WING WALKERS

Folks came from miles around when the wing walkers brought their show to town. These ultimate risk takers combined aerodynamics and acrobatics to thrill and amaze. Would they soar—or crash?

Today's pastor knows how high expectations can be—and how it feels like stepping onto the wing of a moving biplane to try to meet them:

"No, I didn't leave a message. When I call the church I expect to talk with a person, not a machine."

"Why don't we have a program like that?"

"How can you listen to everyone else's problems all day long, then ignore your own spouse when I need to talk?"

By God's grace, we defy gravity often enough that we can begin to accept unrealistic expectations from our congregations, our families, and ourselves.

Leadership assistant editor Ed Rowell spoke with six pastors to find out how they keep their balance when expectations soar.

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AS PASTOR?

Ted Haggard: I see myself as a coach. A coach is a teacher, an encourager, and a motivator. A coach ...