As pastors, recommitment and growth are our business. Paul wrote in Ephesians that God gave “some to be pastors and teachers” so that “speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ” (4:11, 15). The articles in this section candidly address obstacles to recommitment and growth—in two categories:
Personal. As one pastor put it, “How do you deal with yourself, when you suddenly say within, I quit, and yet must keep going as a public leader?”
There’s help for the battle weary in Tour of Duty, a profile of Stu Weber by Leadership associate editor David Goetz. During his Vietnam years, Army Ranger Weber made a 25-year commitment to serve “God’s family,” the local church. Having completed that vow, he talks honestly about why he is re-enlisting in ministry.
Sometimes, to grow we must leave behind old patterns. Donald Shoff explains “Why I Threw Out My Old Sermons” in the special collection Stronger in the Second Half. Popular contributor Fred Smith tells secrets of personal development in Training to Reach the Top.
Congregational. If you are growing, how can you help your people to grow as well? That’s not easy when the congregation has seen better days. Bob Moeller gives hard-won wisdom in Saving a Sinking Ship. For many churches, adds Chip Arn, growth can be aided by a second service: One Lord, One Faith, Two Services. Well-known author Philip Yancey closes the section with his moving tale of Taking My Stand with the Church.
—The Editors
1996 Christianity Today/LEADERSHIP Journal
