Why do people leave?

I know that it is fairly common for people to leave their churches. Sometimes it is for a really good reason, but usually not. I wonder more about why do pastors leave churches? I was reading this week of a pastor who left one really large church to go pastor another one just a bit larger (and in a nicer town). I'm not condemning him at all, but I wonder why. I know "God called him" but why?

I was listening to a leadership talk by a pastor of a mega church and he was explaining that most of the staff that he's had at the church through the years were just there for a season. Most moved on after a few years or maybe a decade.

I can't help but think, even though I'd love to be wrong, that it is usually just moving for bigger or better or more money. I don't hear of many who go to smaller or worse or less money, other than church planters. Is this corporate America or the church? Why not try to make the church where we are bigger and better and just forget about the money part? That sounds like the bigger challenge.

If we tell our congregation that God has put us into a family, shouldn't we view ourselves as part of it? Maybe that's why so many staff positions turn over in churches. Maybe that staff that God has put together at The Pursuit really is unique. We see our staff as a family. We hang out after hours. We try to vacation together. As I shared my thoughts on this with the staff this week, all of us agreed, as far as it depends on us, we want to stay together. If we keep trusting God and passionately pursuing the people He cares about, maybe He'll let us!

It Shouldn't Be This Fun...

As I prayed with our team before The Pursuit P.M. this week, I prayed, "God, it shouldn't be this fun." It wasn't until I visited Cornerstone Simi (www.cornerstonesimi.com) in 1999 that I saw people at church who appeared to be there because they wanted to be—not because they were fulfilling a duty. That certainly characterizes people at The Pursuit.

Every Sunday I am just amazed at what God is doing. To see people so passionately in love with God and displaying that love to each other is just too awesome. I don't deserve this, but I'm enjoying every Sunday (and the days in between). God is indeed too good to us!

Don't Give Up...

I am so saddened to read the story online of a capsized boat off the coast of Florida with four athletes on board. I am sure that most of you have heard at least something of this tragedy. One was miraculously rescued while three lost their lives. The waters were a chilly 63 degrees. All four were wearing life jackets. The waves kept coming. Eventually one gave up and removed his life jacket, allowing himself to be swept away. Soon another followed his friend, a victim of a relentless attack and dwindling hope. The third, likely disillusioned by hypothermia, believed he could swim to safety.

I don't know what you are going through right now, but the trials on this earth are indeed heavy. So many are currently living under an onslaught of waves, or better said, an onslaught of flaming arrows of the evil one. He is relentless and he wants you to give up hope and be swept away. Even though you may be in the valley of the shadow of death, remember who is with you. Keep your life jacket on. Keep clinging to the vessel that can save you. Rescue is coming!