Humility

Today was the third and final day of the intern tour. While it was great, towards the end of today it became very draining. Overall we visited 16 different churches, some mega-churches, some church plants that have yet to launch and everything in between. In fact, two of the churches we went to were inner-city churches, one of which is a hip-cop church trying to reach that community.

It is inspiring to talking with these pastors and hear the vision that they have for their community. I was able to walk away with a revived sense that Jesus is still alive and well in our world. While some churches might not be fulfilling the Great Commission the way they should be, it was wonderful to see that these churches definitely are.

Yet, while talking with these pastors I noticed a deep humility about them. Each pastor, regardless of the size of their church, seemed to have a sense that they are not the reason for the success of their church. Especially the larger churches had the sense that they are not the end-all and be-all of ministry, but instead simply one way that ministry to the world around them can happen.

However, two of the interns that came on the trip were from one specific large church, and while I definitely caught the humility of their pastor when talking with him, I sensed the exact opposite from the interns at that church. I got a feel that, in their minds, because of the size of their church that they were the “right way” to do church.

Furthermore, I remembered back to all the people I have talked to from Moncton Wesleyan and while Dr. Buckingham might have humility about him, his staff does not seem to share that same humility. It all made me wonder what steps these senior pastors are taking to remind their staffs that there is more out there, and that God is bigger than their local ministry.