Ministry always has it's rough spots to navigate
While channel surfing a few days ago I came across a Discovery Channel program called “The Adventures of Mount Everest.” It was an interesting documentary revealing the danger zones that exist on the mountain – that is, areas that are particularly troublesome for most climbers.
You may not be aware that the Turks officially opened Everest for exploration in 1923. However, it wasn’t until 30 years later, in 1953 that the first explorer reached the summit. Since that amazing feat, many have made the trek to the top, some with success others with great tragedy. Many brave men and women have died - attempting the climb.
Labeled as the most dangerous mountain on the planet - numerous calamities await. They range from weather related issues to problems with wind, altitude sickness, frostbite and accidents, just to name a few. The most dangerous zone on the mountain is an area known as the death zone. It happens to be at the 16,000 to 19,000 ft level. In this zone, more people die than any other spot on the mountain.
By now you’re probably wondering - what in the world does this have to do with ministry! Well, the trek up the mountain of ministry has its danger zones too. Though often hidden, they consist of treacherous seasons of trial and hardship, known only by those gone before. It is at these times that the leader becomes vulnerable – even susceptible to many snares. However, to be forewarned is to be forearmed.
According to Robert J. Clinton, the minister’s development takes place in three phases. He calls them: 1) Early Ministry 2) Middle Ministry 3) Latter Ministry. Within each phase lie hidden danger zones - certain tendencies, hazards and likely ensnarements.
In the next few blog posts, I would like to expose some of these danger areas and talk openly concerning how to navigate them successfully, hope you'll join me. In the next blog article we'll talk more specifically about each ministry phase and point out the danger zones for each of them. As always, your comments are always welcome.
In the mean time, don't forget you can ...
Survive The Death Zone
Coach John
Works cited: J. Robert Clinton, Making of a Leader
Pictures by: www.andrewchasteen.com (my son)
