Christianitytoday recently published a riveting article called The Toll of Our Toiling in which, they mention John Pipers decision to take eight months off. Piper gives his reason: “I see several species of pride in my soul that, while they may not rise to the level of disqualifying me for ministry, grieve me, and have taken a toll on my relationship with [my wife] Noël and others who are dear to me”.
How Courageous?
The article even includes some laments from exhausted evangelist Billy Graham who regrets leaving his family for the sake of ministry, and missing the birth of his first daughter. What a pity.
I go to college with mostly young people, mostly under 30’s. A lot of them are still enthused about ‘church’ but many – more than there should be – are burnt out, or have been hurt already for the sake of the ‘Kingdom’. I know, here we go again about needing more safety measures and boundaries of protection in ministry. Yet it is true.
For the hours that I have spent thinking this innocent evil through my solution may seem ordinarily simple: slow down. Here’s Carl Honore again to refresh us:
Any further suggestions, send them on a self addressed envelope to…
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