Today I had the honor of joining a group of city leaders for breakfast and prayer. The group was brought together by Bob Collins the senior pastor at World Outreach Center in the northern part of town. Bob has pastored their for 34 years. I was struck by many things as I sat around the table with him.
First, he is happy. Too many of my friends in ministry are not happy.
Second, he is still in love with Jesus. He isn't cynical, disillusioned, or sarcastic. He has seen failure and success and he just loves Jesus, people, and the church.
Third, he is stable. Some of that stability comes from being around so long. Maybe that is what we are missing these days. Where are the people that have long tenure in leadership. I know the Church is missing something with the lack of tenure we see in pastoral leadership. Consumerism in religion, like in business, has caused us to be driven more by trend than by tenure. It might boost creativity but at the cost of stability.
I sat there and enjoyed just being with him - having someone to look up to - someone to respect. I found a need within me to have wise, passionate, selfless elders around me. I hope to spend more time with him.
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