Finding Your Rhythm (Part 1 of 6)
By Stovall Weems
Matthew 11:28-30 [The Message]
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Over the last year I have discovered that rhythm and rest go hand in hand. Have you ever seen someone try to dance that has no rhythm? (Not me, of course!) Instead of the smooth fluid movements that make up a dance, they look more like they are doing, “a full-body dry heave set to music” (to use Kramer’s description from Seinfeld.) It looks forced, uncomfortable and maybe even a little foolish.
I believe that ministry – and life – function in much the same way. Like the verse above says, there is a rhythm of grace that we can find. It’s the unique way that God has wired you to walk out His vision and calling. It’s a place of rest where we are able to rely on God’s power and strength. It flows when we are in step with His rhythm for our lives. Over the next few weeks I will be posting about how I discovered the rhythms of grace in my own life and for the church.
I am writing this series of posts primarily to pastors and church leaders, but I believe the principles can be applied to people in any occupation or walk of life.
If you are a church leader or pastor, my prayer is that this series of posts will help you find your particular niche or “rhythm.”
When you are in your rhythm, you position yourself and your ministry to have a much greater degree of spiritual momentum and strength. When you are out of rhythm there is frustration, fatigue – even burnout can eventually occur.
So the next post will be the first of several topics where myself and the team have labored very hard to find our rhythm and rest in God’s strength.
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3 Responses to “Finding Your Rhythm (Part 1 of 6)”
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I believe that this is not only a very relevant teaching but also one that is not heard in the majority of churches or leadership circles.
In a society where we are told as pastors that we are doing to much and to continue to cut back, this is perhaps the issue: we are out of position and out of rhythm. Now, I am not saying that pastors shouldn’t simplify, but I do believe they (we) should be busy doing “only what I can do”.
Tommy Barnett (Phoenix 1st) addressed this issue ( @ the 31st Annual Pastor’s School) from a different angle in an abridged fashion, but it really encouraged me.
Having rhythm is must alike that phrase goes you can dance but do you have rhythm. I didn’t catch the Kramer dance but I remember him on problem child playing as a ex-convict. But on the real leadership is very vital especially in the body of Christ lot’s of people is watching the fruits seeing if it’s manifesting. Your wife made it clear this past weekend people are watching. Thank God for the both of y’all. I submit and honor the women and man of the sovereign Jesus. I“m am very grateful. love 4 life.
Right there with you, Pastor!! BTW: I think Kramer learned that description at a local gym’s “Body Pump” class.