Happy churches tend to have happy pastors. Happy pastors tend to be creative human beings who crave fresh ways of doing ministry.
There, I said it.
I increasingly see ineffective pastors who haven’t learned or done anything new in years. Interestingly enough, some of them think they are learning something new when they read books or attend workshops, but the books they read or the events they attend only make them “smarter.” The information doesn’t translate into fresh ways of doing ministry.
According to Shawn Achor human happiness is less determined by genetics, environment, or a combination of the two than by the commitment to develop new habits. Exercising our brains makes us better – and happier – people. When we develop new habits, our brains literally re-wire themselves.
The Church needs more re-wired pastors.
I serve a denomination with many talented pastors. They are smart, well-spoken, creative, and compassionate. But they are also – sometimes – lame. Some of us haven’t allowed our spiritual practices to evolve since seminary. Some of us haven’t preached a fresh sermon – or delivered that sermon in a fresh way – for decades. Recently heard in a sermon: “Maybe you’ve heard of the new play Cats . . .”
The brains of digital natives who have never known life apart from computers are wired differently from those of us who went to high school equipped only with typewriters. We can become digital immigrants, but we have to be willing to go there. Immigrate.
A truly great conference or a truly excellent book moves us to a new place. Before spiritual communities can move closer towards the Kingdom of God, spiritual leaders have to be willing to move first.
I still believe that the meaning of life is To Glorify God and Enjoy God Forever. This involves some re-wiring.
A Church for Starving Artists 