Passenger # 17 - A Religious Leader

Passenger # 17 – A Religious Leader

Our Religious Leader joined the journey for spiritual renewal as he faces a crossroad in his ministry.  Many in his congregation have begun to doubt his enthusiasm for his ministry in recent years.  This message has been filtered to him, but it comes as no surprise.  In fact, he regretfully agrees with them.  When he first began church leadership, he really was focused on the people he served and felt that he was doing God’s will.  As years passed, he had different assignments, some better than others, but he clearly understood his role to serve.  What has changed?

Society has placed new challenges in his ministry – serving multitudes of people with so many needs.  He feels as if the tasks have increased exponentially while staffing has remained the same or less than years ago.  Increased demand on his time and service has been a physical, mental, and emotional drain.  At this time in his ministry, he asks God each day if he is really where he belongs, doing what he does.  Internally, he feels like the past years have been a desert experience and he is looking for some flowing waters.  Perhaps the time away will serve him well as he meets other people and spends personal time with the Driver.  He is seeking advice and direction for his life.  This trip seemed like a great place to start that search.

 

Guiding Questions for comments: (Feel free to share anything of comfort each day)

1.       Think about the religious leaders you have known.  Has their effectiveness waivered over the years?  What could be the causes for the years in the desert?

 

2.       We know that when Jesus faced desperate times, He went away to pray.  Is there a message for all of us in that Biblical detail?