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Proper Use of the Personal
Pronoun – First Person
Don’t worry, this is not (intended as) a grammar lesson (although, in today’s world, one might be merited).
“I,” “me,” and “mine” are words we learn pretty early in life. Watch as the toddler declares the emphatic “MINE!” and you’ll know that the possessive pronouns are rooted deeply in the heart of our carnal nature. And this much later in life, it is easy to slide into phrases like “my church” and “my ministry,” when theologically and practically we know, and can pass all the written tests available to mankind, it is the Lord’s Church and it is His ministry through us. We are only “unprofitable servants,” as the Gospel phrases it.
As I ponder, there is really a good use of the words “my church.” In pastoral assignment, my antennae were always trying to pick up the signals when a guest would move from “your church” to “my church” or “our church” in their conversation. It was a telling moment of ownership, partnership, and belonging.
I am excited about the focus we’ve chosen for this fall’s Church Leadership Tour (we’ll be in the North and Central Regions for 2010). It’s a special time when District Leaders have opportunity to engage conversation with faithful leaders of our churches. I am always impressed with the caliber of leadership and the faithful dedication exhibited by those serving local churches. We always seek to provide positive take-aways, and have leadership teams heading home with encouragement for their labors, as well as helpful material for their journey. We also seek to select a theme that will benefit churches of all sizes, and at all stages in “the journey."
This year we will partner with Gary McIntosh, whose book “4 Generations / 1 Church” touches the challenge that churches of all sizes, in all settings, encounter – leading a multi-generational church with strong buy-in across the strata. It a sizeable challenge to become a healthy church, effectively leading multi-generations in the work of God and preparing for the ongoing “passing of the baton” in leadership, style, and approach in this thing we call “church."
In preparation for that tour, I am reading a fresh business book – “Managing the Millennials” by Espinosa, Ukleja, and Rusch. It’s straight out of the corporate world and addresses the issues that arise as Builders and Boomers who are owners and managers encounter a fresh wave of new employees from the Millennial world who are, for sure, “wired differently.” As you can imagine by the fact that such a text (backed by an extensive study) is published, the corporate world has experienced significant push-back in this arena, and is working hard to “make peace” (as the writers phrase it).
I was captured by a phrase from the authors early on in their presentation. I quote: “An underlying premise of this book is that the people with the most responsibility have to adapt first.” Think it through.
Let's add the word “initiative” to our leadership vocabulary today. Bill Hybels put it in the evangelism context with “walk across the room.” The Scriptures indicate “…leave your gift, and go…” or “as much as it depends on you, live in peace with all..."
Back to the pronoun issue I raised…(and at the risk of making a hasty generalization)… maybe it is safe to say that “first person possessive pronouns” don’t mix well in the ministry, but first-person subjective pronouns have an important place in our language.
(Actual phrases I have heard)
“You have no idea how hard I work as a pastor..."
“I have put my entire life and energy in this ministry..."
“How dare you touch the Lord’s anointed..."
(…and other phrases I have heard)
"I will start..."
“I made a mistake..."
“I want what’s best for the Lord’s Church..."
“I am here to listen..."
You pick’em.
LHG
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Larry Griswold
District Superintendent
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