One of the mission pastors in the Lifechurch.tv network has a post on Swerve today which I think is really important to remember.
If a group is struggling I always ask the leader what fueled their desire to lead in the beginning. In nearly every case, the leader discovered that the group had strayed from its original purpose for beginning, which was the leader’s source of passion. As leaders we have to stay connected to our passion point. Drift from it and the people you lead will shrivel up and eventually leave. But, if you stay connected to it and lead with passion, you will draw people who will follow you with the same level of intensity. In the immortal words of John Wesley, “When you set yourself on fire, people love to come and see you burn.â€
Our passion is the first thing we cannot compromise. But here is the problem: what is it that we are truly passionate about? I believe there are two kinds of passion, and one of them is not good. And, unfortunately, even people who are leaders in the church can get caught up in this passion and it will destroy them.
It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God;” 1 Thess. 4:3-5
This, certainly is a kind of passion that many people are involved in. Lust will destroy you, and uncontrolled, unconfessed lust will destroy your ministry. If you are a church leader dealing with this, get help! Many other places throughout the New Testament, Paul talks about getting rid of worldly desires and passions.
Now, the second kind of passion is the kind Jesus had. It was a burning desire to see people come to know Him and to live for Him. It was with power and authority that He taught to the people. Even after His resurrection, He was passionate:
After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.” Acts 1:3 (emphasis added)
So, Jesus’ passion is what we need, and it is a passion that should not be compromised. But now, here’s where I would love some feedback. What happens when you burn out? What happens when you pour so much passion into a ministry that you just can’t take it anymore? How do you keep this from happening? I have some thoughts…but I’d love to hear yours.
