Perplexed... Part 1

There are days this all seems surreal. It's mind boggling to consider how different, physically, culturally, relationally, philosophically, theologically, financially and spiritually our family is today, compared to who we were before moving to Charlotte. In the four years we've been here, we've met some of the most amazing people, experienced some of our most meaningful moments together as a family and observed God's grace and mercy throughout the process. But in all that, I have to admit, four years into this gig, there are some things that remain perplexing to me. It thought I'd take the next several posts over the next couple of weeks and, in no particular order, muse over some of the more vexing and perplexing aspects of culture and our community here at Watershed. Please note these are my personal struggles and do not necessarily reflect the overall disposition of our staff or leadership community in general.

So here's the first one. I'm perplexed why more churches and communities of faith, don't explore dual leadership. Co-Pastoring with Scott Hofert has been the single greatest opportunity in my leadership life. I admire and am humbled by men and women who are at the pastoring helm of their community. I can't imagine the pressure, burden and loneliness of such a position. But quite frankly, I hope I never experience it. Scott and I, in many ways are profoundly similar in the way we see life, the world and our lives with God. However, we are profoundly different in how we communicate, connect and manage our lives and our leadership. In most settings, this diversity and difference would propagate power struggles and inflated egos. Call it God's grace, call it two guys transformed by Christ.... but so far, in the 11 years we've been friends and co-leaders, pride and jealousy have given away to admiration, trust and brotherhood.

With the high burnout rate for pastors, the potential for enormous set backs in a church, should a pastor, for whatever reason, unexpectedly no longer be able to fulfill his or her role as pastor, I'm perplexed why more church planters and more church leaders wouldn't at least consider this an option. I wish every pastor had a Scott Hofert to lead with and to be lead along side of.

Be on the look out Monday, for Perplexity number 2....