Don't ROCK the Boat !!

In my ministry career, I've heard people say to me - "we don't pay you to do that ..." Such references seldom were made to things within the priestly office, but were usually directed to comments or stances I've taken in regards to events in the community around us.

It seems that in the Church, we continue to want our ministers to preach a "fine sermon" and to make appropriate and timely visits, and to be available in the office if we drop in. But we don't want our ministers to speak out about issues in our community that might rock the boat, or be percieved as divisive. The quotation that follows brought an "AMEN" to my lips as I read it and thought about those brave clergy who have been able to rise above the threat 0f - "we don't pay to do that ..." and live the Gospel beyond the closed doors of their sanctuary ...

For some churchgoers, the congregation is their "sanctuary" from the world, and they do not want the pastora bringing in external tensions. Getting involved in community issues can be seen as political, and many want their pastors to be "above politics." Anyone who becomes involved with community leadership will occassionally wade into turbulent waters, and congregations do not want their pastor (leader) making waves. They rather like the incident of Jesus calming the storm and would like thier pastor to perform the same miracle in their own fretful lives. Pastors who choose to make waves might be put on the next boat out of town! Thus pastors share the same private risk assumed by any public leader. We might wish to lead - but at what cost ???

- Nelson Granade in "Lending your Leadership: How pastors are redefining their role in community life."