In a recent conversation with another pastor, a rather interesting concept was presented that has held a place in my mind. Pastoring a church, especially a church in puberty (my addition) is somewhat like being the engineer on a train. You will have a load of people at the beginning of the journey that have hopped on because it's fun to ride on the brand new train, are eager for the excitement of the journey, and/or are looking forward to the ultimate destination.
For some, it's their very first time on a train. Others have experience on trains and know both the challenges and the rewards.
At the first stop along the route, without fail, a few people will get on and some...will get off. The departing perhaps did not understand what it's like to ride a train. There are some rules and expectations...and some realities...that don't jive with personal expectations or requirements. They don't like having their toes stepped on (especially by the engineer) or having to stand while they ride. Some have weaker constitutions and didn't comprehend the motion sickness that can come with the ride. (Bring your Dramamine. Just sayin'.) The mix of people is too young or too old or to immature or too mature or too loud or too boring.
At the second stop, people get on and off.
And again...
And again...
Over time, the route changes. Sometimes because certain tracks have been closed because of a rock slide or a flood or some other natural event. Other times, people have damaged the tracks, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Occasionally, the engineer misses an exchange or gets so busy trying to deal with all the demands of the passengers that they lose focus on the destination...or even gets lost. (At least it feels that way.)
Sometimes the route changes to add new points of interest. This may add some time to the journey, but the scenery and the impact are well worth the investment.
Some want a straight-line commuter and others enjoy the scenery.
Sometimes the train is moving up a mountain and has to slow down. It chugs away, shaking and rattling and taking longer than the passengers expected. Towns at the top of a mountain? Now you know.
Then the train finds level land, or starts downhill and the excitement returns. Faster and faster...this is when it's fun to be on the train.
Some depart because the amenities are not quite what they expected. Even the nicest sleeper car can fall short of a room at a nice hotel. The bathrooms are small and cold. Trains don't offer a cruise ship all you can eat buffet.
Recreation and entertainment are often what you make of them.
Enjoying the trip on this train is unquestionably what you make of it.
Patience is required.
The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends...many for life...is remarkable.
Reality: History demonstrates that only a few people that got on at the beginning will be with you to the end of the line. Through the good and the bad, the fast and the slow, the rock slides and the floods and the stalls and the changes in course.
Still, many that got on at the second or fifth or tenth stops will be with you to the very end of the line.
Ultimately, the journey and the destination are what makes this such an amazing ride. It's hard work...but, what an awesome job. The engine is hot. Coal is loaded. Water is topped off.
God is in control. Jesus is at His right hand.
"Whooooooooooooooooooot!"
All aboard?
