I just want to get something out in the open. I don’t want James‘ job. Seriously. I would not want to be the lead pastor of LifePoint. It’s not that you people aren’t great (well, some of you anyways :P), it’s just that I’m not wired that way. The final thing that you should know about not being the primary communicator is that it’s not just a stepping stone towards being a “Lead Pastor”. If you are familiar with denominations or have a long church history, then you know what I’m talking about. Let’s take Joe for example.

Joe wants to be a “Senior Pastor” someday. So, what does Joe do? Obviously he becomes a Children’s Pastor. Then, after he’s “paid his dues” he moves on up to being Youth Pastor. After that, once he really gets noticed, he becomes College Pastor. (Please note: this sequence is much easier to carry out if you are the senior pastor’s kid) Next, he becomes the Assistant Pastor. He’s just one breath away from “the man”. Yep, just waiting for the Senior Pastor to commit adultery or die. A lot like being the Vice President, only with more responsibility. What’s the problem with this model? Well, nothing I guess, but if Joe isn’t called to be a Youth Pastor, then why is he doing it? What makes being a Youth Pastor or Children’s Pastor any less of a calling than being the Lead Pastor?

One word: Perception. So many people view being Assistant Pastor or Executive Pastor or any kind of “behind-the-scenes” leadership as “paying your dues” until you are ready to lead a church of your own. Well, not here at LifePoint. I’ve not been called to be “Lead Pastor”. And I don’t want to be. Life is too short to be worried about other people taking your job, both in the secular world and in the church. Now, at some point in the future God may change his mind, but I doubt it.

So, if God has called you to “behind-the-scenes” leadership, then be the best leader you can be. And don’t be discouraged if people ask you “When are you going to get your own church?” I get that all the time. Your Senior Pastor needs to know that he can count on you to have his back. He won’t be able to rest if he thinks you’re trying to get his job. After all, wouldn’t you worry if someone much more handsome, witty and intelligent were trying to take over? Just kidding James, you know I love ya. :)