Seven Words from the Pierce Pastors' Prayer Encounter (Nov. 10-12, 2003)

Here's what the Lord has been saying to me:

(1) A fragmented church affronts the Living God (as much as any Goliath ever did).
(2) God's house in Pierce county will not stand if God's builders in Pierce county do not obey*. (Cf. Mat. 7.26)
(3) "Loving one another" begins with pastors (John 13.34,35).
(4) Congregations must see their pastors model authentic friendship. (Cf. 1 Cor. 4.15,16)
(5) Authentic brotherhood is based on the foundation of servanthood (John 15.15 & 20.17).
(6) Tithing my time means giving a tenth of my time to my fellow ministers.**
(7) Unity is not a dilution of the truth but a concentration of the truth.

*the mandate to build together.
** "fellow ministers" includes both in-house staff, and outside peers.

Influence Me
We have avoided fellowship with one another in the past for fear of being tainted by faulty doctrine or ecclesiology. In so doing, we have precluded influencing one another toward better doctrine and church life. I mourn the lost opportunities we had to build one another up (Eph. 4.1-13). Brothers, I invite you to speak into my life. I have repented of my doctrinal arrogance and I am keenly aware of how much I need to hear your perspectives. I am ready to "reason together." I invite you to influence me.

The Price of Influence

Why was it that we pastors used to not associate with one another?

One reason was that we felt the others had missed the mark when it came to doctrinal purity and God-honoring church practices. Therefore we avoided them. But now I wonder: how did we ever expect them to see the light? They sure weren't going to be enlightened by us, because we stayed away from them! Doesn't it make sense that if we were truly convinced of our own wisdom and superior grasp of the Gospel, we would want to influence the other Christian leaders, and try to get them to see things our way?

Why did we avoid one another instead of trying to influence one another? Did we really believe that we were separating ourselves for the sake of doctrinal and ecclesiastical purity? Had God spoken from heaven and said, "You are the people, And wisdom will die with you!" (Job 12.2) Or were we just plain arrogant and self-deceived?

Perhaps we opted for separation rather than influence, because influence must be earned by authentic relationship. And authentic relationship takes time and the sacrifice or our own agenda.