Monday, May 9, 2011
Finding the Serendipities
Pastor Eclov defines serendipity as “an apparent aptitude for making fortunate discoveries accidentally.” The importance of this, Pastor Eclov writes, is that “Pastors have an inside track on serendipities. It might look like we make fortunate ministry discoveries accidentally, but the fact is, Someone is sending us signals.” There are some ministries that begin out of careful planning, but God also has a way of setting a church up for a ministry, which often is a special delight for a congregation. Pastors are usually better situated to see the serendipities than anyone else. Pastor Eclov gives six reasons for this. First, the people share their ministry ideas and burdens with the pastor. Second, the pastor knows more people than most. Third, the pastor knows the ropes. They know what community would have to sign off on the plan, how to find some funding, and what policies might have to be considered. Fourth, the pastor knows how to put the word out at a board meeting or a prayer gathering. Fifth, the pastor knows the church’s bent. Every church has unique qualities, and the pastor usually understands these inclinations. Fifth, the pastor is equipped to help people seek God through this dream. They can pray with them, teach people how to trust God. Not every idea is serendipity in the works. The serendipity is in seeing several elements connect at just the right time. The “divine coincidence.” Then the church leader’s response should be “Let’s be the church that says, ‘Yes!’”
Pastor Lee Eclov is pastor of Village Church of Lincolnshire, Illinois
www.christianitytoday.com
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ReplyDeleteIt seems that a key aspect of what Eclov calls “serendipities” is that leaders must have discernment as to the needs of those under their leadership and where God is at work in the midst of it all. Just as doctors must be aware of the nature of diseases and the needs of their patients, a pastor must also be aware of the needs of the flock and their many struggles. As St. John Chrysostom asks concerning priests and their care over the Church: “How can they keep it spotless and sound, unless they possess superhuman wisdom and fully understand the treatment suitable for the soul?” The point of this rhetorical question is to say that leaders must be engaged with their people and be experienced in the battle against sin. Also, pastors need “superhuman wisdom” that parallels their own understanding. This is God’s grace, the “divine coincidence,” that often pierces into our planning and ministries and helps to provide a new direction for God’s people. I wonder what ministry would look like if these divine bouts of grace were less the coincidence, and more the norm. If we listened and paid attention to the Lord, I am sure we would be surprised at what we’d find.
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