Family.

A while ago, there was some internet chatter about a Perry Noble (local megachurch pastor) quote in which he describes why he refuses to do any hospital visitation. At the time, it really bothered me. I guess it still sort of does. You have this successful man of God who is supposed to be shepherding his flock but refuses to spend time with them when they are at their neediest.
And yet today I was really challenged to rethink my hang-ups with this particular Perry Noble quote. Now I'm not going to say that I agree with everything this guy does or even the way that he does it. But on the way up to my parent's house, Jeff and I listened to an incredibly eye-opening sermon by Mark Driscoll about ministry marriages. (You can find this sermon by searching for "Mark Driscoll ministry marriages" on iTunes. Sorry I couldn't find a direct link.But everyone should listen, particularly those who are in ministry.) He did a lot of research about several evangelical "saints" who had incredible ministries but at great cost to their families. This list included people like John Wesley, Hudson Taylor, A.W. Tozer, David Livingston.

The neglect and indifference to which they subjected their families was heart-breaking. And very clearly represented misunderstanding God's commands for fathers and husbands. They really made "ministry" an idol to which they sacrificed their families. I do not know what Mr. Noble's life is like. I can imagine, though, that managing such a large church is a huge time committment. (I will admit that I still have a problem with someone's decision to continue to grow a church to such an enormous size instead of trying to plant more smaller churches. And the whole multi-site church thing perplexes me. But those are discussions for another day.)

He is right about one thing: that his primary responsibility is to his family. He is a husband and father before he is a pastor. And that is good.

Comments

Christy said…
I, too, have struggled with the multi-site model. But I've so enjoyed hearing Mark Driscoll and James MacDonald discuss it and debate it with Mark Dever. There are several great videos out there concerning multi-site. Oh, I also enjoy hearing Matt Chandler discuss his journey to end up multi-site. Makes me really respect their purpose behind it.
10:06 PM
Fred said…
I am finishing up the History of Mission course at SWU. Two names you could add to that list are Bob Pierce founder of World Vision and Alexander Duff, missionary to India. Perhaps the practice of celibacy in the Catholic Church has some merit.
12:49 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Giveaway

Image
I've been watching in amazement for a few days as the links over here keep growing and growing with people who are hosting giveaways. The last time around I didn't participate, but now that things are slightly more settled in my somewhat crazy but wonderful job I thought I'd make an offering. The softies I make don't quite compare to amazing things you might see here or here , but I still think they are pretty cute. All those who leave comments will be entered to win the homemade softie of their choice, either an owl : (You can pick the colors you'd like, from a list of colors I have.) Or a penguin : Who will come with sunglasses, goggles, and a winter hat. (Because every good penguin should be prepared.) You can also pick (from a limited list) colors for the penguin's hat and glasses. I'll hold the drawing on Monday, since I'll be on call on Sunday, and the post the winner on Tuesday. Feel free to leave in your comment any favorite crafty blogs - ...
Read more

I am an awesome mom.

I won a new prize in the awesome mom category today. I have for some time been adding up points for all the ways that I am a good mom. Cut his tiny hand on his fourth day of life when I was cutting off the hospital band: check (He still has the scar!) Found rocks from our fireplace in his mouth: check Set down a knife on the table within his reach: check Turned around and found him holding said knife: double check Found leaves in his mouth: check, check and check Found him holding my razor, which I set down on the tub while he was in the bathroom: check Today, though, I set a new record. I locked Judah in the car. With all the windows up. See? Awesome mom, right here. It was a total fluke thing where I was tossing the keys onto the front seat as I was getting out and about to get Judah out. As I closed my door, the keys fell off the seat and into the shutting door, which closed on the lock button on our remote. And just like that, in a split second, Judah was locked in. ...
Read more

Final Picture Catch-up.

Image
First, about 8 weeks ago, we saw this.... Then this: A little bit later there was this: And this: And Last week it was this: I'm now 13 weeks along, due in late March. We feel incredibly blessed, and of course, are very, very excited. (Working at a doctor's office and knowing how to do ultrasounds definitely comes in handy when you want to see your baby... And yes, I have been doing my own ultrasounds. It's a bit awkward, but I'm getting better.)
Read more