Staying Long Term
Seth’s blog the other day about “The Law of the Little Shovel” took me down a path of thinking that I’ve traveled often: How long should one stay in their current job?
… I wrote a lot right here but ended up deleting all of it…
There’s something about sticking around for the long-haul, especially in ministry.
[Image from Tanaka]
I was thinking today about why we don't have more pastors who are ancient. I think it'd be a different world if more pastors weren't burned out by 60.
i've been contemplating moving into more of an oversight role at church rather than teaching.
While I like a lot of Seth's work, I have mixed feelings about this one. At the very least, allow me to momentarily play the devil's advocate. Lawrence Lessig is a wonderful example of someone who basically said "I've dug this hole as deep as it'll go. Now it's time to go dig another." The original US copyright law held the same view. The copyright lasted 14 years renewable only once. The idea was that a creative genius shouldn't be allowed to create one thing and live the rest of her life resting on her laurels. With the protection only lasting half of the average working life, she would have to give another work to the rest of humanity.
I'm not sure Seth's analogies scale much past their current length. While I agree that ten calls to one person are probably going to be more effective than one to ten, if you spend half a lifetime calling one person and you still haven't made the sale, it might just be time to find a new prospect. I'm also very against the idea of anything or anyone in a church turning into an institution. Everyone is replaceable.
I'm sad that you deleted your post. I'd would like to know your thoughts on this one.
You're right daniel… seth's ideas sometimes have limited scope and application. i liike them because htey make you think, but sometimes you have to extrapolate a bit…
I don't know but the first thing that came up to my mind while reading is consistency. And I know as well that only who persevers will be saved. i'm not sure which verse is that.