Is proffesionalism relpacing compassion in christian ministry?
Is it posible that we folks in ministry can become soo proffesional that we lack compassion?
I'm not thinking here of a super spiritual compassion, but a simple humane one!
Maybe we see all answers to problems in a theoligical setting? Maybe we cant move beyond our dogmas into a world of copassionate reality?
Our colleges/seminaries, teach us to be good theologians, teachers, organisers...but compassion isnt something that can be taught!
Jesus compassion comes to us in humane form, as a man He walked amoung us, wept with us, suffered our sufferings, and ultimatly edured agony for us on the cross!
Also, are we soo concerned about our own selfs appearing kinda perfect, instead of letting our own imperfections, humanity, be seen?
The only perfection I communicate to people is the Lords! I have no humane perfection, I have trials, moods, tears, stresses, and physical suffering, and yes share the fears that humanity has!
I am well taught in theology, missions, as are my many ministry friends throughout this world.
Although Jesus does speak theology, He is more noted for His compassion and love in the gospels. Is it the case, that we in ministry are more noted for our theology, teaching, ministry, abilaties, than possibly for our compassion?
I think when I was more theologicaly minded this question didnt enter my thinking, after all, all was right with my world, and theology had all the answers! But personal sorrow, pain, hardship, and my own awarness that I need the compassion of others, has shown to me, my past, and many at present in ministries failure!
Today I sit more besides people as a fellow humane being than some evangelical guru with all the answers in some book somewhere! I share their humanity, their suffering, as I am as they are!
Dont get me wrong, in no way have I deserted the gospels neccesity for salvation of souls, and I have not for a moment stopped teaching it! Its just I'm finding I share more than preach! Isnt this what Jesus did? Jesus off course preached, and taught, but Its His compassion that touches people, and quite frankly annoyed others!
Maybe we can only learn compassion through suffering? Personaly I would hope that this isnt always neccesary, but its seems that way! Those who suffer seem more compassionate and understanding, than those who dont!
My book shelfs are lined with many books on theology and missions. But my heart thats full of pain seems more valuable than all my books!
Minsitry friends, tommorrow when folks come to you, as you are preparing that sensational sermone, will compassion direct you or theology? No, I dont want you to cast aside theology, but all our teachings without compassion I beleive are as nothing!
I'm not thinking here of a super spiritual compassion, but a simple humane one!
Maybe we see all answers to problems in a theoligical setting? Maybe we cant move beyond our dogmas into a world of copassionate reality?
Our colleges/seminaries, teach us to be good theologians, teachers, organisers...but compassion isnt something that can be taught!
Jesus compassion comes to us in humane form, as a man He walked amoung us, wept with us, suffered our sufferings, and ultimatly edured agony for us on the cross!
Also, are we soo concerned about our own selfs appearing kinda perfect, instead of letting our own imperfections, humanity, be seen?
The only perfection I communicate to people is the Lords! I have no humane perfection, I have trials, moods, tears, stresses, and physical suffering, and yes share the fears that humanity has!
I am well taught in theology, missions, as are my many ministry friends throughout this world.
Although Jesus does speak theology, He is more noted for His compassion and love in the gospels. Is it the case, that we in ministry are more noted for our theology, teaching, ministry, abilaties, than possibly for our compassion?
I think when I was more theologicaly minded this question didnt enter my thinking, after all, all was right with my world, and theology had all the answers! But personal sorrow, pain, hardship, and my own awarness that I need the compassion of others, has shown to me, my past, and many at present in ministries failure!
Today I sit more besides people as a fellow humane being than some evangelical guru with all the answers in some book somewhere! I share their humanity, their suffering, as I am as they are!
Dont get me wrong, in no way have I deserted the gospels neccesity for salvation of souls, and I have not for a moment stopped teaching it! Its just I'm finding I share more than preach! Isnt this what Jesus did? Jesus off course preached, and taught, but Its His compassion that touches people, and quite frankly annoyed others!
Maybe we can only learn compassion through suffering? Personaly I would hope that this isnt always neccesary, but its seems that way! Those who suffer seem more compassionate and understanding, than those who dont!
My book shelfs are lined with many books on theology and missions. But my heart thats full of pain seems more valuable than all my books!
Minsitry friends, tommorrow when folks come to you, as you are preparing that sensational sermone, will compassion direct you or theology? No, I dont want you to cast aside theology, but all our teachings without compassion I beleive are as nothing!
posted by Chaplain Gentles at 8:12 AM
3 Comments:
I do believe you are correct regarding the ministry is becoming way to professional. It has become a world in its self. If you don't have a PHD in theology you are looked down on. It seems to me the ministers job is to build a bigger church and bring in more money. Where as they should be more concerned on the needs of the people. Our Lord didn't have a large church building then why are we so concerned with building and money?
rvk
Yes, though there is nothing wrong with a Ph D, one would wonder how an accedeimic type can relate to ordinary people? All the ideas that are out into our heads in sminaries are noe good if we dont have compassion for the folks we minister to, and an understanding of their lives!
Sorry regards above typos :(
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