J.R. Briggs
Attempting to behold the miracle long enough without falling asleep
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Distractions in the cockpit. And the pulpit.
The last few weeks we’ve all read about the Northwest pilots who overshot the Minneapolis airport by over 100 miles. It seems that laptops and heated arguments were the “distractions” that led to the gaffe that’s attracted international media attention. But their licenses have been revoked and their careers have received a black eye. It seems that distractions can go beyond just laptops in the cockpit.I know that by now this seems like old news. But I just can’t shake a question that has been rolling around in my head since I first heard about this piece of news: what are the seemingly innocent distractions for pastors that ultimately contribute to missing the mission of God through the expression(s) of the local church?
Bad theology?
Busyness?
Stress?
Personality?
An inaccurate understanding of our identity?
Unhealthy expectations placed upon us by others – or by us?
Lack of energy?
Lack of training?
Lack of courage?
Twitter?
Facebook?
Blogging?
The simple fact that there seems to be too much to do?
Pastors: How would you answer that question: What are those seemingly innocent distractions that get in the way of ministry?
I’d love to hear from you.
Eric Couch said...
1I would have to say that my computer, facebook, and occasionally boredom. The problem is, I use my computer and facebook to post announcements, chat with teens, and other ministerial things. Many of the administration things that I do, I use the computer. There are some weeks where there is too much to do and sometimes it can be motivation.
11/9/09 11:33 AM | Comment Link
Bob Thompson said...
2Preoccupation with the mundane. Not being focused, but letting all the little things around us suck the time out of the things that matter.
11/12/09 4:02 PM | Comment Link
J.R. Briggs said...
3Bob –
Like what?
What are “all the little things”?
Be specific.
11/12/09 6:59 PM | Comment Link
Bob Thompson said...
4Those little distractions that add up?
Reading emails, and articles on the net that really aren’t important / relevant. You go to a blog site for example and notice a link just as you are about to move on, but you decide to hit that link anyway. And once at that link, you see another one, and another one. Before long an hour has been wasted. Just because you land on a site, doesn’t make it worth reading.
Someone emails you an article. You feel obligated to read it because they took the time to send it – and they may expect a reply. So you read it, then reply, then think of a similar article and search for it, find it, re-read it to make sure it is OK, and send it to you friend, and on and on.
With all the links that come up on Twitter, a whole day could be wasted in five to 10 minute increments!
11/13/09 8:44 AM | Comment Link