Confessions of a Pastor

The following blog is the 5th in a series on “Moving from Hurried to Purposeful” by Matthew Eckert.

Would you believe me if I told you that engaging in consistent and meaningful spiritual disciplines - to combat hurriedness - was easier during my 12-year banking career than when I became a Pastor?

When I realized this, I was just as surprised you are. But believe me, it was true. I’m not sure what your impressions of pastors or spiritual leaders are, but in my experience being a business leader may perhaps be a better place to consistently abide in Jesus than being a Pastor. Let me explain.

When you live in the desert, a cup of cold water means a whole lot more to you than it does when you are hanging out in your kitchen all day next to the faucet and refrigerator.

Back in the day, I was on the 62nd floor of the Scotiabank Tower at King and Bay, downtown Toronto. Having mapped out a strategy for the thirteen Caribbean retail operations, I sat in the Bank President’s office to have him sign off on a $12 million project that I had developed. One that I guaranteed would fully pay for itself in less than two years. Yes, the pressure was on.

The project required cooperation and buy-in from marketing, systems development, risk management, and staff training - all of which had to be communicated in three languages, and get approvals from thirteen Caribbean Island banking structures.

In the midst of this pressure, I enjoyed Jesus. I felt connected to him. Every scripture, time of prayer, small group engagement, worship service, or song of praise was a cup of cold water that I didn’t want to miss.

I’m not sure what your schedule looks like but allow me to share with you the spiritual rhythms that I had during my time as a busy business leader. Perhaps they may give you pause or be a step for you in moving from hurried to purposeful.

1. Mornings with scripture

My wife and I agreed that I could go to the office early every day as long as I would always be home at 5 for family dinner. So, at 6:45 each morning, I sat in an empty board room near my office and enjoyed the scriptures. Then, with no one yet in the office, I walked the floor and prayed for my day and those that I worked with.

2. Weekly Community

For 30+ years now, I have met with other Christian men on a weekly basis for mutual encouragement, accountability, challenge, and prayer.

3. Weekly Sabbath & Worship

This has never been negotiable for me. I don’t go to worship to “get something out of it.” (As a pastor, don’t get me started on this statement that we hear too often). I go with an open heart and mind, and however God chooses to show up for me, I’m ready. Nothing more, nothing less. I rest.

4. Annual Retreat

For years I have scheduled a retreat at the end of November with 8-12 guys. The retreat is not overly structured but it includes scriptural engagement, great food, lots of conversations, and time to know and be known. It recharges me in such amazing ways.

5. Christian Mentorship

I have always had at least one older mentor, who I have engaged with to give me guidance in my life. It is life-giving, life-supporting, and life-enriching.

In reality, this all comes down to what you truly believe. As you have perhaps heard, the definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over again and expecting a different result.

If you live a hurried life, changing nothing isn’t going to bring you into a purposeful life. Jesus calls us into a different way of living. You can live in it now...you don’t have to wait.

To make this change, you will need to decide to do things differently, to allow the Holy Spirit access to your very soul so that you can hear what He is saying. The only way that this can happen is to embrace and trust the beauty of spiritual disciplines… as by God’s grace, we are transformed into the image of Jesus.  

We need to surrender and truly want to follow the Way: Jesus. The choice is always yours. So, may I ask.... What are you choosing today? Are you ready to move from hurried to purposeful and enjoy real rest?

Deliberate Reflection

1. What are your current spiritual disciplines?
2. What is your posture of learning when you engage these disciplines?
3. What do you need to stop doing?  What do you need to begin doing? 

Need help with some better rhythms or disciplines? Get some practical ideas here