This morning, I am deeply troubled by events that will transpire later this evening. In the midst of tumbling stock markets, job losses, failing marriages, people losing their homes, massive poverty throughout the world, and people dying of treatable illnesses we will be spending time and energy on a minor, non-Kingdom issue. It is an improper focus. Unfortunately, because a minor issue has spiraled out of control, we have to take the time to address it.

I have been accused of taking the issue too lightly. I have been informed this is a very important issue that has a major impact on the ability of the church to function. And, I absolutely, whole-heartedly disagree!

The issue that is stealing our focus has absolutely nothing to do with making disciples for Jesus Christ. We could try and twist the issue in a manner to justify that it is about Jesus…but it would be quite a stretch. Our goals as a congregation are to increase our efforts and become faithful with our stewardship, outreach, and evangelism ministries. The issue we will be addressing this evening has nothing to do with these three areas. Again, we could try and twist it to justify that it is about stewardship, outreach, and evangelism. But, again, that would be some stretch.

What is disappointing and discouraging to me is that this non-Kingdom of God issue is interfering with our ability to focus on Kingdom of God issues. Tonight, while we will be spending our time discussing an issue that is entirely about personal preferences, people will die, people will receive foreclosure notices, people will receive pink slips, children will go to bed hungry…and we will be focusing on our personal preferences. People in our community and world are in desperate need to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. And rather than discussing how we can get that message out, we will be focusing on ourselves…on our desires…on our felt needs (felt needs are things we’ve convinced ourselves are needs, but they aren’t).

Late last night, I received an e-mail that originated from a friend, mentor, and former pastor. In it, he encouraged people to open our eyes and realize when we are majoring in the minors. It’s in those moments when we major on the minors that we miss what God is truly calling us to. He warned us of investing our time and energy into the minors because it steals our time, energy, and focus from the things that truly matter…making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. He said that we stir up a lot of “sound and fury” that amounts to “simply nothing.” He said in majoring in the minors, we are “spending ourselves in debates that seem to have precious little to do with disciple making (Matthew 28) or feeding the hungry and clothing the naked (Matthew 25)”. I could not agree more!

He ended his e-mail with these words that I think we should all embrace, “Let’s invest ourselves in discussions that build up the Body of Christ, and point us beyond ourselves to a world hungry for the grace and truth Jesus Christ has to offer.”

When we think of it in this manner, we begin to realize how selfish and inwardly focused we can be. Certainly we can move “beyond ourselves.”

There was a time in which congregations looked to the pastoral leaders of the church for leadership and guidance. It was often believed that when it came to matters of the church that the pastors knew best…after all, it is their job. Church members entrusted the vision, mission, and purpose of the church to their spiritual leaders. They expected the pastors to make wise decisions that were considered to be the best for the congregation…and they respected those decisions.

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. (Hebrews 13:17)

It seems like this concept is all but lost in todays church. With the rise of our individualistic society, many have become convinced that they know what is best for the church (it’s not just the church either…they believe they know what is best for every single thing in the world). I mean, what could a pastor know about ministry? While these folks have other jobs that consume the majority of their time, some congregational members believe that they possess all of the keys to church success.

I do believe that pastoral leaders should listen to, consult with, and consider what congregational members bring to their attention. However, I believe that pastors should shepherd. They should guide. They should correct and rebuke. After all, they are the ones who will be held accountable for what happens within the church. Pastors are not called to compromise and give in to whatever any one brings to them. Pastors need to stand up and lead. And, I believe that those in the congregation should trust, respect, and submit to the authority of their leaders.