God Talk

When Moses’s father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What’s going on here? Why are you doing all this, and all by yourself, letting everybody line up before you from morning to night?” Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me with questions about God.” – Exodus 18:14-15 (MSG) 

Full disclosure: Read in its entirety, the second half of the 18th chapter of Exodus is a lesson in leadership delegation and clergy self-care.  

But, having just retired from both the joys and burdens of church leadership, I also see in this passage some of the reasons why pastors do what they do: 

Because they get to connect deeply with people they love about the divine source of love and life! Because they get to make sacred space for folks to continue working out in their hearts and minds what life is all about and where they and their gifts and fears and hopes fit in. Because every pastoral conversation happens on holy ground. Because conversations build trusting relationships and relationships create beloved community and loving  relationships are the heart of the Holy. 

Does your pastor look tired? Are you worried they might burn out?  

Make an appointment to talk to them about God! Ask them to pray with you. Better yet, don’t make an appointment. Just get a bunch of folks together and line up outside your pastor’s office door, waiting expectantly to file in one after the other, not to complain or gossip or talk about church finances but to ask burning questions about God.  

Then you will have made their day and renewed their spirit. Trust me on this. 

Prayer
Spirit God: For every opportunity to talk about you, listen to you, and connect with you, we give you thanks and praise.

About the Author
Vicki Kemper is a spiritual director, preacher, writer, and retreat leader living in Western Massachusetts.