I know I'm going to sound like a StoryBrand nerd... but Jesus is always the GUIDE in the story. The hero is in need of change, and Jesus is certainly not in need of change.
In every story, the guide is the most "powerful" and important character in the story.
Your point is well taken about wanting the "aspirational glow" of a new pastor too. My take, from a StoryBrand lens is this: Churches take their eyes of the plan provided by the guide and end up failing miserably.
I ordered this book. A story about pastor selection and church drama? Maybe this is a whole untapped market for literature! Good stuff to think about all around!
It's heartbreaking how many Christians and people of other faiths are still looking for saviors outside of what they have in their own traditions. When any faith or movement sees what it has to offer as a product that they need to sell, we have cheapened what we have to offer. Christ is supposed to bring new life and love, the Buddha is supposed to bring equanimity and enlightenment. If our movements are actually changing lives for the better, that should be enough for word of mouth to fill the pews. When the work becomes filling seats and not changing lives, we have lost our way.
I know I'm going to sound like a StoryBrand nerd... but Jesus is always the GUIDE in the story. The hero is in need of change, and Jesus is certainly not in need of change.
In every story, the guide is the most "powerful" and important character in the story.
Your point is well taken about wanting the "aspirational glow" of a new pastor too. My take, from a StoryBrand lens is this: Churches take their eyes of the plan provided by the guide and end up failing miserably.
Jason that is very helpful feedback!
I ordered this book. A story about pastor selection and church drama? Maybe this is a whole untapped market for literature! Good stuff to think about all around!
It's heartbreaking how many Christians and people of other faiths are still looking for saviors outside of what they have in their own traditions. When any faith or movement sees what it has to offer as a product that they need to sell, we have cheapened what we have to offer. Christ is supposed to bring new life and love, the Buddha is supposed to bring equanimity and enlightenment. If our movements are actually changing lives for the better, that should be enough for word of mouth to fill the pews. When the work becomes filling seats and not changing lives, we have lost our way.