The Supernatural Summer 1991

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A pastor's ministry is shaped by a number of factors, including the history and personality of the church served, the texture of the community, and the pressing needs of people. Add to that the age of the minister. That's the point in this article, a chapter from Mastering the Pastoral Role, co-authored by Paul Cedar, Kent Hughes, and Ben Patterson. The book is the latest in the Mastering Ministry series co-published by LEADERSHIP and Multnomah Press.

Our youth pastor, Dennis, came to me recently. "I want to rappel off the church," he said, "off the fourth story!" It was to be a scene for a youth video he was making, he explained.

I could have easily said no. First, it was dangerous. (I like to give my staff room to fail, but this gave a whole new meaning to the idea.) Furthermore, people could justifiably criticize me for allowing such crazy activities. But I decided the risk was worth it. Dennis is a creative guy. He relates well to the kids, and his idea was culturally hot. In addition, he was young and capable of the feat.

"Just check with the custodian," I said, "to make sure the rope won't come loose and the building won't be damaged."

So he did it. With a Santa Claus hat on his head, he backed off the rook of our four-story building and rappelled to the ground. The video was outrageous, and the kids loved it.

Rappelling off buildings, however, would not exactly impress the main people I minister to. That's how it should be. The young minister and the seasoned pastor are, in some ways, worlds apart in their view of the church and practice of ministry-and that's okay. Each faces unique frustrations and temptations, and each has unique opportunities to minister effectively to God's people.

I see my own ministry as falling ...

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