Comments From the Executive Editor

Few people know that Albert Einstein once postulated a mathematical formula for success. He said, “Success equals X + Y + Z. X is work, Y is play, and Z is ‘keep your mouth shut!’ “

For several months we found ourselves hiding behind letter Z when pressures built about addressing the subjects of success and growth. These two words may well be the “buzz” words (as in buzzsaw) of our time. In almost any setting, they have the capacity to ignite intense interest and passion.

One pastor described it this way: “An informal comment between two ministers such as ‘Have you heard about the successful singles ministry at First Church?’ will bring a hush over the monthly ministerial meeting that would make the creators of the E. F. Hutton commercials jealous.”

On page 54, Vernon Grounds asks “What is success?” a question that doggedly followed us for several months. Next to the subject of conflict, no theme has been more requested by our readers and, likewise, no topic has elicited such sharply contrasting opinions from them.

This response made us wish for the skills of G. K. Chesterton, the master of paradox. Chesterton could reveal opposites as both having validity.

Not being that talented, we chose an easier route, but one we think might be more helpful-a firm belief in the intelligence and maturity of our readers. This may seem like a gratuitous statement until we explain that 1) many manuscripts were rejected because we thought they told you something about success and growth you already knew, and 2) we thought you would want a broad cross-section of articles that represent no one school of thought and, in fact, might seem contradictory.

For example, you’ll see clear methodology conflicts in the Forum discussion. The articles by Peter Wagner and Robert Schuller contrast with the emphases by Vernon Grounds and Eugene Peterson. We determined to leave in the hard edges of conflict rather than try to synthesize them into simplistic, one-dimensional answers. However, we believe most of the material is complementary, a mosaic for the mature reader to sort through and evaluate. Tom Minnery (page 57) captures the spirit of what we want to achieve with this theme when he suggests that numerical and spiritual goals are not like the goals of a football field-when you run toward one you are running away from the other.

In this issue we welcome Fred Smith as a regular contributor. Perhaps you remember Fred as the businessman we interviewed in the first issue of LEADERSHIP about “dissecting sense from nonsense.” Fred has chosen to extract some stimulating leadership principles from the life and ministry of Maxey Jarman. Maxey, a Christianity Today board member for twenty-three years, was one of the first lay leaders to encourage us to launch LEADERSHIP.

We were also fascinated with the experiences our readers shared with Harold Myra (page 43) about trauma and betrayal. Although it is not a thematic piece, it confirms the old adage, “All growth is accompanied by some pain.”

Your gracious response to Harold’s inquiry prompts us to ask you for another favor. We’re looking for persons who have insights to share with the writer of the following letter we received. Take a moment to read it through.

Too often it seems that seminary graduates are limited to three options if they want to fulfill their call to a pastoral ministry: 1) youth ministry in a large church (multi-staff), 2) Christian education work in a medium-sized congregation (two or more staff members), or 3) a single-staff pastor in a small church. Available small churches seem to be the “undesirable” ones-those located in isolated, hard to reach places, or located in a declining urban area.

Responding to a call to be a pastor/ teacher, I came to a declining urban church-what appeared to be the best of my three options. After two years I think I have done everything well; but If eel awful about my lack of love for the congregation and the community. This is a job to me-and a frustrating one at that. The neighborhood has a high crime rate; If fear for my family’s safety as well as resent the broken church windows. The congregation is elderly, poorly educated, and set in their ways. In addition, the financial remuneration is extremely oppressive for a young family .

I feel guilty about complaining, but I also know I’m being realistic about my attitudes. I believe God has given me a great deal of ability to be used in the ministry, but already I want to bail out. There seems to be a lot of young ministers like me, working toward their next parish while resenting the present one. Is this sense of failure, frustration, and lack of love normal? Is it necessary? What are some non-simplistic suggestions for those of us who want to have an enjoyable as well as an effective ministry? Can/should ministry be enjoyable?

Does this letter reflect any familiar events in your own life? We’re asking you “who have been there” to give us thoughts and experiences we can share as responses to this letter in our next issue. Please write: LEADERSHIP Editor, 465 Gundersen Drive, Carol Stream, Illinois, 60187

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One final note. Recently we have become aware that some of you are experiencing difficulty with your subscriptions. If-that’s true of you or a friend, please contact us directly at the above address, and we’ll see that the problem is resolved. Computers- Bah!