By: Jim van Ommen

Jim van Ommen — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:46:08 +0000

I agree with what you are saying Matt.Over the years I have seen a few churches where people hang on to positions of leadership for too long and sometimes that tends people to refer to a church as ” so and so’s church” All the ” so and so’s ” ,like myself, have limitations and that could give people a wrong impression as the church prime image should always be the Body of Christ where the leaders are facilitators busy training new followers of Christ ready to take up leadership positions. I’m not necessary blaming leaders to be controllers, quite often pew sitters are too willing to do just that, probably even somewhat critical of the leadership, but not prepared to use their gifts in the service of the Lord in their particular church. This is where it is so important for the overall leadership, the Deacons, the Elders, the Trusts or Parish Councils to be discerning and exercise their God given authority. I don’t think one can set an arbitrary figure for the years one should spend in leadership, that would largely depend on circumstances,but I remember that there was something unique about what we experienced in the Methodist church of old. They had a min. of 3 and max. of 5 years and that made the talent go round from the city to the country towns and turned the boys into men, many of which drew great congregations. OK now I’m reminiscing. I wish you all the best in your resolve as you swap from hands-on to hands off experience, clean out the cupboards and have a rewarding sabbatical.
Regards, Jim.

Comments on: Putting yourself on the sidelines while the game still goes on, just doesn’t feel right

By: Jim van Ommen