Honest Thoughts from a Pastor

Several years ago, I heard a pastor at a conference preach about how Jesus must be the hero of every sermon. As I moved into my first pastorate, the desire deep within my heart was that Jesus Christ would be the hero of our church. It’s amazing how easily self can work its way in and try to compete with Christ.

I think there’s a huge temptation with most of us that resounds with the love song “I will be your hero, baby.” We want to be heroes. We want prestige. We want recognition. And many of us aren’t satisfied if we don’t get the accolades.

Our pastor shared a book with me titled “Hero Maker”. I’m two chapters in, but the thought is revolutionary when we consider how to organize ministry or really any business or organization. The hero maker is one who multiplies himself by developing other leaders. While I have done some of this, I must sadly admit that I often took the easy road by setting myself up for success while missing the fact that I was setting others up for failure.

One of the pastors I worked with early in ministry told me that I should set up ministry so that things can run smoothly when I’m gone. That stuck in my mind. No ministry should be built on Matthew. While I wish I would have taken more time to invest in others in days past, I can change the course of the future and do so now.

At the age of 40 and 11 ministries under my belt, I realize that lasting results will require me to last somewhere. I’m coming to that place where I would love to hang out a while and pour my life into something. I’m tired of spreading out pieces of me in hopes that something good will come out of it. It’s time to start making heroes.

Hero making is at the heart of what God does. The early church was built that way. Paul told Timothy to do that (2 Timothy 2:2). It’s the only way effective ministry can be done. Otherwise, ministries and people plateau or decline.

Examine your life right now. Is Christ the Hero of your story? Furthermore, are you trying to develop heroes who can soar like eagles in their service to Christ? If not, it’s time to start making heroes.