Monday

I have been a pastor since the fall of 1982. That means I have pretty extensive experience with the let down that comes on Monday. Think about it, the whole week gears toward Sunday and then, it's over. You might think that would leave you with a sense of accomplishment, and sometimes it does, but there is always that realization that no matter how good you thought your message was you will be expected to turn out another next Sunday. Beyond that, I heard a physician on James Dobson's radio program say that most ministers will have an increase in adrenalin on Sundays and then it will crash on Monday. So, you have two strokes against you on the best of Mondays. That is a dangerous place to be.

There is a standard bit of pastoral wisdom that says, "Never resign on a Monday!" Most ministers of my acquaintance have thought about it. I know I have, but the real question is how you are looking at the situation. If it is about me, how I am treated, or if it is about results, how the church is numerically doing, then there would be lots of times to quit. What I have come to realize is that it must be about Jesus. How will He be most glorified? Now, that sounds somewhat mystical and I am no mystic. How can I know if Jesus is being glorified? I think the only thing we can do is step back from things and take a hard look. That generally means getting away from it for awhile, and then looking at the church with fresh eyes. I have done that more than once. I am sure I will be doing it again.