Comments on: The Frustrated Pastor …

By: Sam

Sam — Sat, 08 May 2010 04:38:28 +0000

Jim:

Sorry to be so slow in responding to your post. My blog has been inactive recently. However I would be glad to correspond with you about this issue if you would like to contact me directly: sam.metcalf@crmleaders.org

By: Jim Canada

Jim Canada — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 03:27:37 +0000

I am so thankful for this post. I googled “frustrated with church” and found this entry. I couldn’t beleive my eyes as I read the opening paragraph. It’s as though you were talking about my life. I’m 27, two kids, studying religion, full time minister, and very, very frustrated.
I know unequivocally that my life is destined for kingdom work, but I feel like I am spinning my wheels.
I am not really familiar with “Apostolic Ecclesiology” but I would like to learn more.
I spend my time working in ministry, but I still feel like I am sitting on the side lines, as if I’m standing on deck, warming up, but I’m never really in the game.
I don’t want to look back at my life and know I could have done more for the Lord, for more people.

I covet any help you can offer me.

By: Sam

Sam — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 06:52:41 +0000

Richard: Feel free to contact me. —- SM

By: richard ledesma

richard ledesma — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 20:50:29 +0000

wanting to have a conversation—-richard

By: Innes

Innes — Thu, 16 Mar 2006 13:02:25 +0000

Hi Sam

Thanks for this. Know how Eric feels =:-)

I especially likjed you comments about “That’s why a good biblical ecclesiology should punch the delete button on the term “para-church.” There is no such thing, biblically, historically, socioloically or missiologically.” I have been thinking for a while that para-church is a misnomer. You are either church or you aren’t. It fits in with something I am writing for my church at the moment, calling them to step into the apostolic arena which has been left to para church orgs for too long.

“We realised that this divide was a false one. The Church is a group of called out people not meetings, buildings or visions. When a group of CAI people get together, Jesus is in the centre of them (Jesus promised this and didn’t make it conditional on what we were doing at the time) , they are a church. If the Church was really doing its job, then there would be no need for so called “para-church” organisations. They would be recognised as another expression of church.

By: Sam

Sam — Mon, 13 Feb 2006 06:44:06 +0000

Terry:

Thanks for the comment and for visiting.

I don’t doubt that apostolic types can and should stick it out in local church structures but I think there are several dynanics that invariably take place:

1. Those that have the best chance of thriving may have strong pastoral gifting in combination with the apostolic.

2. The common pattern is for the person to stay connected to the church in its local form, but invariably create an apostolic structure or structure alongside or outside which they can access in order for their giftedness to have its full expression. They either attach themselves to something that already exists or they create something new while remaining in a pastoral role.

I think the historical pattern has always proven to be that apostolic giftedness requires apostolic structures if it is going to be fulfilled.

By: Terry Walling

Terry Walling — Mon, 13 Feb 2006 01:14:05 +0000

Hi Sam!
Nice blog. Like both the look and layout. Looks like are buddy Alister is doing good stuff. You probably know I would comment on this article. Just like there are many Eric’s who are frustrated by their situation, there are also apostlic leaders like Rick Paytner who need to pioneer and express their apostolic gifting within the local setting. Be great to hear about when it might be right to stick it out, and when it would be better to jump ship. Just a thought.

By: Sam

Sam — Thu, 09 Feb 2006 06:32:27 +0000

Thanks for your honesty. There are many like you and Eric out there.

Apostolic structures abound and the first hurdle most of us have in finding them – or engaging them – is reconizing their legtimacy as valid expressions of “church.” That’s why a good biblical ecclesiology should punch the delete button on the term “para-church.” There is no such thing, biblically, historically, socioloically or missiologically.

If you’re looking to plug into such an apostolic expression of the body of Christ, I would encourage you to ask three questions in the search:

1. What does this apostolic entity focus on? I.e., what do they do?
2. Who are they? What’s the internal culture like? Values? Your chemistry with them?
3. Is there any type of geographical or particular people group focus?

I’d run toward the apostolic expression where I find compatibility with those three issues.

By: Frustrated Pastor 2

Frustrated Pastor 2 — Tue, 07 Feb 2006 19:19:43 +0000

I appreciate the frustration of this Eric character! I too find myself deeply frustrated, caught between a rock and a hard place. I love God’s church (his community of people), I feel called to give all my time and energy toward the expansion of God’s kingdom in this world, but also find myself killing and being killed by the church. What to do?

I like the idea of apostolic structures. Perhaps someone could begin a network of such apostolic structures that could compliment one another in the process of helping apostolic people find their niche.

Just wondering.