A few years ago, a retired Mennonite minister couple reminded me that many aspects of Christian ministry stand in paradox of one another. For every beginning, there is an ending. For every door, there is a wall. For every hello, there is a goodbye. For each sunrise, there is a sunset.
Every morning also has an evening.
Some pastors have trained themselves to believe that having the last word or being in control is the mark of effective leadership. The pastor who leads his or her church like an army general is astonished when the troops fail to show up or get on board. Strong leadership isn t strongarming, but includes qualities such as trust, respect, community, and laughter. The issues you most want to push cannot be pushed at all. A leader cannot control what happens in people s lives.