Pastor Survival Tip: Wingin’ It!

When consulting pastors, I often sense a need for alternative outlets. It was during my own journey through the valley, when my church involvement was at its lowest ebb, that God taught me something really big about church survival.

Here’s how it happened. I recall volunteering at Sandals Church for about a year (by the way, volunteering in the right place can be epic from an educational standpoint!). Despite its flaws and failings, I love the church. Without serving in a local context, I know I’d feel gutted of “community.” So I jumped in to add my gifts to their mix.

Though I planted myself in a thriving environment, my new stint at Sandals was a very difficult thing to do. A leader who was accustomed to calling the shots was suddenly outside the decision-making sphere. God to Gary: Shut up and submit! During this seasonal segue, there were times when I verged perilously close to dropping out altogether. Fortunately, I had something ancillary going for me, which I eventually termed, “The other wing of the plane.” This simple idea, which I stumbled into, may help you as well. Let me explain.

As I rather uncannily began to rebuild a local ministry and found myself grasping for straws, there was a secondary beckoning dream tied to what God was doing in me, and the vision for writing. When I came dangerously close to a one-wing crash churchwise—this other wing provided lift. It virtually kept me afloat and flying; without it— I wouldn’t have made it!

Overtime, I recognized that God had bestowed a gift. When those emotional-dive moments came, I focused on the other wing. It gave stability amid feelings of displacement, and somehow I was able to keep course. In the bigger picture, God used this wing to keep me right where he wanted, serving at Sandals. While they struggled to figure out what to do with me initially, God knew what to do, pouring out his Spirit for influence, indiscriminate of position or paycheck, and amassing some amazing stories! Many of them became the fuel undergirding the inspiration for Soul Whisperer! (my first published book). Eventually, I came onto their staff.

When the need arises, I broach the “wingin’ it” subject with pastors and leaders. Sure, you have your church ministry that is all-important, but what is that other dream that God is birthing in you? I am not trying to divert you from a singular vision. I know we must keep ourselves tethered to the grindstone. Church planters often must think of nothing else! You know that “Take a deep breath, and hope to see you on the other side,” type of thing. Yet your church is not the only measure of your life, nor is it the exclusive focus of God. Sometimes church can be a big-time bummer! People are sinners. Just because they’re Christians doesn’t mean they aren’t jerks! Statistics tell us that one third of pastors will be fired sometime in their career. Many others are going to be greatly disappointed in one-way or another by people or circumstances. Most of us will be hurt. I am not trying to depress you, but a little realism goes a long way in ministry.

So what has God divinely determined that you would contribute, perhaps to the greater church, to your denomination or beyond your local church ministry? What is your other wing? Many of you need to realize that God intends to do something through you in the larger sphere that will blow you away! His plans for you are greater than what you are envisioning right now. You need to be open and sensitive to the Lord’s leading. Undoubtedly, the church has many problems, and is in desperate need of your innovating contribution!

Finding that bigger design piece for your life will broaden your view, create new inspiration, and supplement your spiritual health. So many pastors feel beaten down within their own picture and need fresh outlets that provide water to their parched souls. Often, like me, you just need something else to provide lift. These types of stirrings shared with trusted friends will renew your spirit. Be open—doors of opportunistic thinking! Of course, the leadings that materialize have to come from the Lord. Ask him for his divinely ordained design to unfold in the years ahead. Be willing to have him shape and forge you for the assignment.