I came across a really interesting post over on the blog run by the super-creative pastors at lifechurch.tv. It has to do with balance. This topic is one of those that is always simmering beneath the surface, especially at the pace of life that so many of us live these days. As a result, the thoughts of a balanced life are either near and dear or something we hate to hear. Here’s what the guys over at Swerve have to say about the subject………

One of the most common topics people ask me about is how I balance my life, family, and ministry.

My response is simple, “I don’t live a balanced life.”

In my opinion, the balanced life is unachievable and unbiblical.

Jesus didn’t call us to live a balanced life. He called us to follow Him.

While following Jesus, our life will often be out-of-balance. He may lead us on long stretches of ministry followed by a substantial season of rest. Ministry will rarely be predictable.

Some pastors are pursuing the illusive goal of the balanced life only to fail again and again.

• Their marriages struggle.
• Their ministries limp along.
• They are spiritually exhausted.

Their blog is directed mostly to others in ministry. But I think there is application in other areas as well. How about you? Does this throw you a curveball? Does this offer you some relief? What are your thoughts?

One of my discoveries within the blog world is how much useful ministerial information there is available, and how willing other ministers are to help you. I recently made the acquaintance of a guy by the name of Bill Reichart, who is the “Connections” Pastor at a church in North Atlanta. That means his job is to help create opportunities for people to experience community within the life and context of their church.

More and more, people are just disconnected. And even though it is a high priority for many churches, including The Grove, it remains a difficult and elusive goal for most churches. I spoke to Bill by phone last week and they are constantly experimenting with strategies to get people involved in their community of faith in such a way that they will be able to grow. No easy task. Their church is larger than ours, but the challenges are similar. According to him, one of the most frequent complaints within the church, and others, is “I’m not connected.” The most difficult part of this statement is that there is a requirement on the part of the disconnected member to create space and opportunity to do so.

Take a few minutes to drop by one of Bill’s blogs (he has two, one of which is in my blogroll) and read his take on connecting within the church. It’s a helpful read…I promise.

I’m Not Connected, by Bill Reichart