seeking to meet everyone’s needs, “What you are doing is not good. You will surely wear yourself out, both you and these people with you. For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone.” (Exodus 18:17-18) One of the great gifts that an interim can deliver to a congregation in preparation for receiving a new pastor is to help them understand their role in the mutuality of ministry.
I am preparing a booklet drawing on these blogs that seeks to guide the interim in steps to take towards raising the consciousness of the church in that respect.
