Wing Walkers
January 1, 1996
WING WALKERS
Folks came from miles around when the wing walkers brought their show to town. These ultimate risk takers combined aerodynamics and acrobatics to thrill and amaze. Would they soar—or crash? Today's pastor knows how high expectations can be—and how it feels like stepping onto the wing of a moving biplane to try to meet them: "No, I didn't leave a message. When I call the church I expect to talk with a person, not a machine." "Why don't we have a program like that?" "How can you listen to everyone else's problems all day long, then ignore your own spouse when I need to talk?" By God's grace, we defy gravity often enough that we can begin to accept unrealistic expectations from our congregations, our families, and ourselves. Leadership assistant editor Ed Rowell spoke with six pastors to find out how they keep their balance when expectations soar. WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AS PASTOR?
Ted Haggard: I see myself as a coach. A coach is a teacher, an encourager, and a motivator. A coach has to discipline people and at the same time keep them on the team. Most coaches are athletes who have just gotten older and wiser. That's a pretty good description of what a pastor should be. I do not see my role as a shepherd. Maynard Mathewson: I'm a shepherd of God's flock. As the single-staff shepherd of a rural, western church, I do a little bit of everything! But mostly, I spend time with people. We have outfitters and guides in our church, and I spend time with them. We have ranchers, and I've ridden with them in the high country, checking cattle. We've got carpenters and builders, and I've spent time with them. You have to do these things if you're going to relate God's Word to their needs. John Macarthur: I teach the Bible and preach ...
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