it is not uncommon for people to gather to discuss “best practices.” Rarely a week goes by without a piece of mail crossing my desk or an email solicitation touting a way to increase attendance, giving or conversions. These goals tug at the embedded understanding of the kinds of goals the best, greatest and largest are measured by. So it is not hard to figure some reply, click or call hoping the suggested practice works.
Pragmatism often finds a home in church life. David Fitch offers some thoughts calling on missional church planters to eschew the move to the pragmatic. He offers some thoughts that transcend the context of a church plant and have implications for anyone leading a faith community.
When the external pressures mount it is important to step away. Too often the busyness of life crowds out needed space and occasions to resist the pragmatic. Every need brought to leadership is considered urgent. A long walk reflecting on Psalm 37 gave Fitch pause to reflect. What would it be for you?