If leaders don’t continue growing forward they will grow stagnant. 

That is my way of saying, “Keep growing. No leader has ever arrived.” If a leader (or anyone for that matter) thinks they have nothing more to learn, the end will be stagnation. The ultimate end will be death. Not death as in physical, but death as in inspiration or challenging others (and themselves) or motivating to keep improving. I know for me as a pastor, I must continue to grow. That is why at the age of 73 I still try to read as much as I can and to seek improving. I’m certainly not perfect in that. There are still moments when I back off or find myself overwhelmed by the sheer challenge of pastoring a small church in a small community. 

Of making sure we are not irrelevant without bowing to culture.

Of making sure we are still reaching out to the community without giving in to the social justice mentality. 

Of making sure our eyes are firmly fixed on Jesus, even as we are expanding our facilities. 

Almost 4 years ago, Owen County elected a new sheriff. Ryan White, one of the members of the church I pastor, was elected sheriff. One of his first initiatives was to ask me to be the chaplain for the Owen County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD).  The previous sheriff fancied himself as that so none was needed. Not so with Ryan. I was given a badge (say what?) to wear when on “call.”  The only requirement to speak of was to be available 24/7 if needed. I agreed to do so. I’ve been called to McCormick’s Creek State Park when a tornado ripped through OC and two people were found dead in their camper from a fallen tree. I was called to a scene to be with family and friends when a car was found in a ravine with a young lady who had been missing. I was recently called to a home where a suicide took place. Sheriff White also started having “interventions” where the first responders, including his deputies, dispatch, and others could come and share their thoughts and get healing. 

Sheriff White asked me if I would be willing to go to a Chaplain’s Training program where I could further my ability to help first responders cope with their job. I said, “Yes” and today is the day. It is an all-day training from 9:00-3:00. I look forward to learning how to be a better chaplain. That also means that I will be unable to approve your comment early on. Please feel free to comment though and don’t think your comment wasn’t registered. I will post them at my earliest opportunity. 

Meanwhile, have a great day and keep learning!