Uncontrollable Damage
Theme of the Week: Dependent but Confident
Erwin McManus
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: Obey your spiritual leaders and do what they say Hebrews 13:17. Bonus Reading: Heb. 13:17
The early Sunday morning phone call began with, "Pastor, we have a problem." It was Rick Yamamoto about the first annual leadership retreat I'd just lead as Mosaic's new pastor.
The guidelines clearly stated that any leader who didn't attend would be released from his position. Unaware that this policy had never been upheld, and assuming that everyone was there, I'd casually referred to it. Rick hadn't been at the meeting, he now told me. His wife, who had been, had informed him he was no longer an elder.
"Rick," I said, moving toward damage control, "I'm sure you had a good reason for not being there."
"No, I just chose not to come."
"Was there a family issue?" I countered, "… a work-related issue?"
"No, I went to a ball game instead."
I wanted to scream and tell him, "Work with me, man!" but it was no use. I accepted his resignation over the phone.
He asked what he could do to make amends for his error in judgment. He was willing to watch all the tapes and insisted on going before the congregation and asking for forgiveness. From Rick's perspective, he'd dishonored my leadership and hadn't lived up to his commitments. [continued 1/10]
—Erwin McManus in Uprising
My Response: What activity have I foregone to avoid tripping up a friend?
Thought to Apply: The church isn't made up of spiritual giants; only broken men can lead others to the Cross.—David Bosch (South African missiologist)
Adapted from Uprising (Word, 2003) by permission.
Copyright © 2008 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity. 1 of 1
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Lord, combine in my life self-effacing humility and quiet confidence in your power.
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