Pastors are too damn busy

Eugene Peterson quoted from Leadership magazine.
In this interview, Peterson is talking about listening reflectively to scripture. He is specifically talking about pastors and the need to learn the art of spiritual reading.

"It takes practice. Pastors have to practice it first; they must enter into it. And in order to do that, pastors simply have to quit being in such a damn big hurry. Pastors are the busiest people in the world--always making an appointment or rushing to a meeting. They have no time to listen.
I think pastors are the worst listeners. We're so used to speaking, teaching, giving answers. We must learn to be quiet, quit being so verbal, learn to pay attention to what's going on, and listen.
It's not only about listening to the Bible, it's about listening to people--taking time to hear the nuances in their voices and language, and repeat what we're hearing. We're all very poorly educated in this business."

Some reading this blog are more distburbed by the word "damn" in the blog title and quote than the fact that pastors are dying by the day. Eugene Peterson is a sage in my life and has taught me more about pastoring than most. I had the privilege of growing up with a pastor/father. My dad pastored small Baptist churches for over 35 years. I watched him shepherd some of the most difficult people. I watched him visit hospitals, hold hands with the dying, and walk with peoople through their stuff. My dad is not a megachurch pastor...never got the salary or notoriety. But he pastored well. And he still is to this day.

I was once in that trap that Peterson referred to. Spent several years climbing the ladder and filling my day with busyness. I almost lost my family over it. It is a part of my addiction and recovery...the intoxication of pastoring and people-approval. So, yes, I'm recovering from this. I still take a hit of this drug every now and then. But I am choosing a new road now. The pastoring I am doing is much more unseen. It is much less noticed...atleast in human eyes. But I actually feel like I'm working with God instead of for God. Everything is not riding on me. And I actually slow down enough to enjoy my wife, my sons, my friends, and my community. Some days I feel guilty for "enjoying" ministry. I was never taught that in church.

So, here I am...34 years old. A ragamuffin being redeemed. A vagabond minister living full-time on support and barely paying my bills. Attending a megachurch that once paid my salary. Now I am a church member...that is something new to me. Still striving at times and struggling with who I am. But, at the same time, more content than ever to be who I am. Pastoring is not an occupation or career for me. It is the way I try to live and walk with people. It is much more the overflow of daily walking with God and people. I have more questions than answers. I have more doubts/fears than faith to match it. But I am proudly a prodigal-come-home who has now been privileged to shepherd God's people. Thanks Father for prophets/sages like Eugene Peterson who remind me to slow down and not be in such a damn big hurry!!!