tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55246304729196749122012-02-15T23:59:49.560-08:00Ben Ederhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02726806843877381375noreply@blogger.comBlogger21100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524630472919674912.post-35426217927051512952009-10-22T10:58:00.000-07:002009-10-22T11:14:43.590-07:00A number of us pastors were talking at a circuit meeting and I had remarked that, now entering my 17th year in my current congregation, it is hard to stay fresh and not repeat myself. I want to avoid the "Been there, done that" syndrome. It was then that John Brunner, then the President of the Eastern District, brought to my attention the value of the wagonmaster. The wagonmaster led the wagon train every season. The people on the train were excited - they were embarking on a new journey, going to new lands with new possibilities. By contrast, the wagonmaster had been through this journey many times. He knew the trail, and what to expect. He got the party safely to their destinations, and began the journey again with a new group. <br /><br />I think that pretty much summarizes the value of the long-term pastorate. I've taken this "journey" many times - the three-year sermon lectionary, the seasons, catechetical instruction, and so on. Some of the faces remain familiar, but many others have changed. It may be a new journey for some, but it is familiar to me. I am familiar with the trail, and know its twists and turns. There is value in going down the trail many times.<br /><br />Part of the problem today is that many pastors do not lead the wagon train down familiar trails. They stay with a parish for a few years, if even that long, then move on. If every trail is new, how can you anticipate the dangers? Certainly, not everyone is called to a long-term pastorate. For whatever reason, God has called me to only two parishes: the first for 8 years, the second for more than 16. I am not immune from fantasizing about trying something "new." <br /><br />Are you a wagonmaster, or are you just along for the ride? It's something to think about.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5524630472919674912-3542621792705151295?l=lutheranobserver.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ben Ederhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02726806843877381375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524630472919674912.post-72207062807629421992009-04-10T06:33:00.000-07:002009-04-10T06:43:18.311-07:00I don't know if anyone reads these blogs, but I have decided to get back in the game after a long hiatus. I would just like to comment briefly on Good Friday and its meaning for me. When I look back on my life, and consider the sinful condition that I'm in, I am so grateful that my sins are forgiven through the sacrificial death and joyous resurrection of my Lord Jesus from the dead. In this time when people are yearning for "hope and change," and look for a savior who will solve all of their problems, I put my trust in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who has conquered sin, death, and the grave!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5524630472919674912-7220706280762942199?l=lutheranobserver.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ben Ederhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02726806843877381375noreply@blogger.com1