One of the new rules instituted for Major League Baseball in 2023 limited the conditions under which a position player like an infielder or outfielder could be called upon to pitch.
EXCELLENT post, Randy. I love your extended metaphor with the baseball scenario. I have lived long enough to see that church people no longer expect pastors to be effective in all elements of ministry. We love our pastors and do not expect them to be the proverbial "Jack of all trades and master of all." That's why small group ministry is so important. We pray for, love, encourage, and support each other in smaller bodies of Christ. Even so, we all must know our limits. Very few of us are trained and licensed health care professionals. Our church is exploring the Stephen's Ministry, which has a long and effective track record. But even that ministry is honest about delegating the need for more intensive counseling to those who are trained well beyond laypeople. Thanks for prompting my interaction with you. I enjoy your writing.
Beg to disagree with you about the "over the top" idea. That was truly my thought: "He sounds just like C.S. Lewis." Not sure which of his books. But. Yow. For all the reasons mentioned. Really appreciate your work.
EXCELLENT post, Randy. I love your extended metaphor with the baseball scenario. I have lived long enough to see that church people no longer expect pastors to be effective in all elements of ministry. We love our pastors and do not expect them to be the proverbial "Jack of all trades and master of all." That's why small group ministry is so important. We pray for, love, encourage, and support each other in smaller bodies of Christ. Even so, we all must know our limits. Very few of us are trained and licensed health care professionals. Our church is exploring the Stephen's Ministry, which has a long and effective track record. But even that ministry is honest about delegating the need for more intensive counseling to those who are trained well beyond laypeople. Thanks for prompting my interaction with you. I enjoy your writing.
Conversely, years ago my son interned for a counselor who told his clients that he couldn’t help them recover unless they also had a good pastor.
Sounds like a wise counselor!
Wow, Randy! I got thinking I was reading C.S. Lewis, here. Beautiful. Powerful. Apt. To the point. Thanks for the metaphors and the insight.
That may be just a tad over the top, but thanks. :)
Beg to disagree with you about the "over the top" idea. That was truly my thought: "He sounds just like C.S. Lewis." Not sure which of his books. But. Yow. For all the reasons mentioned. Really appreciate your work.