Embracing the Interruptions

Any number of things might contribute to a successful ministry, but obviously focus, vision and a sense of purpose would be high on the list. To implement this type of practice, time management is critical.

Some might suggest the laissez-faire style to be less stressful and more people friendly. Well, the potential is there, but is there any practical advantage to the same? To take it as it comes might be best likened to treading water: you are staying busy, but you are not getting anywhere. With that as a backdrop, allow me to offer my simple definition of leadership. Leadership is taking people where they otherwise wouldn’t go.

Now, it only makes sense to assume that if you are going to organize people for the possibility of moving them forward (physically, mentally or spiritually), you will need to be organized yourself. This will require a number of things. But—at the risk of redundancy—time management is a piece of that puzzle. I certainly had a schedule: sermon prep day, staff meeting and planning day, counseling day, organizational and administration day, etc. Obviously, amid my best attempts to maintain my schedule, interruptions would arise. Some were rather quickly handled; some were extremely demanding and time consuming. What a frustration! But wait. Is it really an interruption to your best laid plans and your most prized agenda, or is it an opportunity to see God work in a way you might not have otherwise experienced?

The gospels convey to us the story of Christ’s life and ministry. At least, we gain an overall picture, though some of the details were not included. Such deletions we relegate to the “not necessary to know” category of divine revelation. Even a casual reading will apprise the reader of a steady stream of interruptions experienced by the Savior and His disciples. One of my favorites is the account of the events surrounding the feeding of the 5000.

The beheading of John the Baptist impacted the disciples rather dramatically. Sensing this, Jesus suggested they “come apart before they come apart,” as Professor Fred Grieve used to say. (There is a great bit of counsel in that simple adage.) Tired, frustrated, anticipating a break, Jesus and the Twelve were greeted by a huge crowd of people waiting for their arrival. The much needed vacation was interrupted by the press of needs and an opportunity for real ministry to take place. This is not to say every vacation plan should be set aside for the chance of ministry, but it is to re-iterate the simple fact—interruptions will happen. What do you do? We know what Jesus did, in spite of what I believe to be the opinion of His trusty staff. And just possibly the best known miracle of the New Testament—outside the resurrection of Christ—was the result.

Other impositions on the Master’s schedule quickly follow that memory. The woman with the issue of blood, Nicodemus coming to Jesus at night, the man lowered down through the ceiling amid Christ’s teaching and ministry to those that filled the house. Many more begin to mentally cue up. Now, I realize some may be thinking, “But Jesus said everything He said and did was the will of the Father,” John 6:19. Yes, and I believe the Father made room for these interruptions. Is there room in your schedule for the Father to divert your attention and energies in an unplanned manner?

Two major interruptions in a pastor’s schedule are weddings and funerals. These are not appointments set at the pastor’s convenience. They are often intrusions into one’s well laid plans. And yet to choose to ignore these opportunities would be irresponsible and rather evasive.

Furthermore, it would eliminate the possibility of major impact and unduplicated opportunities. Both occasions allow for ministry on a personal level that few other chances afford. Taking advantage of the time made available with the couple preparing for nuptials opens the door to getting to know them individually and discerning potential problems they might face. It also provides a platform upon which to layout some basic instructions and guidance for their walk together with the Lord.

Weddings seem to be weekend occurrences, while funerals and memorial services may appear most any time. I realize some churches only open their calendars to certain days of the week, and function on a “convenience for us,” formula. Though I understand the need to protect the church’s calendar and staff, sensitivity to families and affording the opportunity for this critical and at times long-lasting ministry should not be overlooked. As it is with weddings, funerals and memorial services open the door for the attendance of many who would never otherwise visit your church nor hear the ministries you provide. They truly do create bridges to the unreached. Furthermore, your ministry to the family itself will be impactful far beyond that which normally is realized.

But then, there are the interruptions that can truly be bothersome. Admittedly, there are those that tend to just drop by. Often, they have nothing else to do, and since “preachers only work one-day-a-week,” knew you would be grateful for their visit. Yet, there are those chance encounters one dare not miss.

One such encounter took place some years after arriving in Albany to assume the lead pastor role of that exceptional congregation. My day was interrupted by an individual I had only casually known. We belonged to the same Rotary Club. I was busy with some administrative work when my secretary popped in and said there was a gentlemen in her office that desired to see me. When she mentioned his name, I recognized the connection. I stepped out into her office to greet Jerry. I had learned that I could usually contain the length of time such intrusions took if I talked to the individual standing in my secretary’s office as opposed to inviting them into my office. It seemed there was something on his mind besides saying, “Hello.” I invited him in.

He was a well-respected member of the business community, serving on multiple boards and involved in clubs and service groups. However, the account of what had recently happened opened the door for ministry that had been totally unexpected. After explaining the situation, he told me he needed something I had. Though we had not shared more than a few casual exchanges previously, he stated he recognized something in me, something that made me different, and he wanted it. I immediately understood and began to explain the source of peace, joy and contentment that I experienced. I laid out the plan of salvation and asked if he was ready to make a commitment to Christ. He stated that he was not there yet, but would like to continue the conversation. We set a time to meet for breakfast at the Elmer’s restaurant across the street from the church. That appointment would continue for a number of weeks. One Thursday morning in October, as we exchanged bits and pieces of the latest happenings, he leaned across the table and said, “I’m ready.”

I led Jerry in a simple prayer and explained what that commitment meant. He was totally accepting and thrilled that he had embarked upon this new journey. His wife had joined him in attending church—something that started immediately after his visit to my office—and they were both baptized in water, joined the church and became involved in opportunities for service, even making a missions trip. Some months after their salvation, their 16-year-old grandson committed suicide in their bedroom. I was so fearful that this would destroy their embryonic faith, and questioned God as to why this could possibly be allowed to happen.

However, contrary to my fears, it only seemed to strengthen their faith and relationship with the Lord. These were truly born-again believers, as the years that followed validated. They would move from Albany, and ultimately end up in a church pastored by one of our former staff members.

The interruption on that morning years ago reaffirmed a lesson I had learned some time earlier. As frustrating as interruptions can be, the need to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential for the man or woman desiring to fulfill God’s plan for his or her life and ministry.

Discerning between the nonsense and the God-sent is no doubt necessary, but avoiding interruptions at all cost may prove to be mismanaged, time management. We might want to learn to consider the possibility of “embracing the interruptions.”