Herding

I can’t remember where I first heard the expression “herding cats,” but I know the person that coined it must have been talking about ministry leadership.  That’s what it feels like.  I’ve been in ministry for the better part of 15 years and that is the best way to describe it.  There are so many days where I feel like I’m spinning my wheels not going anywhere.  There are days when it seems like I’m constantly retracing my steps.  There are days where nothing goes right.  There are days when I wonder if what I’m doing is actually making a difference.

I have been a cat owner almost my whole life.  My current cat/roommate/friend is Clyde.  He’s a great cat but he’s very…picky.  He “likes what he likes.” He wants to do things on his terms.  He’s stubborn.  He’s a little bit crazy and unpredictable.  Does this describe anyone, or even all of the church members that you know? 

Is there a member at your church that “likes what they like?”  Are they always willing to “change” and “listen” as long as it’s on their terms?  Are there “sacred cows” in your church that can never be changed?  Do you know of church members that you never know how they will react to a situation OR do you make decisions in the church and then discuss how specific congregation members will react?

I love my cat for the same reasons I love ministry.  I love a challenge!  Why would I want to do things the easy way?  My cat can be a pain sometimes, but when he comes to sit on my lap, I know that he truly loves me.  He doesn’t do that for everybody, just me.

In the same way, there will always be congregation members that may take our patience to the brink, but then there are also those times when they come out and support you.  Recently, my wife and I had our first child and just about every day, a church member has brought us dinner.  It’s been so helpful to not have to worry about meals when we have a newborn to take care of.

I love my cat Clyde and our relationship.  I would also never trade in the other “cats” in my life for anything.  They have a special place in my heart.