In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David. In his twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of high places, Asherah poles and idols. 2 Chronicles 34:3 (Emphasis mine.)
I read this verse this morning and it spoke to me. I’m sure I’ve read it dozens of times, but today a new thought occurred to me while reading. Josiah was a king. Granted he was only 8 years old when he became king, which made him only 16 when he began seeking God, but it took him four years before that seeking turned into obedience.
One thing I’ve learned in planting churches, where we have attracted many hurting, lost, broken people, is that it takes time with people before they respond to the call of God upon their life. I can’t expect them to really start obeying God until they really get to know God.
The more they know Him the more they will want to obey Him.
I’m thankful God still speaks to me through His Word.
Here’s a reminder to those in church leadership…be patient with the people to whom God is sending you. It may take longer than you expect…or hope…before you start to see the results of your leadership. Keep in mind…He is the Potter…We are only the clay…
Have you seen this as true? Do you ever lose patience with people before they get to the obedience part of their walk?
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Great post! These last few months I've been asking almost the same question: How patient do I be with those in Leadership? For me I strive to be a good leader, and when I see a lack of leadership it frustrates me. But I believe there are periods where we must submit. The question I have for you Ron, is when do you know when to walk away.
(I'm actually pass this and moving on but still would like to know
James, I wrote a post about knowing when to quit: https://ronedmondson.com/2008/10/8-ways-to-kno… Does this answer your question? Could there be another post here? Describe your setting…email if you need to ron.edmondson@gmail.com
I think the best thing a pastor can do, from a lay person's point of view, is show that you genuinely care about the people you are talking to. Any time you start getting defensive and it becomes more about "the ministry" than ministering…you potentially hurt the person who needs your help for life. I know it sucks to have to grab someone's hand and walk with them through convoluted hurt…but speaking as someone who is still flushing through hurt and pain (from church leaders), it makes a world of difference when you really tell me you care about me. All the pastors who took it personally or could not see past my immaturity and youth never really reached me; the pastor I have now took interest in me and sees past all that to someone who really desires (though reluctantly and questioning) to follow God's call. Have patience, don't write people off, and show you care. Thanks, thought that I would share.
Thanks. This is helpful.
thanks for this post. been thinking about this a lot this weekend. enjoy reading your posts as often as I can.
Thanks. Hope you come back to read many times.