At the end of the day I'm selling shoes...

 This week I had the opportunity to visit the headquarters of what has to be the largest shoe company in the world. During a tour, I listened as the young man leading graciously shared the story of his employer. This story was not just about his employer. It was evident that the story of this company had become fully his own story. He knew the language, he knew the story and he knew his place within the story. He had a home in this company. 

His words were eloquent and elaborate as he shared his heart for over 2 hours. He didn't talk about marketing in the traditional sense, he talked about virtues: 1) be authentic 2) have commitment 3) know your story and 4) believe in that story. He also clearly labeled his ability to see reality for what was.  But he closed with this "at the end of the day, I'm selling shoes and I don't ever want to disconnect from that." This is the art of his business. 

The art of being a pastor is often times seen as unique. Unique because of the high expectations. The future of your church rests on your shoulders and everything has the potential to be your greatest masterpiece or your greatest mistake. The virtues are the same: 1) be authentic 2) have commitment 3) know your story and 4) believe in that story. 

While I dislike the imagery of "church as business", I was struck this past week at how the same basics apply.  At the end of the day, my job as pastor is to connect you to your story within God's story. To show you the Good News of God's solution to the formlessness, emptiness and void that exists in your life. 

And these virtues are not just for me as pastor , but also for you as follower. 1) be authentic 2) have commitment 3) know your story and 4) believe in that story.  The Church has the power of the Spirit among us when we live out these virtues with one another. We must be all-in!!

Are you authentic? 

Do you have commitment? Not so much, to the Gospel, of course you have that. This commitment is about the community. Are you committed to the community? 

Do you know your story? Do you know the story of God? Do you know the story of your community? 

Do you believe in that story?