Bloom Where You Are Planted

A couple months ago, I was thinking about you while watching a myriad of television pastors. I really was not copping out, but I was speaking at an event and the room they gave Beverley and me had Direct TV (whatever that is) and I could get preachers from everywhere.

So, I "clicked around" and was treated to a smorgasbord of theologies, styles, gimmicks and propositions. I watched it all — from the most liberal to the highly conservative. As I surfed around, I was reminded of two scriptures. Both came from the pen of Paul in his letter to the church in Corinth: "God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe" (1 Cor. 1:21) and "I make myself a slave to everyone to win as many as possible" (1 Cor. 9:19).

In other words, God uses a wide variety of clergy to see His will fulfilled.

But do you know what thought really caught my attention? Most of you will never have a radio or television ministry. You will never become well-known outside of your circle of influence. But, it is within that circle of influence that God allows you great authority and opportunity.

In our book, The Heart of a Great Pastor, Neil Wiseman and I called it the opportunity to "bloom where you are planted." In other words, no one else can do what you do or serve where you serve. You are uniquely in the right spot to bring glory to God.

So, when your people comment on something one of the "big names" has said, or say to you "Why don't you do it the way they do it?" don't get upset. Just know in your heart that God has you where He wants you and, because of that, God expects a harvest of love and compassion for those you serve.

Oh, and by the way, the TV "guys and gals" — they do not make your hospital calls for you, do they? Or preach the funerals, or marry the young couples, or sit with lonely folks in the nursing homes, do they? Or get up at 4 a.m. to deal with a domestic situation? No, and do you know why? Because they do not pastor your people — you do. They may address your people, but they are not "on call."

So, my colleagues, bloom where you are planted!! You and God can do great things right where you are without a television program. He is doing great things.

If you ever need us, call our toll-free Pastoral Care Line at (877) 233-4455, or write us at pastors@family.org. Be sure to also visit us at our Web site at www.parsonage.org. We are here because you are there. 

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