Flexibility - Tim Barker

“Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.” Or, as someone texted me recently, “Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be broken.” I was once told by a wise elder, this may be the missing Beatitude from Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount.

I haven’t found this to be the truth, but it certainly makes sense. This is particularly relevant for pastors who find themselves navigating through the uncertainties associated with the current pandemic. I’ve had more than one pastor tell me that they’d like to have a “do over” in their current assignment. Well, I think COVID-19 has just provided that as an option.

Let me be clear. I am not talking about changing ministry philosophy. Nor am I talking about changing doctrine.

Flexibility is a hallmark leadership characteristic that distinguishes pastors who feel that they are leading a stagnant church or ministry. I’ve not spoken to any of our STXAGM ministers who simply prefer to maintain the status quo. Rather the ones I speak to are trying to adequately respond to new information, unforeseen challenges and emerging opportunities. I encourage our leaders to consider that flexible pastors/ministers attract committed partners who pursue the mission.

Here’s a simple test to gauge your level of flexibility:

How do you respond when, at day’s end, you find several unfinished items on your task list?

If you wrestle with feelings of failure or guilt, you’re highly inflexible. If you say to yourself, “Those things didn’t need doing anyhow,” then you’re highly flexible. Now, with this in mind, watch to see how you manage those meetings and how you delegate those tasks.

What am I talking about when I use the word flexibility? Flexibility is accommodating growth and making adjustments so growth isn’t hampered. I am talking about things that can be changed and should be changed if it helps the overall mission of the church.

In churches and ministries, if we aren’t careful, we begin to think in terms of my ministry; and truthfully, when people begin to think of it in those terms, they often bristle at the thought of change.

Here is my challenge:

1. Some things should not change! Hold on to them! Don’t bend or bow to the pressure or succumb to the winds of change. God’s Word doesn’t change!

2. Be flexible and willing to change and to let go of things that don’t really make a difference.

3. Be willing to let go of things for the benefit of the work of God. Be willing to change and be flexible in those areas that will benefit the church and the work of God

Because He is, I am, Tim R. Barker